Four Gift Ideas for Shut-Ins

Because they don't get often get out to social occasions, shut-ins are often overlooked. It doesn't have to be that way. The holidays can be an ideal time to both encourage and assist them.

This article provides four gift ideas that most shut-ins would appreciate. I'm basing this article on my experiences with my father and his contemporaries who receive full-time nursing care, but some of the ideas would also apply for younger folks who can't get out due to illness or disability.

Books and Puzzles

In this busy world it's hard to imagine someone with time on their hands, but time passes slowly for many shut-ins. Often they have physical or mental limitations on what they can do.

Books and puzzles can be a very thoughtful gift. If the person has bad eyesight, you may need to get a large-print book or even a book on tape.

Even an Alzheimer's patient like my father, who can no longer read, can appreciate a book of beautiful photographs (what I used to call coffee table books).

You can buy large print books at Amazon.com (www.amazon.com), Doubleday books (www.doubledaylargeprint.com), or at many other bookstores. You can order books on tape through Books on Tape (www.booksontape.com), Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (www.rfbd.org), or many other sources.

Food Items

Food items can be an excellent gift for a shut-in. Who doesn't like to receive a tasty treat? This is a treat you might even be able to prepare for them yourself. A home-made gift basket can be a real pleasure.

When bringing a food item to a shut-in, it is very important to keep any medical dietary restrictions in mind. Diabetics, in particular, can face a real challenge with holiday treats. For those with special dietary restrictions, fresh fruit and nut baskets may be a good alternative to sugary sweets.

Here are some good sources for ordering fruit and nut baskets: Harry & David (www.harryanddavid.com), The Fruit Company (www.thefruitcompany.com), or even your local grocery store.

Cosmetics for Women

If the shut-in on your list is on a limited budget (and many shut-ins do live on a limited budget), cosmetics are probably one of the first things that they will do without. However, most women still do want to feel beautiful, even if they are limited in what they can do. Cosmetics can help meet that need.

A gift bag or basket of her favorite lipsticks, lotions, and perfumes (if she is in a professional facility, check first to make sure perfumes are allowed) can be a wonderful surprise. Add a personal note and you've just made her day!

Check your local grocery store or pharmacy for the best deals. Here are two places to check: CVS Pharmacy at (www.cvs.com) and Walgreens at (www.walgreens.com).

Sweaters and Blankets

Those who are shut-in due to illness or age are often sensitive to changes in temperature. Most nursing facilities, for example, are kept at a constant temperature that might be slightly too cold for your shut-in. A shut-in at home on a limited budget may deliberately keep the thermostat turned low in order to save money.

Either way, a sweater or a blanket is a thoughtful gift. They can keep it handy and drape it over themselves as soon as they start to feel uncomfortable. Fleece blankets, in particular, come in a size that is convenient and comfortable for a single person.

There are a wide variety of sources for blankets and sweaters including Target (www.target.com) and Walmart (www.walmart.com).

Conclusion

This season, remember the shut-ins on your Christmas list. Don't forget, the best way to deliver your gift is in person. The shut-in will really appreciate spending time with you!