Gifts for a Loved One in a Long-Term-Care Facility

For birthdays, holidays, or any day, giving a gift to a loved one who lives in a long-term care facility, assisted living residence, or nursing home a great way to add a spark of interest and delight to their life. When someone is not as physically or mentally active anymore, deciding on the perfect present can include uncertainty and worry that you pick something that causes problems instead of happy feelings. Of course, each individual will have specific interests and abilities that make one gift better. These ideas can spark your imagination and help you choose the perfect one.

Comfort Items – Blankets, Pillows, and More

Unfortunately, many long-term care facilities have a hospital or medical ambiance more than one that feels like home. When you visit your family member or friend, bring along comfortable touches that can decorate their space with coziness, warmth, and color. Throw blankets or cheerful afghans can also help with physical comfort if the resident feels cold a lot. Soft pillows add visual interest and something to hold onto while relaxing. Other options include fuzzy slippers and even plush toys.

Personal Care – Lotion, Cosmetics, and Related Services

As long as it suits the individual, rich lotions and creams perfect for sensitive skin can make the long-term care facility residents feel pampered and special. Women may enjoy having their nails painted or some light cosmetics put on to feel more like their younger selves. This is a great way to spend quality time with your loved one, too. A foot rub, manicure, or even a special shave can give them the pampering they deserve.

Hobbies and Other Things to Do

While the resident may not be able to engage in their favorite hobbies anymore, certain activities, games, or pastimes can help them physically, mentally, and emotionally. These can include anything from stringing large beads on yarn to making felt or paper collage pictures to playing simple card or board games specifically made for people with cognitive decline or even dementia.

Happy Memories of a Long Life

Unless it would disturb them or create more aggravation than joy, consider giving the gift of memories to someone you care about who lives in a long-term-care facility. These could be photo albums, digital picture frames, or even memory boxes that include physical objects that make good thoughts happen. Discuss whether this is a good idea with the caretakers first especially if the person has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another version of dementia. If they do not remember the people in the photos or the object in the box, it may cause distress or additional confusion.

A Gift of Time – Sometimes the Best Present of All

Above all else, spend time with your loved ones in long-term care facilities. Although quality centers tried to interact with the residents regularly and schedule different types of activities and events, far too many elderly or infirm individuals do not get enough outside stimulation. Schedule regular visits and make sure your family member or friend knows someone cares about them.