Senior Citizen Gift Ideas - from one who knows!
Ranked #12 in Healthy Living, #185 overall
Gift ideas for senior citizens - perfect for Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day or Birthday gifts!
Over the past 4 1/2 years that I've had my now 95 year old mother living with me and I've become a full time caregiver, I've scratched my head many times to come up with gift ideas for a senior citizen. And, every time Christmas, a birthday, Mother's Day, or Chanukah comes around, I've always been cognizant of picking just the "right" gift. And, if I do say so myself, I'm getting pretty good at it.
One of the challenges of buying gifts for senior citizens is to figure out what they don't already have but still need or, at least, can use. In my Mom's case, she's got all the creature comforts - including 8 creatures (6 dogs, one confused cat and one even more confused bird). So, finding things to delight her on Christmas, Channukah, birthdays, Mother's Day, or any other day of the year was difficult.
The below items seem to fit the bill fairly well. And, they have my mom's arthritic thumbs up in rating!
The photo attached is my darling father being a great sport with a red hat I bought in Arizona.
Update March 10, 2012: I ran across this excellent Squidoo article Kitchen tools and gadgets for senior citizens. There's some really innovative ideas here so give it a read.
Update May 21, 2012: I just started a companion article to this one - Gifts for the senior citizen cook. I'm still working on it, but there are some good items on that article which you might not think about. Go give it a read too!
One of the challenges of buying gifts for senior citizens is to figure out what they don't already have but still need or, at least, can use. In my Mom's case, she's got all the creature comforts - including 8 creatures (6 dogs, one confused cat and one even more confused bird). So, finding things to delight her on Christmas, Channukah, birthdays, Mother's Day, or any other day of the year was difficult.
The below items seem to fit the bill fairly well. And, they have my mom's arthritic thumbs up in rating!
The photo attached is my darling father being a great sport with a red hat I bought in Arizona.
Update March 10, 2012: I ran across this excellent Squidoo article Kitchen tools and gadgets for senior citizens. There's some really innovative ideas here so give it a read.
Update May 21, 2012: I just started a companion article to this one - Gifts for the senior citizen cook. I'm still working on it, but there are some good items on that article which you might not think about. Go give it a read too!
If you have an elderly father or grandfather, there's plenty of great gifts on this Squidoo article. Just to be safe though, order early so your Father's Day present will be in your hands on time.
Countdown to Countdown to Father's Day
Countdown to Father's Day: June 17, 2012
Photo Phones are a seriously good gift for a senior citizen
I wish I'd thought of this! A photo phone allows a senior citizen to see a picture of a loved one on the speed dial instead of just seeing a number. Even those with Alzheimer's may be able to recognize a face over a number. This is my favorite gift for a senior citizen ever.
"By the time a man is wise enough to watch his step, he's too old to go anywhere."
- Billy Crystal
Large button TV remote - a great gift for a senior citizen!
Let's see them lose THIS one!
Now, we're talkin'! A large button TV remote would be an excellent Mother's Day or Father's Day gift for that favorite senior citizen! How many times have you scurried around on all fours looking for the remote control your senior citizen friend has dropped...again? Well, look no more my friend. There's no way they can lose these huge remote controls. Now, they might die laughing but that's another problem...Click any picture to see details including pricing.
Large print keyboards for the elderly
With so many of our elderly loved ones exploring computers and the internet these days, there's some very nice large print keyboards on the market for those with failing eyesight. The yellow large print keyboards not be the prettiest things in the world but it's sure easy to see those keys!
Here's some very economic ways to make your own large print keyboard - stickers!
Keys-U-See Wireless Large Print Keyboard and Wireless Mouse Bundle Set
(Keys U See)
Visikey Large Print Keyboard for PC & Mac
Maxell 191046 Full Size Keyboard with Large Print Letters
(yellow)
Here's some very economic ways to make your own large print keyboard - stickers!
Glowing fluorescent Large Lettering English US keyboard sticker
For a practical gift
Check out this great blood pressure cuff.
