What can I send to someone in a nursing home? A guide to thoughtful gifts and care packages

According to a study published in the journal Geriatric Nursing, thoughtful and personalized gifts can significantly improve the emotional well-being and reduce feelings of loneliness in nursing home residents. This comprehensive guide explores what can I send to someone in a nursing home to show love and support, offering ideas tailored to various needs and interests.

Quick Summary

Selecting gifts for a loved one in a nursing home involves considering their limited space, personal interests, and mobility. Thoughtful options range from comfort-focused items like blankets and slippers to engaging activities such as puzzles and digital photo frames. Practical items, personalized keepsakes, and homemade treats are also excellent choices for showing you care.

Key Points

• Prioritize the Personal: Personalized gifts, like a digital photo frame pre-loaded with family photos, have a significant positive impact on a resident's emotional well-being by creating a sense of connection and belonging.

• Focus on Comfort and Safety: Cozy blankets, non-slip socks, and ergonomic pillows are practical gifts that enhance a resident's physical comfort and help prevent accidents, making their living space feel more like home.

• Encourage Engagement: Gifts like large-print puzzle books, audiobooks, and craft supplies provide vital mental stimulation and a productive way to pass the time, combating boredom and cognitive decline.

• Consider Daily Living Aids: Practical items such as adaptive clothing with easy-to-use fasteners or an armchair caddy for storing essentials can help seniors maintain their independence and dignity.

• Check Facility Policies: Always communicate with nursing home staff to verify rules on outside food, scents, or electrical devices before sending gifts, especially consumables or items that could pose a safety risk.

• Give the Gift of Time: Above all, your time and attention are the most cherished gifts. Regularly scheduled visits, phone calls, or video chats can provide immense joy and comfort.

Personalized and Sentimental Gifts

Personalized gifts are often the most cherished because they evoke positive memories and reinforce the deep connection you share. They remind your loved one they are valued and not forgotten.

• Digital Photo Frame: Pre-load a digital frame with family photos, allowing your loved one to enjoy a slideshow of cherished memories without taking up much space. Many frames allow family members to upload new photos remotely via an app, providing a continuous stream of new memories.
• Memory Book or Scrapbook: Create a photo album or scrapbook filled with pictures from significant life events, holidays, and family gatherings. Include small captions to prompt memories and conversations during your visits.
• Personalized Calendar: A custom wall calendar with large print for the dates and different family photos for each month can be both a practical tool and a constant source of joy.
• Handwritten Letters: Don't underestimate the power of a handwritten letter. Regularly sending personal letters or postcards, perhaps from different family members, gives your loved one something tangible to look forward to and hold onto.

Gifts for Comfort and Coziness

Making a resident's room feel more like home is crucial for their mental and physical comfort. Cozy gifts can provide warmth and a sense of security.

• Cozy Blanket or Throw: A soft, lightweight fleece or knitted blanket can provide warmth during chilly evenings and is perfect for draping over their legs while sitting.
• Non-Slip Socks or Slippers: Safety is a priority. Soft, comfortable slippers with non-skid soles help prevent slips and falls, which are a major concern in nursing home environments.
• Ergonomic Pillows: A small, supportive pillow designed for lumbar support or neck comfort can make a big difference in a person who spends a lot of time in a chair or bed.
• Weighted Blanket: For those who experience anxiety or restlessness, a weighted blanket can provide a calming, comforting pressure.

Engaging Activities and Hobbies

Keeping the mind engaged and hands busy is vital for senior health. Gifts that cater to a resident's hobbies or introduce new ones can combat boredom and depression.

• Large-Print Books or Audiobooks: For avid readers with declining vision, large-print books are a perfect solution. An audiobook subscription is an excellent alternative for those who can no longer hold or focus on physical books. A simple, easy-to-operate audio player is a thoughtful inclusion.
• Puzzles and Games: Jigsaw puzzles with large pieces are great for dexterity and mental stimulation. Card games or board games can be enjoyed with visitors or other residents. Look for versions with larger print or pieces.
• Craft Supplies: For the creative resident, a basket of craft supplies like adult coloring books with colored pencils, knitting or crochet kits, or simple painting supplies can be a wonderful distraction.
• Bird Feeder: A window-mounted bird feeder provides a constant source of entertainment and a connection to nature for someone who spends a lot of time indoors.

Practical and Daily Living Aids

Sometimes, the most appreciated gifts are those that simply make daily life easier and more comfortable.

