Previously, we discussed the guidelines that many nursing homes have in place for the holidays and visits in general. In this entry, we will provide gift ideas and suggestions for someone living in a nursing home/senior living community.

SUNDRIES  Many residents are on a fixed income and are reliant on the facility to provide their commercial hygiene products for use. Having a supply of special brand name personal items that they have used in the past would make a wonderful gift:

• Lotion
• Perfume/Cologne
• Tissues
• Make up
• Soaps/Shampoo/Body Wash
• Brushes/combs
• Toothbrushes/toothpaste/mouthwash

CLOTHING Clothing is always a welcomed gift and can be a creative way for the residents to show off their style:

• Socks
• Rubber soled slippers
• Sweaters
• Hats/scarves/gloves
• (Holiday themed clothing is always a big hit, as are items with favorite sports teams, schools)

FUN ITEMS Let's face it, everyone wants to have fun. Items such as games and puzzles can be done alone or in groups:

• Jigsaw puzzles
• Puzzle books
• DVDs/CDs
• Electronic games
• Stuffed animals
• Radios/personal music devices

PERSONAL MEMENTOS  A home is filled with memories and personal items. Create that feeling with these gift ideas:

• Framed collage of family pictures
• Photo album
• Calendars with special dates filled in
• Favorite blanket/pillow cases
• Decorative boxes
• Nostalgia box

  

GIFT CARDS/CERTIFICATES Gift cards/certificates are another excellent option for someone on a fixed income.  It gives them the freedom to buy what they want/need, when they want/need it:

• Phone cards
• General credit card-gift cards
• Department store
• Favorite restaurant
• Gift certificates to in-house features (Ex: Beauty shop or snack shop)

These are just a few of the items that could be appropriate for someone living in a nursing home. If you don't have the chance to visit the resident regularly, you might want to speak with the staff who cares for them and find out if there is anything they need or like.  Nursing homes also accept donated gifts for the residents.  Please contact your local nursing homes/senior living communities if you or your organization would like to make holiday donations.

Do you have creative gift ideas for a loved one or individual in a nursing home?  Please leave suggestions and comments below. We are interested in all feedback.