I wish I'd thought to buy this blood pressure cuff when Mom needed it. I love the idea that there are color readouts for the different levels of blood pressure. I think this would be much easier for an elderly person to operate by themselves. I can just imagine calling and saying "what color is your blood pressure" instead of "what was you blood pressure"?
Ozeri CardioTech Premium Series Digital Blood Pressure Monitor with Color Alert Technology
Amazon Price: $59.95 (as of 05/31/2012)
This wrist cuff design is extremely accurate in reporting blood pressure. Stores 80 blood pressure reading for 2 separate people. This is a huge SCORE!
For the senior on the go, these USB memory drive necklaces can't be beat
A great way to share pictures and documents!
If you have a senior citizen in your life who is computer literate, a USB memory driver is a great way to share photographs or documents. The below are amongst the prettiest USB memory driver necklaces on the market. And, for even more choices, please visit my other Squidoo article: USB jewelry.
8GB Crystal Golden Colored Hurricane Style USB Flash Drive with Necklace
Any computer literate senior would love this gorgeous 8GB USB memory drive heart necklace
If the modern look of this lovely pink and silver heart doesn't thrill Grandma, there might not be anything that floats her boat. As useful as it is lovely, this 8GB USB memory driver is the perfect complement to any outfit. This USB driver works perfectly with Mac or PC computers which have a high speed port.
Click the link to see more information on this lovely USB jewelry: Crystal Diamond Heart Shape Jewelry USB Flash Drive with Necklace:8GB.
When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple...
When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple
with a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me...
This beautiful poem goes on to talk about the freedoms associated with aging - such as wearing whatever one wants, speaking whatever on things, etc. It's a large bow to aging gracefully and living life fully.
The Red Hat Society supports just that mission. The society was formed accidentally when a bunch of women over 50 decided to embrace life instead of sitting idly and watching life pass them by. They started going out to restaurants and holding meetings, all the time in full Red Hat regalia. Little did they know that in 5 short years, their whim idea would spark 40,000 chapters of the Red Hat Society worldwide.
If you have a beloved senior citizen why not purchase a red hat? Offer to take them to the Red Hat Meeting (if you're under 50, splurge on a lavender hat for yourself).
Another great gift is the poem by Jenny Joseph. Frame it and hang it on the wall so they heed the warning!
Please come read the lens I'm most proud of:
When death looms - the signs and symptoms of last moments on earth.
Removable large format wall calendar
I just found out about this great gift for a senior citizen the other day when I was trying to figure out scheduling for the caregivers I have for my Mom. I LOVE that these calendars are self-sticking and easily removable with no residue. The large size gives your senior citizen more space to write and, since it's erasable, it's a perpetual calendar. And, take a picture of each calendar at the end of the month before setting up a new one so that your senior citizen friend can refer back through the year.
ROOMMATES Dry Erase Calendar Peel & Stick Wall Decal
Brewster Wall Pops WPE94575 Peel & Stick White Board with Marker Monthly Calendar
Get a nice set of dry erase markers to go along with that great gift for a senior citizen
A good set of dry erase markers, an eraser, and dry erase spray will keep that calendar pristine for years to come. Here's some good ones on Amazon.com:
Board Dudes 2-in-1 Double-Sided Dry Erase Markers
How about decorating a wall with vinyl wall sayings?
I love the idea of sticking these vinyl wall sayings on the wall and mounting some pictures around them to give your elderly loved ones something to see every day. Get creative - add in grandchildren, friends, dogs, etc.
Click any saying to enlarge it and see pricing.
Click any saying to enlarge it and see pricing.
Walking canes can be a helpful and beautiful gift at the same time
If your favorite senior citizen is not quite ready for a walker or wheelchair, a beautiful, sturdy walker may be just the right Christmas, or birthday gift. Check out the below on Amazon.com for a good selection.
Lucite Cane
With Contour Grip Right Handle - ideal for arthritis sufferers
Walking cane With Contour Grip. Cherry stain Grey Right Handle,
Flashlight walking canes!
