Holiday Gifts for Grandparents

Question: With the Holiday Season quickly approaching, what are some ideas to give my grandparents as gifts. I always feel like they already have everything they need.

Answer: Seniors always treasure the gift of time with you, which is priceless. Taking them out for lunch, letting them join you on a short vacation or even a simple visit to share your thoughts. These are the most sought-after gifts you can give your grandparents.

Too often we get wrapped up in the chaos of our own lives, that we forget that they are still living out the rest of theirs. One day, you will want to reach out to them, but it will be too late. Make sure to be an important part of their lives while they are still here.

If you are running out of things to talk about, bring a box of old pictures so that you can both reminisce. You will be surprised at the new information you will learn about your family history when you stir up those old memories. Make sure to bring a recorder with you so that you can document the history of your family.

Write your grandparents a handwritten letter. With technology, our first thought is to call, facetime or email them, but after the conversation is over or the email is read, they have nothing to hold on to. When you write a letter in your own personal handwriting, they will cherish it and reread it repeatedly. The letter will become a treasure!

Seniors feel special when you take the time to sit down and put your thoughts down on paper. They are "old school." Back in the days of their youth, they would handwrite thank you cards and correspondence. Sending a picture in the letter will add that little touch of love that is magical. Taking time out of your day to make them feel remembered and special means everything to them.

If you are looking for gifts that can be opened by your grandparents, there are many to choose from. A favorite for both men and women is the large button cardigan sweater. As we age, it becomes more difficult to regulate our body temperature, so a comfy sweater that is easy to button up and has pockets, is always nice to have.

Slippers and socks also help in regulating warmth. Make sure that the slippers are not the slip-in type, those can fall off easily and be a fall risk if they step back and the slipper falls off their foot. Make sure slippers have high sturdy backs on them.

Picture albums filled with family photos are wonderful additions to your grandparents’ reading collection. Insert a collection of photos of your family and any photos that you took with your grandparents and your family. They will cherish that album forever.

Gift baskets filled with a box of greeting and birthday cards, pen sets, and stamps are also convenient gifts that they will be able to use throughout the year, eliminating the time and hassle of having them shop for them. You can also put together a gift basket filled with hygiene and beauty items. Moisturizers, perfume, cologne, fingernail clippers /files, soaps and sachets always make them feel special. It will mean so much that you took the time to gather those items, just for them.

Gift certificates or gift cards for groceries, hair salons, housekeeping, pedicures, manicures and restaurant delivery will make them feel pampered and it will take some financial burdens off them.

Most of all, seniors treasure the gift of your time and companionship. Make sure that they still feel included in your life and the life of your family, throughout the year. This is the ultimate gift that you can give!

Question: I checked into moving my mother into an Assisted Living Community because I want her to be with people her own age. It costs a lot more than a regular apartment. Why is that?

Answer: Assisted Living communities are a lot more than just an apartment to rent. Assisted Livings are more costly due to the amenities they have to offer. They have to pay caregivers 24 hours a day and most have a licensed nurse on staff to tend to any of their residents’ emergency or care needs. They also provide meals so that residents do not have to shop or cook for themselves. Utilities such as trash, water and electricity are included with the rent along with housekeeping and cable services. Many of the assisted livings also provide transportation for their residents so they no longer have to concern themselves with driving to doctor or banking appointments.

Assisted livings are a fraction of the cost of in-home care and they provide food, utilities, transportation, activities and the safety net of care 24/7. Instead of having just one caregiver at home for in-home care, there is a team available to help your mother all the time. You will never have to worry about a caregiver calling in sick and your mother being without someone there for her.

There are many options of assisted living in our community. None of them are the same, so I recommend not just going to one of them but checking them all out to see which one is the best fit for your mother.

If your mother cannot afford any of them (they are private pay), then I suggest moving her into the home of a family member who is able to watch over her. It is going to take a village to help, so see if you can reach out to those in your church or even neighbors to help to give the caregiver a break.

Make sure you are utilizing the Senior Center in your area throughout the day, so she can socialize, exercise and enjoy activities with people her own age. Socialization stimulates the brain and body. It will also help to combat the loneliness she is most likely experiencing. Most Senior Centers are open from 10:00 to 4:00, Monday through Friday. Check with the Senior Center in your area for more information.

Kimberly Jensen has been working with Quail Park as a Senior Resource Advocate for over ten years and has helped hundreds of families find solutions to their senior problems. If you have a question, you can send it to her at KimberlyJ@QPCypress.com or call (559) 737-7443.