RE: Nursing Home Gift Ideas
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Post By B R FLEURY (Guest Post)
(06/10/2008)
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Have you tried A Hug From Blanche? They hand knit shrugs which could be the perfect gift for your elderly relative who is sitting up and may be in a draft, or who just needs to feel "hugged".
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RE: Nursing Home Gift Ideas
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Post By CindyM56 (Guest Post)
(04/09/2008)
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I'm from Texas and my best friend's husband used to love to play the guitar and sing the old timey country and western songs. That is before he went down so badly. Anyway, a few years back he and another friend that picked his guitar once a week would go to a nursing home and play and sing for the residents. Of course their wives went also and sang with them. And quite a few of the residents would all gang up in the dining room where they would be and would join in singing, clapping their hands and even tried a bit of dancing at times. This was right up their alley! And they loved it. To listen to my friend and her husband talk of those days, you really have to wonder who enjoyed it the most!
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RE: Nursing Home Gift Ideas
I too love old folks, and worked taking care of them for most of my life. All your ideas are great. I was a bit surprised to not see one here, so here it is! You need two washcloths, pretty; lay one atop the other; roll the edges of the first to meet in the middle; then roll the outer edges of the second, to meet these edges; fold in half, putting a bar of soap (if using unscented try glycerin in pretty colors, then fold it up like a satchel; hot glue 2 handles, made of paper twist ribbon, then any pretty decoration;they are very pretty and liven up a bedside table, and get lots of admiration, which gives seniors a chat, too!
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RE: Nursing Home Gift Ideas
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Post By wendy (Guest Post)
(12/26/2007)
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I worked in a nursing home for well over ten years and the most inexpensive gift you can give is your TIME AND LOVE.
No matter how disabled your relative is just be there.
They may not be able to let you know , they may not sit still, but deep down I'm sure they know you care whether it be family for friend.
PUT YOURSELF IN THERE PLACE, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT?
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RE: Nursing Home Gift Ideas
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Post By Diane Moshier (Guest Post)
(12/23/2007)
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Suncatchers, portable cd player with headphones, gift certificate for hair services, snap down the back pj's, large print bible, magnifying glass, grabber to reach items.
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RE: Nursing Home Gift Ideas
I have spent the past several years working in nursing homes, so here's my two cents:
*Anything soft and comfy (blankets, pajama pants, sweats, slippers or nonskid socks) is usually well appreciated.
*Almost any consumable item (snacks allowed by their diet, body wash or lotion, shampoo--find out their favorite brands) is a good idea because storage space is limited.
*A newspaper or magazine subscription for someone who can still read is a gift that will keep giving all year long.
Finally, please remember that what most people in facilites appreciate most is you time. Every year at Christmas, we see more family members and groups coming in to visit. Residents like to have visitors all year--not just during the Christmas season.
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RE: Nursing Home Gift Ideas
1) SUPER-SOFT FLEECE LAP BLANKETS. My friend makes them & the folks (both male AND female) go crazy for them! These soft, warm blankets are perfect for those in wheel chairs. Lap blankets are smaller than "regular" blankets (about 24 x 30) so they can be washed easily (PLUS this way you can get 2 from one yard of fabric) and don't put fringe on them as it only gets tangled up & in the way. Fleece is "double sided" & won't fray, so no need to hem or finish the edges. But for fun: Why not embroider a flower, their name or crochet around the edge?... Write me on ThriftyFun for directions.... Fleece lap blankets are perfect to keep the wheel chair bound (& everyone else too) warm & cozy!
*** Berber or Fur fabric can also be used for the lap blankets, just be sure it can be washed & Dried easily because a lot of the super soft "Poodle Fabric" sheds & totally FILLS up the washer, plus it ruins EVERYTHING ELSE that's in the machine with it... (I learned by experience!) <*grin*>
2) BOOKS ON TAPE: you can either buy one OR better yet, go to the library monthly & pick up 5 or so, then exchange them every month...