What a great Mother's Day, Father's Day or Christmas gift for a senior citizen
I sure wish I'd known about flashlight walking canes when my Dad used a cane to move around. I can think of a million times this would have come in handy; heck, at least we would have know where he was! Any senior citizen who uses a can would love one of these nifty inventions. You'll be the hit of that Christmas party when Dad unwraps his flashlight cane!
On the side of practical, how about a new walker?
I've recently taken more of an interest in my mom's walker, since it threw her and she fell. That's right, the back part of the walker got caught on an area rug and over she went. Thankfully, she was fine but, man, it only took one time for me to reassess her walker and her safety.
The below are some new articles I've written that might help you identify a new walker for your loved one.
The below are some new articles I've written that might help you identify a new walker for your loved one.
- Handicap walkers
- This is an overview article that discusses 2, 3 or 4 wheel handicap walkers.
- My product review of the Duro-Med Steel 3-Wheel Rollator
- This walker is idea for someone who doesn't need quite the stability that a 2 wheel walker (when it's tuned up!) may give.
- The Hugo Elite Rolling Walker
- The Hugo Elite Rolling Walker is pretty much the cream of the crop in 4 wheeled walkers.
- The drive medical transport chair
- This is the type of wheelchair I use for Mom. It's one of the lightest on the market as the back wheels are smaller - the sitter cannot roll this type of wheelchair alone. It's called a "companion chair" as there has to be a companion (Me!) to push it.
- The Duromed 2 button adjustable folding walker
- This is the walker my Mom uses. It's been great for 8 years now.
PIll dispensers
My mom was taking pills 3 times a day so it was very necessary for me to be organized and ready to go with her medications. I'd set up a 7 day pill dispenser every Sunday which gave me time to get refills before she ran out of medicine. I love the pill dispensers below and think they'd be excellent gifts for a stocking stuffer for Christmas, a present for Mother's Day or for Father's Day.
Med-e-lert Automatic Pill Dispenser 28 Day Single Dose / 7 Day 4 Times
White Lid-
It might not be the sexiest gift for a senior citizen
But a pill crusher sure comes in handy
During my Mom's last hospitalization for a broken hip, she was initially in so much pain that she was mostly unresponsive to my pleas to swallow pills. Enter the pill crusher (and applesauce). These pill crushers are much easier to use to crush pills than the two tablespoons I'd been using!
A pill crusher does just what it sounds like - it crushes almost any type of pill. Note: there are some pills that are very hard and very difficult to crush but it can still be done. Simply put the pills in the bottom cup, press down and crush with the top cup and voila! Pulverized pills.
A pill crusher does just what it sounds like - it crushes almost any type of pill. Note: there are some pills that are very hard and very difficult to crush but it can still be done. Simply put the pills in the bottom cup, press down and crush with the top cup and voila! Pulverized pills.
Ultra Pill Crusher (Pulverizer) By Apex Medical
Pill crushers on steroids
Pun intended....
The pill crushers above are fine for getting the job done, but the below pill crushers are even better. Beware, they'll set you back a pretty penny, but, if you're like me, the cost not as important as the ease of use. Check these out.
I don't care how old you are...
...Potholders are still a lot of fun to make!
Just because a senior citizen is elderly doesn't mean that he or she wouldn't love doing some sort of craft. And, crafts can easily occupy the mind and spark imagination that will amaze you. The below are all fun crafts that your favorite senior citizen may love as a gift.
Harrisville Designs Potholder - great for eye/hand coordination
Adult mealtime protectors
My niece turned me onto the adult bib idea when she walked in with a beautiful bib for my Mom. Prior to having our own official adult mealtime protector, I used to just tuck a dish towel under Mom's chin; the actual adult bibs are nicer as they fasten around the neck and won't slip down when that soup gets ready to dribble.
Although it might be a bit of a strange gift, your senior citizen friend (or his or her caregiver...) will love you for it. Below are my choices for the most basic adult bibs up to the most fun.
