Finding the Perfect Gift: Comprehensive Care’s 2021 Gift Guide for Seniors
Christmas time is here! With the holiday fast approaching, we know you are busy purchasing the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Well, we have some great news for you! Our Comprehensive Care team is here to provide you with some great gift ideas for the seniors in your life. Sit back, relax, and take notes because we think your loved ones will love these gift ideas.
Give the Gift of Smart Devices
We are huge supporters of senior independence, however, we understand that not being able to be with your older loved ones 24/7 can be scary. There are many smart devices on the market that can help provide both caregivers and seniors aging in place with peace of mind. From home security systems to smart plugs that can be set on timers to voice assistants, there are many devices on the market to choose from. At Comprehensive Care, we also understand that some people do not feel comfortable having smart devices in their homes. The New York Times put together a guide to help caregivers and seniors navigate the world of smart devices. For their guide, they consulted a number of experts, including doctors, and put together a list of products they recommend. We suggest using this guide to help address any concerns and answer any questions you may have. At the end of the day, you and your loved one can decide if a smart device is right for you. Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/smart-home-for-seniors/
Give the Gift of Home Improvements
According to an AARP survey, 3 out of 4 people over 50 want to continue living in their homes. The only issue is that many homes were not built with seniors in mind. This is why we have included home improvement projects in our gift guide. Earlier this year, we published a blog featuring a number of ways you can make your loved one’s homes safer for them as they age. We included ideas like widening doorways and upgrading their shower or bathtub for easy access. Check out our full blog for additional ideas and more information: https://comprehensivecare.org/our-blog/making-home-safe
Give the Gift of Staying in Touch
Being able to easily get in touch with your older loved one is important. Smartphones are great for tech-savvy seniors who love having gadgets, however, not every senior needs all the bells and whistles of a smartphone. Jitterbug phones are great because they are made specifically for seniors. These phones feature large buttons and can connect to your loved one’s hearing aids via Bluetooth. Each phone also includes an urgent response button so your loved one can get help fast if they have an emergency.
Gift the Gift of a Trip Down Memory Lane
The gift of time is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Take your older loved one on a trip down memory lane this year. Grab the family and visit the places that hold special memories for them. Maybe it is their childhood home or the fishing hole where they spent hours with their friends. Listen to their stories and take lots of photos that you can hold onto forever. We can guarantee that this will be a treasured memory for the entire family.
Finding a gift for a loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be difficult. However, we have found the perfect present that will also encourage them to reminise about earlier times in their lives! Relish 35 Piece Puzzles were made with memory care in mind. These puzzles feature images that were strategically selected to help start conversations.
Give the Gift of Comfort
Who doesn’t love a good blanket? We found two great options for seniors. During the winter months, many people deal with seasonal depression. This is where a weighted blanket comes in handy because it can help ease anxiety. Our tip is to make sure to get one that is not too heavy so that your loved one can easily remove it if they need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Heated blankets are another option to consider because they help with circulation, arthritis, and joint pain. Plus, they’ll keep your loved one warm during the winter months. Look for one that has multiple heat settings and turns off on its own.
Give the Gift of Peace of Mind
When our loved ones get older, we always get concerned about them falling. Give the gift of peace of mind by giving your older loved ones comfy slippers. Look for a pair that is not only comfortable to wear but is also labeled as being non-slip. If your loved one isn’t a big fan of slippers, you can get him or her gripper socks instead.
Give the Gift of Warm Coffee (or Tea)
Does your loved one spend several hours enjoying one cup of coffee or tea… even if it gets cold? We have a solution! The Ember Temperature Control Mug will keep their beverage nice and warm for hours. What’s even better is knowing that the mug senses when to turn on and off, so you don’t have to worry about your loved one forgetting to turn it off when they’re finished with their cup of coffee. The mug’s temperature can be controlled with an app, but it also works without the app.
Give the Gift of Hours of Priceless Entertainment
If your loved one enjoys watching birds in the spring and summer, consider getting him or her a window bird feeder. This way they can sit in their favorite spot and enjoy hours of priceless entertainment as birds visit the feeder.
Give the Gift of Delicious Food
You can never go wrong with a gift card to your loved one’s favorite restaurant! If your older family member doesn’t like to get out much, then surprise them with a special delivery from a service like DoorDash or Grubhub.
Give the Gift of Fun!
Activity books and adult coloring books make great gifts for seniors. Plus, they are both good for brain health. We found a great gift set that contains puzzle books, coloring books, colored pencils, and even playing cards that will keep your loved one entertained for days.
For crossword puzzle lovers, in particular, we suggest giving the gift of a crossword puzzle book subscription! This way your loved one will never run out of puzzles to solve.
If your loved one is an avid reader, then check out Book of the Month. Each month they will receive a new book to enjoy.
Give the Gift of Comprehensive Care
Our teams in Chattanooga and Nashville are always here to help. We have a passion for providing seniors with companionship and supporting them as they age. Our team can help with a large variety of tasks including housekeeping, meal preparation, and taking seniors to appointments. We also have caregivers who specialize in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Give us a call at 888-365-7539 to learn more about how we can support your family.