At gift time, seniors’ needs may differ
Published 9:17 pm Saturday, December 17, 2005
As she neared the end of her life three years ago, Mary Hutson Freeman often received gifts that she didn’t have use for.
“She had probably 10 sets of sheets and tons of towels that people had given her, and she didn’t use those,” said Freeman’s daughter, Edith Calvert.
“We put shelves all around one of her back rooms because people just kept giving here these little what not things, and she said she didn’t have room for them any more,” said Calvert, who noted that her mother still appreciated those gifts.
During holiday season, gifts for the elderly may not be the same as gifts for any other age group. Employees at area nursing homes and assisted living facilities suggest presents they feel are more appropriate, whether you’re giving to a loved one or donating to a nursing home.
Calvert said the gifts her mother enjoyed the most were useful things, such as postage stamps or a gift basket of detergent and other practical items.
“So many of them aren’t able to get out and buy those things,” she said. “She (Freeman) was so tickled over just those simple things.”
“A lot of times, especially for seniors, they have probably downsized and they don’t need a lot of little dust catchers,” said Jodi Skinner, activity director at Morningside of Cullman. “They don’t want to be doing the dusting. They don’t have the space.”
Cynthia Smith, an activities director at Woodland Village Health Care Center, recommended hand lotion, tissues, house shoes and lap blankets. Amanda Pettus, who is on the quality of life team at Hanceville Nursing Home, suggested deodorant, shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste as other items residents could use.
But you can only take so much lotion, Skinner cautioned. And Pettus said that Hanceville Nursing Home residents have their needs met when they’re at the home. Because of that, she also recommended gifts to make their room feel more like home.
“Their rooms are small, so they like stuff that they can use personally,” Pettus explained. “They like little stuff that bring life to their room.”
Pettus said gifts like picture frames and plants would fit that bill. Smith also advised bringing bookmarks, pendants and religious pamphlets for residents.
A decorative ribbon can serve a dual purpose for nursing home residents, Smith said. She explained that a pretty ribbon could be seasonal, but would also help a resident find their room if they have trouble identifying it.
Smith said some female residents primp every morning and would love to receive make up and lip gloss.
“Anything that makes a girl feel pretty, that’s what they like to do, too,” she said.
She also said you can never have too many comb and brush sets.
“Think of your own home, when your kids are always looking for combs and brushes,” Smith said.
Edible treats are also popular at Woodland Village. Smith said soft, sugar-free candies are a safe bet and that snack cakes are a big hit.
“Whatever the variety may be at the grocery store, they always love the Little Debbie snack cakes,” she said.
At Morningside, gift cards to department stores and restaurants have proven popular, Skinner said. Another favorite gift has been bags that a women’s group made to hang on residents’ walkers.
“That was very appreciated by our residents because when you’re on a walker, your hands are busy,” Skinner said. “It’s really a fall risk, quite honestly, if you’re trying to walk and hold something.”
But Skinner, whose parents are seniors, said there’s a gift better than what you can purchase in stores.
“You need to spend time with them and not just buy them something for the sake of buying them something,” she said. “They’d rather have you come and spend an afternoon with them than send something in the mail or drop something off and then leave. The time spent means a lot more than something that’s going to collect dust.”