Although it might be a bit of a strange gift, your senior citizen friend (or his or her caregiver...) will love you for it. Below are my choices for the most basic adult bibs up to the most fun.
Black Adult Bib with Swarovski Crystal Neckline
Priva Waterproof Mealtime Protector, Floral
Duro-Med Mealtime Protector, Fancy Print Green
Frenchie Mini Couture Men's Waterproof Adult Bib, Black Tuxedo
Frenchie Mini Couture Ladies Waterproof Adult Bib, Black with White Pearl Embroidery
Since a lot of senior citizens spend a lot of time sitting, how about a lap desk?
I lap desk is not only a great place to put a laptop but it's also a very nice spot to rest a cup of coffee and a donut. My Mom used her lap desk when she was working on projects with me, like organizing pictures or weaving those pot holders I still love and use. Lap desks come in a thousand varieties these day and all of them are suitable to the elderly. Here's a few very good ones - click on the picture for more information:
LapGear Deluxe Computer LapDesk
One of the best gifts for a senior citizen I've found...
..A voice activated alarm clock!
I fell in love with this voice activated alarm clocks, especially since my Mom doesn't always know what time of day it is. All you have to do is give voice commands such as "what time is it" and this alarm clocks respond in a soothing voice with the time. The alarm can be set and even snooze can be activated all by voice commands. Reviewers love these things! This is the only voice activated alarm clock with 4 out of 5 stars.
iTalk Voice Activated Talking Alarm Clock
Amazon Price: $69.95 (as of 05/31/2012)
All you have to do to start voice commands is say "Hello iTalk" and you're on your way. Ask for the time of day or day of the week, set the time and alarms and even voice control the snooze function. The iTalk has a total of 8 voice recognition commands. The readout can be dimmed which is important to my Mom.
Got jars?
This pill and jar holder is a wonderful addition to a senior citizen's life
Ever struggled with a pickle jar only to have it suddenly open and douse you in pickle juice? Boy, I have! This Spill Not Jar and Bottle Holder is jus the right gadget for a senior citizen. All you do is fit the jar or bottle into one of the openings which will securely grip it allowing your favorite senior to muscle that lid right off.
Tip: For a very tough to open jar or bottle lid, smack it just once on a counter - smack the lid part. You just might find that the small smack is enough to loosen that tough lid.
Tip: For a very tough to open jar or bottle lid, smack it just once on a counter - smack the lid part. You just might find that the small smack is enough to loosen that tough lid.
Spill Not Jar and Bottle Holder
Amazon Price: $34.95 (as of 05/31/2012)
Plastic coffee cups to the rescue!
As Mom aged, a regular coffee cup was too heavy for her to pick up due to her arthritic hands. We had a lot of spills in those days - that was, though, before I discovered pretty plastic coffee cups. These are not only really nice for a senior citizen gift, but, they're great to use around the pool or any other area where bare feet will be exposed.
Squares Plastic 8oz Coffee Cups, White 8 Per Pack
Masterpiece Plastic 8oz Coffee Cups, White w/Silver Rim 8 Per Pack
GROSCHE Glassen hand made double walled glass insulated travel coffee mug, BLACK, 350 ml
Comfort mats will provide slip proof cushioning for any area of a senior citizen's house or room
I bought 2 of these comfort mats for the kitchen so that when Mom washed her hands, she wouldn't slip on any wet areas on the floor. They work like a charm. The back of these mats are not exactly "sticky" but they don't move once put down on the floor. Add them to the kitchen, bathroom, or beside your loved one's bed. i can vouch for the Cushion Comfort types as those are the exact floor mats I have in my own kitchen.
Cushion Comfort Kitchen Anti Fatigue Floor Mat:
Vintage Olive Oil
Cushion Comfort Kitchen Anti Fatigue Floor Mat:
Cabernet Wine
Cushion Comfort Kitchen Anti Fatigue Floor Mat:
La Bruschetta Cafe
Cushion Comfort Kitchen Anti Fatigue Mat:
Large numbered alarm clocks ...
