Thoughtful Gift Giving For Your Senior Loved One

(Or "What The Heck Does Grandpa Want for Christmas?")

I don't know about you, but I take gift-giving VERY seriously. No matter whom I'm buying for, I want to give something unexpected, appreciated, and thoughtful. It usually involves lots of research and over thinking. But choosing gifts for seniors, who seemingly already have all they need, can be a real puzzle. I mean, the last thing Grandma and Grandpa needs is another chotskie to take up space, right? Luckily, after 22 years of working with seniors, I've gotten some pretty good advice from my patients on some pretty great gift ideas!

CLOTHING

Have you noticed their favorite pair of slippers are worn out? Or there is a certain type of t-shirt they wear every time you see them? My great-grandmother loved wearing "housecoats" daily. She would wear them until they were almost threadbare, unless she was gifted new ones. She just didn't go shopping for herself, but she still liked to look nice when going to see her doctor. Note: this option may take some sleuthing to find out their correct size.

DAILY ESSENTIALS

Does Aunt Edna need a new perfume bottle? Probably not. But she does need to moisturize her lower legs daily because of her cellulitis? Does Uncle Vern need new after shave? Doubt it. But I bet he'd appreciate an update of his daily toiletries. It may not be glamorous, but it's a gift that could relieve the stress of shopping and paying for something very useful for your loved one.

CHORES

Taking care of a home or apartment is a lot of work. Could you help out with cleaning, grocery shopping, or lawn work? Or if you're not in a position to do it yourself, could you hire someone? Lately, there are several websites dedicated to finding reliable help. Facebook groups or NextDoor groups could also be great resources for local, trusted assistants. When giving this gift, I usually print up a cute little coupon for them to open. I just really love opening gifts and think others do too.

FINANCIAL AID

Most seniors are on a fixed income. Taking care of one monthly bill could really alleviate stress for a senior. Offer to pay a utility bill, give a gift card to their favorite grocery store, or, this is a big one, give them a gift card to their pharmacy. Medication can be very expensive and some people must choose between paying for their meds or buying groceries.

EXPERIENCE

Do you know what your senior loved one wants the most? Time with you. That's the number one request my patients tell me they have. Some special moments to share together:

Cook their favorite dinner

Craft together

Take a drive through their childhood neighborhood

Attend their church together

Help them document a special moment or era of their life in a beautiful journal

Happy Holidays from Provider Connect!