Finding the perfect gift for your elderly loved one can be a difficult task. All too often, memories of the past get in the way and influence gift-buying decisions. Fortunately, you can get around this problem by factoring in changes in your loved one’s living circumstances, mental acuity, and physical dexterity. While a gift basket filled with tempting snacks or aromatic bath products might have been good idea a few years ago, due to recently changed mobility or dietary needs these things might not be a good choice for your loved one this year. Keep reading to discover five of the best gifts for seniors today.
Massages
As people age, their bodies become stiffer and less flexible. As a result, it becomes difficult to reach certain areas of the body. The back, in particular, can be completely out of reach. If you are able to offer your loved one a massage yourself, consider using a quality lotion or cream to prevent rub burns. Alternatively, you can schedule in home massage sessions with a reputable company.
When you arrange for one or more sessions for your loved one, make sure that you choose a provider offering geriatric massages. A geriatric massage is geared specifically toward elderly individuals. Some of the factors taken into consideration with geriatric therapies include:
- Medical conditions
- Medication use and indications
- Overall physical condition
- Health status
Family Visits and Companionship
Senior citizens often experience loneliness frequently throughout the year. Many elderly people become lonely due to the fact that they are no longer in the midst of things. Families have grown up and moved away from home. Retirement began many years ago, and physical limitations make it difficult to get out and about to parks, museums, shops, and theaters.
Finding a way to bring companionship into an elderly loved one’s life is as simple as arranging for a visit or setting up a few monthly dinners, luncheons, and brunches. If you don’t have as much time as you would like to visit yourself, try and get other family members and friends to join in on the fun.
Keepsake Gifts
Keepsake gifts can help to fill in the void between family visits. Consider putting together a family photo album or collage to rekindle beloved memories for your elderly loved one. Photo mugs and blankets can provide a daily dose of love and happiness as well.
Light Housekeeping Services
Completing even the simplest household task can be difficult for elderly individuals struggling with arthritis, lack of balance, mobility issues, and other physical ailments. Set up a weekly visit from a reputable cleaning service to come in and handle these tasks for your loved one. Even a monthly appointment can make a big difference in your loved one’s quality of life.
Personal Care Services
Many seniors qualify to receive in-home nursing and physical therapy visits, which take care of your loved one’s physical needs. However, your elderly loved one might need assistance with personal care issues as well. These services offer everything from assistance taking a shower to help getting dressed. Even if your loved ones can still take care of personal hygiene and dressing, they might enjoy getting help with other tasks that have become more difficult over the years.
A personal care session can boost your loved one’s morale. Looking better often allows a person to feel more confident and alive. If your loved one used to enjoy primping and dressing up, arranging for someone to assist with personal care tasks can be the best gift in the world.
When people are young, they often look forward to getting older. Unfortunately, once people age into their golden years, they often realize how different their ability to enjoy life has become. You can help make the lives of your elderly loved ones easier, happier, and healthier with a few carefully thought-out plans. All it takes is the willingness and time to do so.