...are always a good gift for a senior citizen
As my mom ages, her eyes are failing a bit so it's difficult for her to read her old alarm clock. I went out and started investigating the best alarm clocks for the elderly. Any clocks with large numbers and even the date are helpful to a senior citizen. Any of the below alarm clocks are great gifts for the elderly.
Here's some more of my favorite bedside clocks for an elderly loved one
Seiko brand is tried and true
Seiko has always made very nice watches and clocks, and the below are no exception to the rule. With large numbers, these bedside alarm clocks are easy to read, even at night.
Seiko Bedside Alarm Clock Silver-Tone Metallic Case
Seiko Bedside Alarm Clock Silver-Tone Metallic Case
Seiko Bedside Alarm Get Up and Glow Clock Gold-Tone Metallic Case
Senior Citizens will love a Kindle ebook reader
A Kindle is a great gift for any senior citizen. Not only is it backlit so it's very easy to read in low light, the text can be darkened and enlarged - just right for eyesight which is no longer 20/20. And, with arthritic fingers making it difficult to hold heavy books, a lightweight Kindle is just the right gift to put into a loved one's elderly hands.
Kindle Keyboard 3G, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display
Amazon Price: $189.00 (as of 05/31/2012)
This Kindle uses e-ink so it is not backlit
A Kindle book light is just the right accompaniment to the Kindle
The negative of the Kindle is that they're not backlit meaning you can't read these e-books at night without a light. This means that a Kindle is not tough on your eyes, like a computer screen. But, if you're giving your elderly loved one a Kindle, chip in for a Kindle book light too.
These book lights are not only good for a Kindle, but they will clip onto any surface and create a nice spotlight for not only reading but also for craft work.
These book lights are not only good for a Kindle, but they will clip onto any surface and create a nice spotlight for not only reading but also for craft work.
Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Clip-On Light
(Kindle Version) White
Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Clip-On Light
(Kindle Version) Black
SimpleLight for Kindle, Attaches to Kindle Keyboard
(6" Screen), NO Batteries Needed
Extra ebooks are always a great gift
Go ahead and search any books you prefer online. How about some of the classics from your elder friend's childhood?
Buying clothing for a senior citizen
Some tips to keep in mind when choosing items
When considering clothing for the elderly, check with the caregiver, if there is one. The caregiver is the one person who knows what works and what doesn't.
Night clothes are always a welcome addition to a senior citizen's wardrobe. Chose robes with zippers instead of buttons for ease of donning. Buttons of any size can be challenging to arthritic fingers.
Be mindful of length of garments. My mother, for example, is down to about 4'10" adorable inches at this point so longer robes must be hemmed. What works well for her are gowns and robes that are worn by others to mid-calf.
Buy lighter clothing but in many layers as our elders can frequently get cold in even warmer climates. Choosing light weight layers (and lots of them) allows a senior citizen to customize their own temperature for their comfort. I, for one, run around in sleeveless blouses even in Maryland winters as I have to keep my house toasty for my mom (and, even at this warm temperature, she still shivers - not really but she does run cold).
Consider the first layer on your elderly loved one to be in silk. Silk pants or silk tops are some of the warmest, most insulating items around.
Buy pants with elastic waists which are easier to pull up and down. If your elderly loved one refuses elastic waists (and who can really blame them....), be mindful of the button size at the waist. Jogging suits are a nice way for the elderly to have elastic waist pants and still look sporty.
Shoes should not have rubber soles as older feet tend to shuffle and rubber soles will catch on the floor. Instead, purchase slippers and shoes with leather souls so that the shoes slide.
My mom runs around in thick socks instead of shoes. Make sure when purchasing socks that they have the grippy bottoms but, even then, watch that your senior citizen doesn't trip on carpet edges or hardwood. Like rubber shoes, gripper socks may throw the elderly when their feet shuffle.
