There’s Still Time to Find the Perfect Holiday Gifts for Seniors

We know that finding the right gift for an elderly family member or friend can be challenging. Even when you ask them what they’d like for Christmas, you’re likely to hear, “Oh, I really don’t need anything, just good health and more time with my family.” To help shed light on the topic of gift giving for seniors, we’ve asked some of our residents and staff as well as friends and neighbors of Ingersoll Place Assisted Living and Memory Care for their input. Here’s a sampling of their suggestions…

Let There Be Light

Decorative night lights make great gifts for just about any occasion and the choices are seemingly endless. Not only do they offer important safety benefits by helping to reduce the risk of falls and associated injuries, they also provide a sense of comfort for some individuals who experience increased anxiety during the nighttime hours. If your shopping list includes a nature lover, sports enthusiast, art aficionado or someone who loves the magic of Christmas, there’s a beautifully designed nightlight just waiting to be this year’s favorite gift.

Gifts that Pop

With a spectacular array of pop-up greeting cards available in stores and on-line this holiday season, you’ll have no trouble wowing a special loved one. Choose from seasonal designs, floral art, nativity scenes and so much more – including cards that play favorite Christmas tunes. Pair it up with a box of sweets, a cozy throw blanket or mini boxwood Christmas tree and don’t be surprised if your show-stopping holiday card takes center stage all year long.

The Joy of Reading

Several residents we spoke with said magazine subscriptions are much appreciated gifts. They look forward to receiving them in the mail, being able to read them at their leisure and having something new to talk about with family and friends. So what’s popular these days? According to several on-line sources, Reader’s Digest, Birds and Blooms and the AARP Magazine have widespread appeal among older adults who enjoy the look and feel of a glossy magazine. Also on the favorites list is People Magazine whose pages are filled with celebrity photos, lots of Hollywood gossip and human interest stories.

Picture Perfect

Numerous older adults and their families have described digital photo frames as the “best gift ever.”  The technology has evolved significantly over the past decade making it easier to share memories, milestones and special celebrations captured in photos with elderly parents and grandparents. Newer digital frames can be set up and managed remotely allowing family members to add photos on a regular basis and control the speed of the slide show. Whether you live nearby or miles away from a beloved elder, a digital photo frame is a great way of staying connected.

Dressed to the Nines

Casual attire is the norm in most assisted living communities including Ingersoll Place but when it comes to the holidays and other special occasions, glitz and glamor are the order of the day. From gorgeous dresses and beaded tops to stylish suit jackets and elegant hats, our residents prove that looking fabulous has nothing to do with age.(See our Fall Ball photos on Facebook!) For the ladies, how about a shimmering evening shawl, a classy crystal brooch or luxurious pair of leather gloves to accessorize their favorite holiday outfits. As for the gentlemen, a double breasted cardigan sweater, cashmere cable knit vest or Irish tweed driving cap will have them looking great, well into the new year.

Make it Personal

There’s nothing quite like the pride parents or grandparents will feel upon seeing themselves and the faces of people they love featured on the pages of a personalized storybook or 12-month calendar or appearing on a custom-designed throw pillow or blanket. A variety of local businesses and on-line sites make it relatively easy, affordable and fun to create beautiful gifts that will be treasured for years to come. And, the looks of surprise on your loved ones’ faces will be priceless!

It’s A Wrap

Whatever gift choices you make this holiday season, rest assured, your loved ones will be appreciative of your love, time and attention. If you have other gift ideas that you’d like to share with us or would like information about our assisted living/memory care community, now celebrating its 98th year, please let us know.