By Debbie Gardner
dgardner@thereminder.com
Choosing the right gift for an older loved one can be a challenge in any season, but finding something that will bring joy during the holidays – when gifting is so important – can be daunting.
To help readers find some potential gift inspiration for elders either living alone or in retirement community/nursing home settings, Prime went straight to the experts, people who work with these communities daily. Below is the advice shared by Allison Baker, director of community relations – The Atrium at Cardinal Drive in Agawam, Jennifer Payette, marketing director – Prosper at Monastery Height in West Springfield, Allyson Grammo, community sales manager – Bluebird Estates in East Longmeadow and Kristen Bruno, director of marketing – The Arbors at Chicopee.
Q: Everyone wants their holiday gifting to be appropriate and meaningful, but that can be a challenge with older relatives. What are some ideas for elders who might be in senior apartments or still residing in their home?
“Seniors living in their own homes or in an independent senior living setting may have some of their needs met through community programs including social activities and meals, but there are always opportunities for loved ones to contribute with meaningful gifts during the holiday season.
“Allyson Grammo and her team at Bluebird Estates, an Independent Living community in East Longmeadow, asked her residents what they would appreciate for holiday gifts. Some items mentioned include a video calling device like a Facebook Portal, which would allow the senior to use verbal commands to video chat family members, as well as useful household items, like a new microwave, a Keurig or simple coffee maker, and a telephone that’s easy to use or even shows captions for those who are hard of hearing. Digital picture frames that can be loaded by tech-savvy family members so seniors can see their photos of family members would be appreciated as well. Additionally, experiences the senior could share with family members such as a museum outing, art class, theater performance, or other special event was highly requested!”
Q: If your relative is now in a senior community or assisted living, what types of gifts might he or she appreciate?
“Assisted living communities are senior living communities that offer a level of personal care assistance, and often other services such as housekeeping, laundry, meals, and scheduled activities in a community-based setting.”
Kristen Bruno and her team at The Arbors at Chicopee, an assisted living community in Chicopee, polled her residents and found that the most common themes for gifts include time spent with family and visits with family members and friends. Material items are not as important as they do not wish to have clutter in their apartments. If a family member wishes to gift an item, things such as gift certificates for the hair salon or a monthly delivery would be appreciated.
Jennifer Payette and her team at Prosper at Monastery Heights in West Springfield polled their residents and learned that these residents in assisted living would like practical items such as toiletries, flashlights/nightlights, stamps and stationery, TV trays, diabetic socks, hair accessories, washcloths, winter accessories such as hats, gloves and mittens, large print puzzle books and puzzles.”
Q: If your relative now resides in a continuing care facility, are there still gift ideas that will be meaningful and appropriate?
Residents in a memory care community or a continuing care facility such as a skilled nursing environment likely have all their meals, snacks, and programs/activities provided, but there are certainly still opportunities to provided valuable gifts to family members in these settings.”
Allison Baker and the team at The Atrium at Cardinal Drive in Agawam, a stand-alone memory care community, discussed with residents and associates to determine the most meaningful gifts for residents living in these environments. Warm soft blankets, picture books of favorite interests, photo albums of family memories, a simple one-touch music player, large piece puzzles, large print puzzle books, fidget blankets, and even doll therapy and pet therapy gifts such as dementia stuffed animals could be meaningful gifts for your loved one. The Alzheimer’s Store (Alzstore.com) is a great resource for gift-giving ideas for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or another related dementia.”
“In addition to providing gift-giving suggestions, some residents in the communities noted above mentioned a few items that would NOT bring joy including confusing technology, items that pose a safety risk such as rugs and inappropriate footwear that can create trip hazards, and impractical items that will simply clutter their space.
“Families have the best intentions but should also remember that their older family members do not have the same technological capabilities and interests nor physical capabilities as younger generations.”
