What Are the Best Gifts for the Lonely Elderly?
Face the facts, most older people do not want or need more impractical stuff. Finding gifts that make their life safer, healthier or happier can do wonders in preventing the feeling of loneliness. Consider finding gift ideas that maximize their ability to interact with others, entertain or help improve their comfort levels.
Hygiene
One gift idea for seniors that often gets overlooked, is the gift of hygiene. Having good hygiene can help maintain our dignity & confidence. It also can play an important role in managing chronic disease and help in preventing COVID-19. Having poor hygiene can significantly impact how we feel about ourselves.
Suggestions
Hand soap & Hand Sanitizer
Body brushes
Shampoo & Hair products
Dental or Denture care products
Toiletries or personal support products
Nail Care products (moisturizer, clippers, emery boards)
Moisturizer
Bath bombs or salts (consider possible irritants to sensitive skin)
Memories
Life is like a tapestry, woven from our memories of things, events and people. Our unique tapestry reminds us of who we are, where we have been and what we have done in life. A photo album, digital photo frame or scrapbook holding memories of our loved ones, ourselves or life events is a wonderful gift for Christmas.
Photo Ideas
Vacations
Family
Pets
Events
Childhood
Holidays
weddings
any picture that is positive in nature and is relevant to the receiver's life
Pro tip: For those with cognitive impairment, long -term memory is easier for most seniors to recall. So try and mix the old with the new.
Communication
Giving the gift of communication can prove to be one of the best gifts you could give to someone who may be spending Christmas alone.
Cell phone or tablet:
According to an article by Media In Canada 39% of seniors have no cell phone, 27% own a basic cell phone and only 34% have a smartphone. No, we are not suggesting to head out and buy the latest $1500 Iphone with all the bells and whistles. What we are saying is that an inexpensive or our own replaced devices in many cases can be more than enough. A device that has a decent camera, can video chat via Zoom or Facebook messenger and is easy to use is best.
Pro tip 1: Check out Mobility for Good is for low income seniors provides Canadian seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefit with low-cost wireless service and a free refurbished device.
Pro tip 2: At the time of this post Shaw Mobile has an offer of a $0 dollar cell phone line or a $25 a month line with 25 gigs of data. If you have wifi, cell phone data may not be something you need.
Webcam:
Of course we can't leave without mentioning the webcam. While a cell phone or tablet can provide a convenient one stop shop for communication, some seniors might be more familiar with their home computer or laptop. This is when a webcam with built in microphone might be a better choice. One thing to consider when purchasing a webcam is that you will need speakers or headphones in order to hear what others on the other side are saying.
From Sidney to Victoria BC, Pacific Coast Health Services provides home healthcare for seniors and persons with disabilities. From respite care & 24-hour care to dementia care & advanced foot care, our care line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - 365 days a year. To book your free in-home healthcare assessment.
Call (250) 389-0202 or Email tjohnson@pchservices.ca.
This blog post was done in partnership with our good friends at Lions Gate Home Care.
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