Here are a few ideas for the shut-in on your list, that care home dweller who seemingly needs nothing.
Buy some cards that say "Best wishes in the New Year" or "Wishing you health and happiness in the New Year" and write a little something in them on behalf of your loved one and mail them off to friends and family. Obtain their address book and buy some stamps and write something cheery before posting.
An alternate to this is preparing a letter on your computer and printing off some copies to mail. Get creative and tell those near and far about the view from the window, the carolers who stopped by, the concerts that have been held at the care home, and the cute little kindergarten kids who came in for a visit. If you want, you can copy my template found below.
If your golden oldie is still able to sign their name, get them to do that on the bottom. It will make them feel like they can give it their personal touch.
Night lights make a good gift. One year I purchased some winter themed night lights and put them in the bathroom and near the door for a couple of people. As well, I bought some static plastic peel stickers for a friend's windows and decorated near the bed for them and on the mirror.
Marmalade and special jams still make a good gift even if they don't have their own kitchen and don't make their own toast. The care aids will put your loved one's name on the lid and will give them a special serving every morning.
Shiny tissue boxes make a room look brighter and this time of year there are dozens of Kleenex and Royale brands that have fun winter themed decorations on the packages.
You can make your own flower arrangements if you have time. Red and white carnations come at an inexpensive price and putting them in a vase or dish with some greenery you nabbed from the neighbour's place (just joking!) as well as a candy cane and a tree ornament thrown into the mix can really bring cheer. Keep in mind that there will not be much room on their bedside table so the arrangement should be fairly small. If you don't live in the same town, you can always have FTD send a small bouquet. Flowers (unscented) never lose their appeal. Gentlemen like flowers too!
If there's a dry erase board or a bulletin board in the room, perhaps decorating it for them would be a nice gift. Photos of family, Christmas cards, poetry, etc. would be a lovely thing to look at for those who must remain in bed for long periods of time.
Some folks like massage and some don't. Ask them if they'd like a student from the massage school to visit them. Bedside visits from massage therapists are very reasonably priced gifts that are practical and personal. Or, you yourself might want to give a scalp massage, a foot massage, a hand massage as a gift. Bring your own mildly scented cream and gently proceed to work your magic. Obviously granny won't want her newly styled hair-do to be messed up, so check before you give her a massage or a brushing!
CDs with their favorite type of music are a good purchase, but why not consider engaging a music therapist to come on a weekly visit to sing with them? Call your local conservatory of music or music school and see if they offer that service.
Chocolates (for those who don't have swallowing difficulties) still rule as one of the number one gifts. Check with the RN on duty before you purchase candy or chocolate as the person might be diabetic. There are some really good diabetic chocolates out there though if they are allowed to partake. Most people do well with an inner core of heavenly cream filled chocolates,but stay away from purchasing toffees, anything too chewy, or nuts. If their bed isn't in an upright position or if the teeth aren't in good condition, chocolates with nuts can be a choking hazard!
A small bed-side TV would be good for anyone who still enjoys and can follow t.v. and can be picked up for less than $100 at some retail outlets. Flat screens are made for small spaces these days!
Digital photo frames are a wonderful piece of technology that make people feel connected and loved. You load some favorite pics onto the unit and leave it scrolling through dozens of memories providing hours of enjoyment.
Get creative, don't stress, there's still time to make this happen. One final note: the care aids and nurses, activity aids, and others who provide support for your loved one, will not refuse a small gift of appreciation. You can leave a box of mandarin oranges, shortbread cookies, or an assortment of teas for all to enjoy in the staff room or nursing station. If you have special people you want to thank, gift cards for different coffee houses, department stores and movie theaters are sure to be used and appreciated.
Now, as promised above...
Here's my sample letter for those of you who just can't think of what to write:
Dear Ones,
This year had its challenges with health problems but you know me, I am never one to complain (:
I have a ________view of ________ from my room/bed. I am in a private/shared room and it is _______.
The staff here are ____________ and I think they are ____________! The meals are ________ and I particularly enjoy/dislike the ____________.
We are allowed/not allowed to have pets so I have ___________ as a companion. Recently I had visits from __________ and ____________.
They throw some pretty good parties and concerts here and as I am not blind/deaf, I have had the good pleasure of ______________.
I went on an outing recently to _________________ and saw____________.
On my birthday, I __________________. For Thanksgiving, I _______________(insert: can't remember?)
This holiday season I send lots of _______________ to you and yours. I hope that this finds you in good spirits and ________________.
Additional info:
Yours,
Granny Garbanzo