3) HOME COOKED GOODIES: Home cooked food...Healthy Banana bread (or whatever) can be made with NO sugar, (for diabetics & others.) either by using "Splenda" brand sweetener OR better yet, by using fruit concentrates (like frozen concentrated canned apple juice) for sweeteners. Any fats or oils can be substituted with apple sauce instead...Extra sweetening & extra calcium can be added by adding powered milk to the dry mix. (not for those with "lactose intolerance") These healthy Banana type breads are as tasty as can be!... Food like this is a reminder of "home" & when they were younger...
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RE: Nursing Home Gift Ideas
my local quilt shop has patterns for pillow cases. Maybe that would help her feelings. Something cheerful to put her head on or take in a wheelchair up the hallway. Bibs for meals if it is necessary. Crochet booties, socks,
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RE: Nursing Home Gift Ideas
for the ladies what about a soft cuddly stuffed bear with a couple of dresses for them and maybe a bonnet too, soft to hold and cuddle. maybe it will help them with feeling alone. and when the little children come to visit them with there familes it will give them something to play with as well.
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RE: Nursing Home Gift Ideas
My grandma was in a nursing home. Here's what she liked. Cookies, crackers, and candy(check with the staff first to see if there are any dietary restrictions). Most older people like to keep in touch through writing so some stationery, a box of greeting cards, stamps, and some pens would be nice. Older people often have problems with dry skin, they use lots of chapstick and heavy duty skin lotion. If your friend can leave the nursing home how about an outing? A movie or a drive around (maybe to look at Christmas lights?) would be appreciated. Grandma loved it when I brought her fresh flowers. When I walked through the community room with the flowers the ladies faces would light up and they would oooh and awww. Books, magazines, crossword puzzles are popular, too. From what I saw most patients had given away the personal possessions they didn't want and really don't care about knick knacks, artwork and so on.
Hope you and your friend have a happy and Blessed Christmas.
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Request: Nursing Home Gift Ideas
Could anyone give me some ideas for inexpensive gifts to take to an elderly neighbor in a nursing home that could lift his spirits?
Nelliemary
Answers:
Nursing Home Gift Ideas
Make up a small scrapbook of the old neighborhood or even town.
just Xerox your pictures.
How about an indoor house plant that came from your house.
Or you could make a tape with the voices of the old familier neighbors saying something nice.
And in this technological age perhaps you could throw an picture and talk to familier neighbor phone party.
you know have someone go to the home of the other good friend neighbors
take their phone pictures and then talk a few minutes with the resident.
and last talk try to get the resident to talk about the good times they have had at the nursing. if possible let them give you a tour of their new home.
Have A Happy Visit
Mr. Thrifty
(12/09/2006)
By Mr. Thrifty
Nursing Home Gift Ideas
Just an idea, but when my grandmother was in a nursing home, My sister got permission to bring her Great Dane dog in to visit. Our grandma LOVED visiting with the dog and lots of other residents did too. Some came to her room and others asked for my sister to bring the dog over to them. They hadn't seen any pets in such a long time! Of course, it would have to be an extremely friendly animal and the visit fairly short. (12/12/2006)
By Cindy S.
Nursing Home Gift Ideas
We have church services at two nursing homes, and around Christmas time we like to give a little in-expensive gift. We have found out from years experience, some things the residents enjoy. Some of the simpliest things, yes, they really enjoy visits, they also enjoy singing. We sing church songs and even the non-church goers love it. We take in a guitar and travel room to room with some residents. The little gifts we give out once a year, may range from the little non-skid slipper socks, to simple toilette articles wrapped up pretty with a bow. Like comb, brush, toothpaste, small sample bottles of things like lotion, hand soap, or single packs of kleen-ex.
Go to the sample bottles of things at a store like Walmart, and look at things that can't be harmful to them. The elderly can't always handle certain foods, so leave that one off. One year we were doing a state run nursing home, they had alot of mentally challenged residents, and we gathered baby dolls, cleaned them up, my mom fixed their hair, and made them clothes, the residents were so happy. We gave the guys some socks and hankerchiefs. Working with the nursing home folks is a very rewarding job, try it. (12/12/2006)
By Glinda
Nursing Home Gift Ideas
Our Brownie girlscout troop just delivered 88 gift bags last night to a local nursing home (they sang carols while delivering)
each included
a deck of playing cards (donated by Belterra Casino, THANKS Belterra)
tissues
toothpaste and brush and hand lotion
notepad and pen
cookies or crackers (as long as doesnt interfere with diet or residents restrictions)
hair comb
Pin or jewelry for ladies
chapstick
Christmas SOCKS!
