Gift Ideas for Family Members or Friends in a Long Term Care Facility

Editor: Motreasures

This guide will provide tips and ideas for meaningful gift giving to family members and friends who reside in long term care facilities.

Finding the perfect gift for a family member or friend who resides in a long term care facility, commonly referred to a Nursing Home, can be difficult. The goal is to gift an item that your family member will treasure and add to the quality of their life. Gifts can be in the form of tangible items that have specific functions or stimulating interests. Gifts can also be the gift of time and shared activities. A blend of both will add to the joy and quality of life of your family member and ideally the person giving the gift as well.

Unisex Gifts

1. Small television with DVD or VCR combo will allow the resident to maintain current on their program interests and news, as well as enjoy the occasional favorite movie when they are ill and in bed.
2. Talking Watch for the visually impaired.
3. Personal bed coverlet or quilt styled in something that reflects the décor tastes or interests of the resident.
4. Rocking chair or recliner.
5. Framed family photographs which include the resident with their children and grandchildren will allow them to share their pride in their family with others.
6. Seasonal décor items to hang on walls will not only help them celebrate the seasons but help the resident remain oriented to time of year.
7. Large print puzzle books with easy grip or oversized pens for those who enjoy the mental stimulation.
8. Telephone and service for their room. A large button phone for the resident to use to call family or just to have to receive calls from family and friends where they can talk in private. You can block long distance calls going out and schedule regular times you will call.
9. Newspaper or magazine subscription. Even if your family member no longer reads; volunteer visitors or other residents will sometimes read interesting articles aloud to each other. You can also arrange with the facility to have someone read to your family member.
10. Snack box for the special candies or treats they enjoy in between meals. An added bonus is that they have something to offer their visitors. Everyone enjoys hosting company.
11. Wall Calendar in a themed subject of interest will help the resident remain oriented to time.

Gifts for Women

1. A shrug can provide the warmth of a sweater but is much easier to put on as it’s a shawl with wrist cuffs. Make certain it can be laundered at high temperatures.
2. Costume jewelry is always appreciated; pretty accessories that if they were to be lost or broken you wouldn’t be losing valuable family heirlooms.
3. Hat, gloves and scarf set that is attractive and warm for trips out of the care facility.
4. Scented lotions or hand cream will moisturize and will help them feel pretty.

Gifts for Men

1. Sports team hat or clothing, as well as wall hangings. Men can show their team pride and it also acts as a conversation starter for others who may visit.
2. Military memorabilia for the vet in the branch they served. Suggestions would be a blanket or coverlet, a hat or sweatshirt.

Gifts of Time

Gifts of time are the greatest gifts of all. Sometimes it’s difficult for multiple generations to gather and have a meaningful visit. Structured planned family activities will not only help to ease the awkward silences when it seems that there is little to talk about; but will give the Senior something to look forward to (and tell their friends) in the days ahead. The following are some suggestions.

1. Family dinner and a movie. Schedule a regular time, such as once a month or every other Sunday when the family sits down to a takeout meal in the facility and pops in a movie. If there is a TV/VCR or DVD in the resident’s room watch in there or arrange to use the facility’s tv/vcr and a private sitting room. Don’t forget the popcorn!
2. Create a memory board or photo collage together with the grandkids helping the grandparent. It will stimulate reminiscing for the senior and interest in family history. The completed board can then be hung on the wall, with additional boards hung in the family home or in a grandchild’s room. Don’t hurry the process. In the interest of completing the board quickly, you could be missing out on great family tales.
3. Outdoor walks and wheelchair rides. Many Residents do not get out of the facility very much and walking outdoors can bring great pleasure. If needed, borrow a facility wheelchair when safety is a concern.
4. Attend facility activities with your family member. If there is a planned party, church service or even bingo, plan on attending occasionally. It will give your family member an opportunity to introduce you to their friends and their facility friends to meet you.

Summary Notes on Gifting

There a couple footnotes to the above lists. The first is to consult with the nursing or dietary staff prior to bringing food in from outside the facility, if your family member is on a special diet – it may require adjustments on their meals. The second suggestion is to permanently mark gift items someplace discreet with a permanent marker, sewing label or etching tool, depending on the item.

The above lists of gift items and activities are not by any means all inclusive; however they will stimulate ideas and promote additions or variations by others. It can be difficult to find a gift that will be meaningful for your family member or friend who resides in a long term care facility; however if you approach it as a fun challenge, you will be rewarded by their enjoyment.

Related Guide: Gift Giving for Residents of Long Term Care Facilities

Categories: Health | Senior Health | Assisted Living | Society | Relationships | Gift Giving