A pashmina shawl is always a nice touch as it can be draped over the shoulder even when your elderly loved one is sitting in their favorite easy chair. Another nice present is one of the newer type small blankets or throws. Fleece or faux fur are my mom's favorites. I keep on in every room and even have on in the car for my mom.
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Ah, that's better. A gorgeous 94 year old, dressed fashionably!
A Wii is a great gift for a senior citizen
Give them the gift of exercise
When my Mom was in physical therapy for her broken hip, I watched the Wii in action as a physical therapy aid. The one they had in the nursing home rehab had a balance pad which the elderly had to balance upon. The game they played was to feeding penguins - they had to move to the left, right, front or back to get fish to the penguins. Without fail, there were giggles each time one of the senior citizens missed feeding the penguin.
Even bed bound or chair bound senior citizens should be able to play a game of bowling or badmitton. These are both excellent exercise aids and help with coordination also.
Even bed bound or chair bound senior citizens should be able to play a game of bowling or badmitton. These are both excellent exercise aids and help with coordination also.
Nintendo Wii 14 Game Bundle HD Ready- With 14 Great Games and 4 Controllers
When your arms can't keep your senior warm, how about a heated blanket with arms
This heated blanket with arms is the perfect way to keep a senior citizen toasty summer and winter. Two words of warning though:
1. Consider where you'll plug in this heated throw. You want to make sure that your senior citizen's feet are clear of the cord.
2. As we age, our skin tends to lose sensitivity. Senior citizens may not realize that their skin is burning from contact with warm items so make sure someone monitors the use of a heated throw to ensure it stays on a low setting.
If you prefer a regular snuggie, please read my friend Peggy's Squidoo article: Forever Lazy or Snuggie.
1. Consider where you'll plug in this heated throw. You want to make sure that your senior citizen's feet are clear of the cord.
2. As we age, our skin tends to lose sensitivity. Senior citizens may not realize that their skin is burning from contact with warm items so make sure someone monitors the use of a heated throw to ensure it stays on a low setting.
If you prefer a regular snuggie, please read my friend Peggy's Squidoo article: Forever Lazy or Snuggie.
Electric Body Blanket
Amazon Price: $18.99 (as of 05/31/2012)
A heated throw with arms you say? Perfect gift idea for the senior who has (almost) everything!
Flameless candles - a perfect gift for a senior citizen
Forget the fact that your favorite senior citizen may be on oxygen so open flames are never a good idea but, flameless candles are a good idea for anyone. You'll never have to worry about your forgetful grandmother leaving a candle burning all night if you give her (or your grandfather) a set of nice flameless candles. The below are among my favorite - I particularly like the ones with the remote control. .
For more about flameless candles, please come read my other Squidoo article Battery Candles - the new way to light up your life.
For more about flameless candles, please come read my other Squidoo article Battery Candles - the new way to light up your life.
Gerson Company Everlasting Glow Flameless Ivory Wax Candles with Drip Effect, Set of 3
Gerson Everlasting Glow Flameless Wax Candles with Drip Effect, Ivory, 4" x 2", Set of 3
Flameless Votive LED Candles with Remote; Set of 4 Assorted Shapes
Wax Flameless LED Remote Controlled Candles with Realistic Wick
9 pack
How about giving your favorite senior citizen the gift of safety?
It might be akin to getting a vacuum for a Christmas present but, still, senior citizen safety should be paramount in everyone's mind. Here's a few articles that may help you ensure a senior citizen's safety:
Handicap bathroom needs for a senior citizen.
Handicapped walkers.
My review of the Huge Elite Rolling Walker.
My review of the Duro Med Steel 3 Wheel Rollator.
My review of the Drive Medical FW1bly Fly Weight Transport Chair
My review of the Duro Med 2 Button Adjustable Aluminum Folding Walker.
Handicap bathroom needs for a senior citizen.
Handicapped walkers.
My review of the Huge Elite Rolling Walker.
My review of the Duro Med Steel 3 Wheel Rollator.
