Nursing home residents like to receive gifts. Just because a person is living in a nursing home does not mean they should not receive birthday, holiday, or gifts of appreciation and love. However, what kind of gift do you give a nursing home resident?
Those living in a nursing have different needs than those living in their own homes. They also have extremely limited space. There are still numerous gift ideas for nursing home residents. Think of giving something useful, as well as practical. Some possible gift ideas for nursing home residents include:
- Gift Certificates - If the nursing home resident has the ability to leave the nursing home, a gift certificate may be the perfect idea. Generic gift certificates are best. With a generic gift certificate, the nursing home resident can choose what they would like to purchase with the gift certificate, instead of limiting them to one purchase or activity. For example, a restaurant gift certificate is only good for eating at that particular restaurant. But, a credit card gift certificate is good for anything the resident desires.
- Writing Supplies - A nursing home resident is unable to run to the store for postage stamps, greeting cards, stationery, note cards, paper, pens, or pencils. Someone who enjoys sending cards to friends and writing letters to loved ones may find this to be a beloved gift. The ability to stay in touch with friends and family is a priceless gift. Make sure the nursing home resident has an updated address book with the correct addresses of all friends and family members.
- Books, Magazines, and Puzzle Books - If your loved one adores reading or solving puzzles, books, magazines, or puzzle books may be the perfect gift. They do not take up much space and once enjoyed are easily gotten rid of.
- Gift Baskets - Gift baskets are exciting gifts filled with numerous items. A nursing home resident may appreciate a gift basket full of fun and useful items such as a hand mirror, comb, brush, perfume, lip balm, make-up, moisturizer, socks, underwear, slippers, pajamas, sweaters, and more.
- Snack Basket - Before giving a gift basket containing food or snacks, consult the nursing home dietician about your loved one's diet. If on a restricted diet, consider getting approval for a gift basket full of appropriate foods.
- Scrapbooks and Photo Albums - A scrapbook or photo album will be a treasured gift. Nursing home residents adore reminiscing about happy days gone by. Include photographs in your own collection and put out the call to friends and family for copies of their pictures. Consider adding personal notes from cherished friends and family members appearing in the photo album.