THey were a great hit (12/12/2006)
By Diana
Nursing Home Gift Ideas
We used to visit our nursing home with our big old docile white cat. At Christmas, I took photos of the residents with the cat and made Christmas cards. The nurses tell me that they love photos, because they usually have some type of bulletin board on which to post them and some folks have no one to send them anything. Perhaps you could have someone take photos of you with your neighbor and make a card or collage.
(12/13/2006)
By Cindy Bailey
Nursing Home Gift Ideas
One thing my grandfather wanted before he passed on, was "Blistex" lip salve! I believe that your time, your smiles, your laughter, your reassurance, and your loving hugs will be gifts no money can buy. Many are afraid, so terribly lonely, angry, confused, and "just waiting to die", as I've heard so often. When any say this, I reply, "We are all in that same line, you know, and none of us can add even one hour to our life, nor knows when it will come. You are very fortunate to have lived this long and you aren't leaving this world one minute before your time.", adding a chuckle as they think about it and often smile.
Wide topped socks are a favorite for men who have difficulty with putting on regular socks. Each of them seems to like soft warm cloth, regardless of what it has made. Gentle arm and foot massages are much appreciated, as is a little look out a different window they've not seen before recently.
Another good item is the Time ANNUAL magazine, that shows the major events of the year or years, about $15.00 U.S., the last I bought one. If they don't have one, a long-reaching magnet "gripper" is much appreciated for those who are stuck in a wheelchair or walker, provided it can be reached from their chair for such things as magazines, books, slippers, newspapers, once they get the "hang" of the "new toy", although not at all new to the market. Many cost as much as $30, but some can be found under that amount. I found one in a garage sale for $3.00, and use it to get hats down from, or return them to, the top shelf of my closet even now while I am still ambulatory and not yet confined or crippled.
Touch lamps are good if easy to reach. Master light switch boxes are convenient, and portable battery operated closet lights for closets, under bed edges, and inside deep drawers for those who still have their faculties. My mother loves for me to do simple activities from childrens' books, about 4th grade, with her since she has some dementia now. I even took a small electric keyboard to sing with her and allow her to play a bit. Men might enjoy it a little, but helping them to keep their clothing sorted, hanging together on the hangers is equally important. This is one of my forte's and is greatly appreciated if I know the person well and if no relative seems to be doing that job. (If there is an odor in the room, I spritz a tiny "Ozium" spray can rather than to leave because of it. )
Good luck and God bless you. : )
(12/15/2006)
By Lynda
Nursing Home Gift Ideas
My mom lives in a nursing home 2,000 miles away so I try to send her a "care package" once a month. I send her 1 artificial flower for the season the month is in, along with her favorite candies (she isn't limited in her diet), she knits, so I send her yarn each time. I made her an album of pictures of when she and my father (deceased) worked on the farm together, her marriage license, and pictures of my sisters when they were small, who have recently passed away. Around January/February, when the grapefruit and oranges are ripe (I have two trees) I send a huge box of them combined to the nursing home for everybody to enjoy. I write her a letter every day and on it I insert pictures of beautiful scenery or the holiday that's going on. Recently I've been enclosing pictures of Phoenix and Sun City and our new Cardinals Stadium, which is only a mile away. I also insert jokes in her letters to brighten up her day. I work for a newspaper, so when my picture is in it, I send her a copy. I also clip little things out of the newspaper I think she will be interested in. I try to call her every day also. (01/09/2007)
By Judy
Nursing Home Gift Ideas
I buy stuffed animals in good condition from a thrift store, as well as the dollar store, and take in a bag full to the nursing home that my mother lived in. The activities director distributes them to some patients, and uses others as prizes at patient game sessions.
Ladies often like jewelry, particularly pins/brooches, as they fit everyone.
