Nothing is normal these days with coronavirus surging, and that includes the holidays and holiday shopping. We’ve been advised to restrict visits to our senior loved ones and the number of people we can safely host over the holidays…preferably, outdoors.
So, what can we do to brighten the holidays for seniors as we wait for approved vaccines and overcome this pandemic? I have found some great holiday gift ideas for seniors during COVID, to brighten their days and bring them some much-needed joy! These are gifts that are thoughtful, helpful and beneficial in improving your senior loved one’s quality of life over the holidays and overall. To avoid potentially large crowds on Black Friday, these gifts can be ordered safely online.
Gifts of Technology
ViewClix Smart Frame – Smart picture frames display digital photos and feature video calling with an auto-answer option, so aging adults don’t need to do anything to receive a video call.This is especially beneficial for seniors with dementia, or those unable to physically answer a call.
Amazon Echo Show, Echo Dot, Echo “Alexa” – This is essentially an Alexa personal assistant with a video screen. For auto-answer, simply activate the “drop-in” feature.
GreatCall Lively Flip and Jitterbug Smart2 Mobile Phones – These phones are very easy to use and have large screens and big buttons, are hearing aid compatible and include additional safety features, like 5-Star Urgent Response.
Direct Link Monitoring System - Direct Link systems are monitored 24/7, by a CSAA 5-Diamond Certified Care Center, allowing you or your loved one a way to reach out to a live person with the simple touch of a button, anytime, day or night.
GrandPad Tablet – This tablet is an easy-to-use, secure tablet for seniors to begin video-chatting and sharing memories with family and friends anywhere in the world.
Claris Companion Tablet – This tablet allows seniors to enjoy photos, video chat and browse the internet, with no set-up required.
Celery 2-way Computerless Email System – This low-tech system allows seniors to keep in touch through email without having to own or know how to use a computer. Plus, they don’t even need an internet connection to use it.
Keepsake Gifts
Custom Photo Album – Display special photos or memorabilia for seniors to peruse and reminisce anytime they want. For seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, consider creating a custom book with simple text with photos or images they will enjoy.
Custom Photo Calendar – Use a different family photo for each month, and seniors will look forward to seeing their loved ones’ smiling faces as they keep track of special days and appointments.
Custom Photo Blanket – Even in Florida, seniors can feel a chill from time to time. Keep them cozy and warm with a blanket designed with a special family photo. This is also great for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Custom Photo Puzzle – Use a family photo at a special place or with important meaning to create a fun puzzle seniors can assemble time and again to pass the time.
Digital Photo Frames – These are a great way for seniors to view multiple family photos, and some have capabilities to upload new photos from an email account or through a mobile app.
Gifts for Entertainment & Engagement
Music – Create a special song list with favorite senior tunes, or purchase albums, CD’s or concert DVD’s for their listening a viewing enjoyment.
Portable Cassette/CD Music Player or Stereo - Music won’t do much good if seniors do not have any way to play it! Consider a portable boombox or stereo so they can play tunes whenever their heart desires. If vision impairment is a consideration, put colored stickers on important buttons like “Play” and “Stop.”
Large-Print or Jumbo Playing Cards – Whether they play solitaire or concentration, there are many fun card games seniors can play alone or with family and friends.
Gifts to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Weighted Blankets – These have become a hot commodity since they are scientifically proven to relieve stress and anxiety. They are quite beneficial for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, or for people who have difficulty sleeping or just want to feel more relaxed.
Heated Throw – This electric blanket keeps seniors cozy and warm, while easing aches and pains.
Heavyweight Wheelchair Lap Blanket – This cozy blanket helps keep knees warm and conveniently attaches to a wheelchair.
Gifts to Make Life Easier
Motion Activated Stick Anywhere LED Lights – These are great for automatically lighting dark corners, hallways, closets or cabinets. They can also prevent falls by illuminating pathways where lamps or other lighting is unavailable.
NOVA Cup Holder for Rollator or Wheelchair – Keep seniors ambulatory and hydrated with a convenient cup holder for their rollator or wheelchair.
Walker Caddy/Tote Bag – These are a stylish way for seniors using walkers to carry essentials while moving about.
Smooth Touch Can Opener – If arthritis is a problem, an automatic can opener that is easy to operate eliminates struggles with manual can openers and requires finger or hand strength.
ComfiLife Gel & Memory Foam Seat Cushion – A gel and memory foam seat cushion makes sitting more comfortable for seniors and reduces the risk of pressure sores.
Automatic Jar Opener – For seniors with arthritis or weak hand grips, these open a variety of jar sizes without the need for strength.
Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush – Brushing is more thorough and much easier with an electric toothbrush. It will improve dental health and eliminate strain to hands, wrists and arms.
Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 – This high-quality, cordless, rechargeable wet/dry electric shaver provides a safe, clean, comfortable shave anytime, anywhere.
In-Home Care Services - Now, more than ever, seniors with physical and mental health conditions should remain safe and healthier in their homes to avoid being contaminated with the virus. As a non-medical, in-home care provider in the Clearwater area for more than ten years, Home Helpers® employs highly-skilled and compassionate caregivers to serve and help protect seniors in need of assistance.
Home Helpers® caregivers are exceptionally-trained to provide many types of services, including but not limited to:
- Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care
- Companion Care
- Homemaker Services
- Meals & Nutrition
- Personal Care
- Recuperative Care
- Respite Care
- Support & Stroke Recovery
- Wake-up/Tuck-in
- Wellness Calls
If you are concerned about COVID-19, I understand. Please read more about the specialized training our staff has received and Home Helpers® official COVID-19 response to this public health crisis. Rest assured, a compassionate Home Helpers® caregiver can help you or your senior loved one stay healthier at home. I am available to schedule a FREE Consultation, at your convenience, to assess specific needs, and find the perfect caregiver match! Call me today for more information: 727.942.2539.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award for 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020. We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey, Trinity, Port Richey, Hudson and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier℠
Source:
Daily Caring
