Top Ten Gift Ideas for Long Term Care Facility Residents

For the growing numbers of senior citizens and handicapped individuals who are confined to a residential care facility, gifts can brighten the day and make life a little more pleasant. The RIGHT gifts, however, make a great difference but a little thoughtful consideration before buying a gift for someone in a residential care facility or nursing home can make a small gift into a large pleasure.

Forget traditional stand-by gifts like handkerchiefs or fuzzy slippers. Most residents will have these - or have no need for them. Boxes of chocolate or other food items are not always a good choice because there may be dietary restrictions or medical prohibitions.

The top ten gift ideas for senior citizens or others who live in a residential care faculty are simple yet practical.

For the resident who likes to stay in touch with family and friends, a supply of pre-addressed envelopes and stamps is always a welcome gift. Consider buying a roll of 100 stamps, available at the Post Office, rather than a small book because it will last much longer. Addressing the envelopes in advance makes it easier than ever to send letters or cards to special people.

In the same vein, boxes of stationary or all occasion cards are another welcome gift. Even those confined in a nursing home like to remember birthdays or other occasions and a supply of cards can help make that both possible and easy.

Most residents of a long term residential care center miss their family - even if they visit often. Consider some nice framed photographs of family members. Group portraits are nice and so are a collage made of snapshots from the extended family. Make sure pictures are displayed in a prominent area so that the resident can see them often.

Another item for the wall is a large calendar with big print and easy to read numbers. Make it personal by writing in special dates and upcoming events in bright, bold handwriting. Another way to personalize the calendar is to have one made with photographs of favorite people or places. It's simple and inexpensive but can be very special to someone confined to a nursing home.

Keeping track of time is another important consideration so the gift of a large wall clock with easy to read numerals is another special gift for nursing home folk.

Another easy to see, simple to use item are the oversize television remotes. These are large with big numbers and simple controls. An oversize TV remote can make it much easier to watch favorite programs, channel surf, or control a VCR or DVD. Retailing for between ten and twenty dollars, it's an inexpensive gift that can provide pleasure year round.

If your favorite senior citizen confined to a residential care center enjoys reading or keeping up with current events, a subscription to large print editions of magazines like The Reader's Digest, is always welcome. Large print type is easy on older eyes and the issue contains the same articles as standard versions.

A soft throw or lap blanket is another great gift option. Throws are more popular than ever for most of us and nursing home residents are no exception. Look for bright colors or choose a favorite, such as an Elvis themed throw for an Elvis fan.
Make that institutional style room feel more like home with the simple addition of a nice green plant or a pretty silk floral arrangement. Little touches like a plant or floral arrangement can make the room feel more like home and offer something attractive to view. Caring for a green plant can make someone feel more useful, too.

Last but far from least, don't forget about personal toiletries, things that are easy to buy in any store but are not as easy for a nursing home resident to obtain. Favorite perfumes, colognes or aftershaves are always a welcome gift and be sure to choose a fragrance that was always a favorite. Other ideas include perfumed soaps, hand lotions, or creams. Ladies who care about their appearance might like cosmetics or hair care items like hairbrushes, curling irons, or rollers. Men like enjoy a kit that includes nail clippers and nail file or a shaving set.

Make the holidays - or any occasion - more fun for someone confined to a nursing home or residential care center with a thoughtful gift that can be enjoyed year round and brighten someone's life in a small but pleasant way.