Another popular gift at my mother' place is holiday themed decorations, changed monthly.
Not as inexpensive, but really appreciated and used are those no sew fleece blankets/lap robes.Both the double layer tied ones, and single layer fringed ones are used frequently. I buy fleece remnants which are big enough for lap robes quite cheaply. Knot two together, or cut fringe, and then trim the single layer ones by putting plastic or wooden pony beads on each fringe. (Pony beads are beads with large holes and are available in large bags at the fabric/craft store.) (01/10/2007)
By jean
Nursing Home Gift Ideas
For elderly folk who use walkers, a walker bag makes a nice, but not too expensive, gift. Flowery walker bags like from www.jeanswalkerbags.com are great for women, but for a gentleman you'd rather get a leather bag or something of that nature from Ebay. Seniors love to tote things around more easily. Also, there's a service called Happy Happy mail at www.happyhappymail.com that sends cheap gifts on your behalf, which is pretty neat! However, it's about $20 a month. (10/14/2007)
By Joseph
Nursing Home Gift Ideas
Remember ; do not give any toiletries : ex talcum powder, lip balm, etc...that are medicated. I was a nurse in a nursing home for many years and we needed a doctor's order to ok these kind of items or to ok the use by the residents. (11/05/2007)
By France
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Request: Nursing Home Gifts
I love elderly people. If there are any here I would like some help on what you like. I'm thinking of visiting the nursing home next to our food bank and baking cookies and making cards. I'm 14 and crafty.
Thanks for any ideas,
Kristi
Answers:
RE: Nursing Home Gifts
I think I would take a big basket of fruit. Many of them can't have sugar. You can put your cookies in it in baggies. I would also get some sugarless candy and put that in the basket along with some costume jewelry. For the men, money clips. You can find pins and costume jewelrey at yard sales for very low prices. I give my used cards and magazines to our local nursing home. What a nice girl, God will bless you! (07/26/2005)
By April
RE: Nursing Home Gifts
My husband was a CNA in nursing homes for several years. Some people just do not get many visitors at all, and some do not get any. How about calling that nursing home and talking to the recreation director? Ask if there are any people who could use a visit more than others, and start with them.
You could also ask the resident if there is anything in his/her room you could do for them that they can't do for themselves. Maybe you could offer to take someone outside who cannot get outside by themselves after checking with the staff if that would be OK. While you are there, ask the residents themselves what they would have liked you to bring in case you get to go back.
If you've got any animals bring pictures of them to share. Ask if they had pets and what they liked best about them. They enjoy sharing their special memories about others. You could bring used videos and cd's for them to see and to play. I used to send in with my husband cd's of music to give to the recreation director to play for them. They really loved it. It was music of their generation, of course. The Beach Boys went over the best.
I used to cook bacon for someone who really loved it and seldom got it at the nursing home. Ask the rec. director if she could guide you in this, if this is something you would consider? And most of all, I am so proud of you for taking an interest in those who really need it.