• Adaptive Clothing: Clothing with easy closures like Velcro or magnetic buttons can help seniors maintain independence and dignity, making it easier to get dressed without assistance.
• Armchair Caddy: An organizer that drapes over the arm of a chair, perfect for holding glasses, a remote, and reading materials, keeps essentials within easy reach.
• High-Quality Toiletries: A gift basket with their favorite high-quality, unscented lotions, body washes, and lip balms can make personal care feel more luxurious. Always check with the facility first regarding any scent policies.
• Digital Clock with Date: A simple, large-display digital clock that shows the day of the week and date can help residents keep track of time and reduce confusion.

Comparison of Memory Gifts: Photo Album vs. Digital Frame

Feature	Traditional Photo Album	Digital Photo Frame
Space	Requires shelf or table space; one album for each set of photos.	Takes up very little space; one device holds thousands of photos.
Convenience	Requires physical handling and page-turning; can be heavy for some.	Easy to view with a simple click or automatic rotation; no heavy lifting.
Updates	Requires printing and physical placement of new photos.	Can be updated remotely by family members with new pictures.
User Experience	A tactile, sensory experience for those who prefer physical objects.	Modern, accessible technology for those comfortable with gadgets.
Cost	Varies depending on album size and number of photos printed.	Higher initial cost, but cheaper over time than frequent photo printing.

Care Packages and Consumables

Food and treats can be wonderful gifts, but always check for dietary restrictions and facility rules regarding outside food.

• Favorite Snacks: A basket of favorite non-perishable snacks like crackers, individually wrapped chocolates, or dried fruit can be a perfect treat.
• Tea or Coffee Set: A gift basket with a variety of their favorite teas or instant coffee packets, along with a special mug, can be a comforting ritual.
• Restaurant Gift Cards: If your loved one is able to go on outings, a gift card to their favorite restaurant allows them to enjoy a special meal with family. Be sure to coordinate with staff.

Don't Forget the Gift of Time

Ultimately, the most valuable gift you can send is your time. Plan a special outing, have a dedicated conversation, or simply sit and reminisce. For more ideas on engaging seniors, see this comprehensive guide from a trusted source: U.S. News & World Report.

Conclusion

Deciding what to send to someone in a nursing home is a chance to show your love and support. Whether you choose a personalized photo frame to keep memories close, a cozy blanket for comfort, or a basket of their favorite snacks, the best gift is one that is thoughtful and meaningful to them. Always consider their physical and emotional needs, consult with staff about any restrictions, and prioritize items that will genuinely enhance their daily life. Remember that your attention and time are the most priceless gifts of all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I avoid sending to someone in a nursing home?

Avoid sending items that take up too much space, require complex maintenance, or violate facility rules. Examples include large pieces of furniture, excessive clutter-causing decorations, extension cords (tripping hazard), and electric blankets or heaters (fire risk). Expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash are also best avoided for security reasons.

How can I personalize a gift for a senior with limited mobility?

For those with limited mobility, consider gifts that can be enjoyed from a seated position, like a digital photo frame that can be updated remotely, a pre-loaded music player with favorite songs, or a tablet with simple games and apps. An armchair caddy is a great way to keep everything close at hand.

Can I send food or snacks to a nursing home resident?

Yes, but you must first check with the nursing home staff about any dietary restrictions or policies regarding outside food. Many residents have specific health needs, such as diabetes or swallowing difficulties. If permitted, opt for non-perishable favorites like individually wrapped chocolates, gourmet cookies, or healthy dried fruit.

What are some good gift ideas for a resident with dementia?

For residents with dementia, prioritize gifts that provide sensory stimulation and comfort. Good options include tactile toys, weighted blankets, personalized playlists of music from their youth, or memory boxes filled with familiar objects. Interactive pet-like plush toys can also provide a sense of comfort and companionship.

Are gift subscriptions a good idea for a nursing home resident?

Yes, subscription-based gifts are a great way to provide an ongoing sense of delight. Consider subscriptions for large-print magazines, audiobooks, or even a monthly curated box of snacks or teas. This provides a regular reminder that you are thinking of them.

What if my loved one has limited space in their room?

If space is an issue, focus on compact and multi-functional gifts. Digital photo frames, subscription services (magazines, audiobooks), and items that can be stored easily, like a small armchair caddy or a lightweight blanket, are excellent choices. Consumables are also ideal as they don't take up permanent space.

How can I involve grandchildren in sending a gift?

Children can create a personalized calendar with their artwork, contribute to a scrapbook, or record a video message to be put on a digital frame. Another option is to have them help assemble a care package with a handwritten card and drawings included.