3 minute read
Senior Snippets
By Christina Uppenkamp - Home Instead
If you’re like me, your mind may go blank when it comes to buying gifts for loved ones! As Christmas is almost upon us I thought you may like a few suggestions for presents for an elderly friend, neighbour or relative…..
Time: Enjoying time with others is core to our emotional needs, especially after having to stay apart for so long these past 20+ months. Good company is always welcome, and it shows you want to spend time with them too! Giving them an event or trip to look forward to (in say February) can really help lift the winter blues. And the fun doesn’t stop with the trip itself – they create great memories that can be recounted to others or relived in quiet moments.
Yum Yum: Everyone loves a varied and exciting food parcel! Customised hampers from a deli, or perhaps a homemade cake really show you’ve thought about your loved one. If they don’t have a sweet tooth, try a selection of their favourite teas, or perhaps some foods that will bring back memories, for example from where they used to live or visit. …. Of course, with foods we do need to give a thought to any changing preferences or allergies they may now be managing.
Clothing: Many senior folk really feel the cold, and may be worried about energy costs, so a new and jolly piece of clothing, that makes them feel snug, will be most welcome. How about warm socks, fingerless mitts, soft scarfs, slippers (new ones may prevent a fall), fleece pyjamas, or new dressing gowns….
Music: Music is the language of the soul! It can lift moods and bring back many happy memories. We can of course browse and buy online for their favourite pieces or artist. Do think about the equipment your loved one is familiar with… MP3 or CD or Tapes even! Don’t forget to buy some headphones so the neighbours aren’t disturbed.
Audio Books or Video: Great for those cold winter evenings and ideal for someone who now finds it hard to get out…… There are loads to choose from – different eras, box-set series, life histories, explorer’s tales, political memoirs, old comedies (e.g. Flanders & Swan or The Goons), and of course romance or general fiction. Videos are also welcome – try and find out their favourite or meaningful film or a perhaps seek a box set from the distant past that they’ll enjoy.
Hobby gifts: Crafts and other hobbies really help with mental stimulation, dexterity and of course mood. Everyone loves to show off their latest creation….. So why not seek a painting or sewing set, or perhaps a colouring book (therapeutic & fun), or weaving set, or puzzle set. Pamper gifts: Soaps, perfumes, manicure, massage…. Perhaps subscription to a weekly or monthly magazine – they’ll feel pampered each time it arrives!
Practical Gifts: Smoke alarms, torches, hot water bottles, new electric blanket, kettle or iron (this will help with home safety too – it’s amazingly easy for a worn out item to be overlooked), or perhaps an easy to use radio, with a large day & date display….. How about something for outside?.... Boot removers, new walking stick, litter-picker-handle (which is great around the house too), and for someone who likes to walk how about a florescent jacket, and perhaps a GPS tracker if they wander too far.
Finally, why not ‘Be a Santa’ this Christmas by delivering a present to an elderly neighbour on Christmas Eve, and label it from Santa….. or even better, invite them to your home for Christmas Day – that‘s the best gift for a live-alone person! Hope this helps…. I best get to the shops now …. !
Brought to you by Christina Uppenkamp of Home Instead Dartford – specialising in bringing joy to the elderly through practical support and fun in their homes and nearby.
