Holiday Gifts for Loved Ones Receiving Long-Term Care Finding the most useful gifts for a family member who lives in a long-term care community to enjoy can be challenging. Older adults have received a lifetime of gifts, but over the years, their needs may have changed. They may be dealing with physical health issues or memory loss and have needs for everyday items that wouldn’t normally come to mind. What most people want, especially after the last few months, is TIME with their family members over anything else. If you can’t be there in person, a phone call or video chat is the next best thing. If your loved one can’t make it home for the holidays, bring some of their favorite foods and decorations to them. In addition to giving your time, Masonic Villages team members offer the following suggestions for appropriate holiday gifts for loved ones residing in a nursing or personal care home: • slipper socks • robes • pajamas • a quilt or blanket, especially memory blankets with pictures on them • watches or clocks that say the time of day (for people with visual deficits) • snacks like soft cookies, raisins, crackers, cupcakes and cereal they can enjoy and share, if desired
• framed pictures of family, or digital frames with photos uploaded • toiletries such as body wash, lotions or shampoo and conditioner • hats, gloves and scarves for going out on trips • cardigan sweaters • a music player with CDs of their favorite singers or music downloaded onto them • restaurant gift certificates to use for a meal trip
• crossword puzzles
• playing cards
• word search books
• large piece jigsaw puzzles
• seek-and-find books
• cards, notepaper, envelopes and stamps
• adult coloring books and colored pencils
• jewelry sets for women
• photo albums or scrapbooks
• holiday decorations
The holidays may feel different for someone residing in a long-term care community, especially if it’s their first year in a new home. It’s important to acknowledge this change, but you can still create memories and merriness for them with your presence, phone or video conversations and through gift giving. MasonicVillages.org
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