10 Gift Ideas for Seniors in Retirement Communities This Christmas
Published on December 18, 2020
Christmas is going to be very different this year. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, retirement communities aren’t able to allow typical visitation or family get-togethers. That means a lot of seniors are going to be physically alone this holiday season, when many are already feeling isolated. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still find creative ways make the holidays a little brighter for your loved ones living in retirement communities.
Keeping in mind that their space is limited, here are 10 great Christmas gift ideas for seniors that are sure to make this holiday season festive.
1.Family Videos or a Photo Slideshow
Like all of us, older adults want nothing more than to spend the holidays with their loved ones. Since that’s not recommended this year for seniors living in retirement communities, family videos and photo slideshows are valuable mementos that will help remind them of their loving families. Including a special note full of warm regards is a great accompaniment to this gift that they’re sure to cherish.
2. Useful Tech Gadgets
Tech gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and other devices are a great way to help your loved one pass the time and maintain communication with family and friends who may not be able to visit this holiday season. Seniors can also spend time learning how to use new technology, which is great for increasing their technical knowledge and mental stimulation.
3. CDs with Their Favourite Music
Music is the great unifier. It has the power to remind us of happy moments throughout our lives. Whether they prefer classical music, contemporary songs, or the hits of yesteryear, listening to their favourite music during the holidays is sure to always put a smile on their face!
4. Customized Calendars Containing Family Photos
Calendars are a great practical gift to help your senior loved one keep track of the days and keep track of their appointments. But they can also be a fun opportunity to get creative. Customized calendars can include fun photos of friends and family as well as reminders of special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. This is a great way to remind your loved one of the good times you’ve shared together over the years. You can also send them themed calendars that showcase images of their favourite animals.
5. Fitness Items and Equipment
To help your elderly loved one stay fit and healthy, try sending them some easy-to-use exercise equipment and videos. Especially in lockdown, it’s important for seniors to maintain an active lifestyle as much as possible.
To motivate your loved one to stay active, you could even set up video calls where you both do the exercises together, so that they have some assistance with correct form. This will also encourage them to maintain a steady workout schedule and reduce the risk of injury while allowing you to spend some quality time with your loved one.
6. Their Favourite Home-Cooked Dishes
Retirement community food is delicious and nutritious, but perhaps your loved one has a favourite dish that only you or your relatives make “the right way”. If there is a specific Christmas or holiday-themed dish that your loved one enjoys, try to see if you can make it for them this year. Check in with the retirement community administrators to see if you can arrange to have the dish sent to your loved one or do a curbside drop-off at the front of their residence.
7. Holiday-Themed Air Fresheners and Essential Oils
Find out what your elderly loved one’s favourite scent is and see if you can find the matching essential oil for it. Essential oils often promote feelings of happiness and tranquility, especially during particularly stressful periods. Holiday-themed air fresheners and essential oils that smell like cinnamon and nutmeg can make your loved one feel warm and cozy while releasing delicious scents throughout your loved one’s living space.
8. Comfortable Footwear and Warm Socks
During the winter months, it’s important that seniors have a comfortable pair of shoes or slippers to wear when lounging in their suite. Warm socks are also a must-have. After all, you can never have too many pairs of shoes or socks! If it’s been a while since your elderly loved one has treated themselves to new footwear, consider purchasing something in their size and favourite colour as a nice gesture.
9. Cosmetic Sets
Proper skincare is essential. Plus, it’s nice to get dolled up every once in a while even if you don’t have anywhere to go or if it’s just for a video chat with friends and family. If your senior loved one enjoys wearing makeup and pampering themselves, gifting them with some of their favourite beauty products will help boost their confidence and make them feel like a million bucks!
10. A Convenient Moving Cart
A mobile storage cart is perfect for storing and organizing toiletries, cosmetics, knick-knacks, medications, and other supplies. This is a practical and thoughtful Christmas gift idea that your senior loved one will truly appreciate because they can easily move it around from one area of their living space to another as needed.
Christmas at V!VA Retirement Communities
The holidays are one of our favourite times of the year at V!VA Retirement Communities. We realize this year is going to be quite different and are making sure to follow all COVID-19 restrictions and protocols to help keep your elderly loved ones safe and healthy. Our goal is to not only provide our Community Members with a safe space to live, but also a trustworthy environment where they can build meaningful friendships.
We care about our seniors and that is reflected in the care provided by our Team Members. Our Team Members are working round-the-clock to provide excellent compassionate care to your loved ones when they need it the most.
To learn more about what makes us different or to find out if V!VA Retirement Communities is right for you or your loved one, e-mail us at info@vivalife.ca or call us at 1-888-984-8482.