Oh yes, some people have nobody to get more clothing for them when theirs wear out. Collect any good used clothing you can from whoever and donate it at the desk. I used to send in sneakers for one person who really needed them. They were used but clean and still in good condition. You could ask the residents if they know of anyone who has special needs they can't fulfill for themselves. Hope I haven't overloaded you with suggestions. And remember "Goodness Has It's Own Rewards". (07/26/2005)
By Angellface
RE: Nursing Home Gifts
Skip the cookies, many nursing home patients are on special diets but will eat anything they can find. Good gifts are magazines and books, silk flowers in a vase, offer to read, write letters or help make phone calls for those that need it. Offer a polish manicure. Laprobes and ponchos are great. Handmade art or drawings are good. Check with the activities director for ideas of things you can do. The social worker may also have ideas about needs you can fill. (07/26/2005)
By
RE: Nursing Home Gifts
I use to do crafts in a nursing home. Contact the Activities Director and discuss that you would like to do something for the residents. They will advise you. That is so nice that you want to volunteer your time. (07/27/2005)
By Syd
RE: Nursing Home Gifts
NHO residents are often on special diets so I wouldn't bring food items. Socks with non-slip soles, sweatsuits, hand lotion, deoderant, crochet and quilted lap robes. Contact the staff Social Worker before going to find out the best time to go and what to bring. Adopt 1 or 2 residents that have no family or friends and never have visitors. Send them birthday cards and special occasions cards. Make a commitment to visit on a certain day - like every Tuesday - and honor your commitment. Life its so much brighter when you have something to look forward to. I worked as a social worker in a NHO and it is so sad to see all the attention at Xmas time and then the rest of the year the residents have no visits or gifts. (07/27/2005)
By snigdibbly
RE: Nursing Home Gifts
By far the best thing you can do is visit and talk and spend time with the nursing home residents. I'm sure you know that already. Any break in routine or new activity would be great, and since you're crafty! Off the top of my head: cards are a great idea. You could perhaps make do a mini card-making project with the folks there. Scrounge up and bring in whatever stationary supplies you can find (paper, glue-stick, fancy pens, envelopes, stickers, scissors, etc...) and organize an afternoon project--have people create a personal card (or even a postcard) to send to someone he or she loves and misses.
For the more coherent old folks you can just act as the art-teacher or supervisor, and for those with shakier motor skills you can be more "hands on"-- taking dictation or even prompting them for what to write. This project could be as big or small as you feel like making it- either way, it'd give the residents a fun distraction, and would give you a good ice-breaker to start chatting with and getting to know the people there, and the end result would be a surprise note to a relative.
Also- check to see if the nursing home might kick in for stamps!
That's just a thought... (07/27/2005)
By Repciak
RE: Nursing Home Gifts
Dear kristi, Bless your heart for thinking of others.You will benefit greatly. Think about asking them to tell you of their memories (on tape maybe). I see many good ideas have been listed already. I have a few more for you. Nursing homes lose socks and clothing. ( go to yard sales and get good ones for 10/ 25 cents,wash and dry) They love visits. Maybe you can find some friends to go with you sometimes.They like pocket packs of tissues, small stuffed animals,ceramic cups & bud vases with a real flower to smell. (10 cents at yard sales)Yard sale beads/dress pins,ask at yard sales if they would like to donate anything to the cause, like music boxes or small figurines. Read to those whose eyesight has gone.Some will not want anything from you.Don't be discouraged dear. Lots more will love your visits.Be sure to ask first if they can have cookies/Brownies. Some can and they would like to have homemade,now that Splenda ( sugar free) is available to use in baking you would be doing a great service to the ones that are diabetic. You might ask if you can take their picture and put it on constuction paper for over their beds or to give to family. Good Luck and YOU GO GIRL!!!! Great granny Hugs, Vi (07/29/2005)
By Great Granny Vi
RE: Nursing Home Gifts
I have been making lap afghans to contribute to a local nursing home. Some elderly people get cold sitting in wheel chairs and I find that if I make them about 40 in. square, it's just the right size to cover legs. No fringe, because it might tangel in the wheels. also they love magazines that in good condition, no matter the subject. (12/10/2005)
By Grandma Angela
RE: Nursing Home Gifts
http://ohioline.osu.edu/ss-fact/0189.html has several ideas. (10/29/2006)
By paulaj
RE: Nursing Home Gifts
I would hope the Nursing Home would let you bring food treats for the residents who can have them--the elderly love their desserts and sweets. Perhaps also make some sugar-free treats for others.
A lady at my Dad's nursing home makes a birthday cake for each resident's birthday, whether they can eat it or not. It's just nice to be remembered. People would sing Happy Birthday to them and the resident could possibly blow out candles. If they can't eat the cake, other residents, the nursing staff, and perhaps family or friends can certainly enjoy it. If not a cake, how about a nice helium birthday balloon and singing?
My Dad cannot eat--he has a feeding tube in his stomach. He can still hear, feel, smell and see (though not well), so I try do buy, or make, gifts for him that appeal to those senses.
If they can play games or put together a puzzle, they would enjoy doing that with you. (My Dad can't).
God bless you, Sweetie. (10/30/2006)
By Sandy from WI
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