My review of the Drive Medical FW1bly Fly Weight Transport Chair
My review of the Duro Med 2 Button Adjustable Aluminum Folding Walker.
Create a personalized calendar as a great present for a senior citizen
Help your favorite senior citizen stay up to date for birthdays, anniversaries and any other important dates.
I used to use Calendar Creator (a software program) to make my own calendars for my folks. I'd put anniversaries, birthdays, or any other memorable occasion on the calendar and give them as Chanukah or Christmas presents to my family. And, once you create a calendar, it's very easy to print the information recorded out for the next year too.
I like the below programs for making calendars - note: Photoshop Elements not only will make calendars but is a robust photo editing software.
I used to use Calendar Creator (a software program) to make my own calendars for my folks. I'd put anniversaries, birthdays, or any other memorable occasion on the calendar and give them as Chanukah or Christmas presents to my family. And, once you create a calendar, it's very easy to print the information recorded out for the next year too.
I like the below programs for making calendars - note: Photoshop Elements not only will make calendars but is a robust photo editing software.
Stocking stuffer alert - pens for arthritic hands!
My Mom can no longer hold a slim pen so I've picked up a few different styles of pens designed for arthritic hands. These pens work well for people with carpel tunnel, calluses, or any kind of hand issue.
PenAgain Original 3 Pack Pens
Red, Blue, Green or Neon Green
For your elderly loved one who likes to have some valuables around
How about a diversion safe?
Towards the end of my Mom's life, we had a lot of people coming into the house to help me with her care. Some of these people were known to me and some not. That's how I found diversion safes. I was uncomfortable having some of Mom's pills lying around and we had to have some cash too so I found diversion safes - the perfect solution to hiding items in plain sight.
Diversion safes are small items where you can store things. These items are not at all what they seem. The theory is that these diversion safes blend in with other items in the home, making them a less likely target for burglers, homecare workers, or anyone without scruples. You'll find diversion safes that look like Ajax containers, soda cans, books, and even clocks.
For the elderly, I do not suggest getting diversion cans that go in the kitchen where they might be thrown out. The below are all good choices though.
For more on diversion safes, see my more involved Squidoo article Diversion safes - hiding places for valuables (aka, they'll never find valuables here!.
Diversion safes are small items where you can store things. These items are not at all what they seem. The theory is that these diversion safes blend in with other items in the home, making them a less likely target for burglers, homecare workers, or anyone without scruples. You'll find diversion safes that look like Ajax containers, soda cans, books, and even clocks.
For the elderly, I do not suggest getting diversion cans that go in the kitchen where they might be thrown out. The below are all good choices though.
For more on diversion safes, see my more involved Squidoo article Diversion safes - hiding places for valuables (aka, they'll never find valuables here!.
A few choice gifts for senior citizens on Amazon
My mom loves shawls and I always head to Amazon for the best quality and pricing. The below are ones that we own. She really loves the things and, when they inadvertently slip to the floor while she's snoozing, so do the dogs....
Protect your loved one from falls at night with the use of a night light
Night lights have always been in my life - from when I was young and afraid of the Boogey Monster (he does) exist...to the days when I had them around the house to light my Mom's way at night. The night lights of old were so boring but not anymore. Here's some of the prettiest and functional night lights on the market.
Butterfly Optic Fiber Color Changing Night Light
Dragonfly & Cattails Night Light
Bearded Iris Nightlight
Flowers of Light Ibis & Orchid Designs
Putting on socks and shoes can be a pain (literally) for a senior citizen
This reach extender kit will make putting on socks and shoes a breeze. In fact, I'm thinking I'd like one and I'm just barely a senior citizen!
Hip Kit Reach Extender Kit Sock Aid Reacher Shoe Horn
Amazon Price: $49.78 (as of 05/31/2012)
This kit contains a 27" dressing aid stick, a 19.5" shoe horn, the deluxe sock kit, and, as a bonus, a 22.5" long handled bath sponge. What a great gift for a senior citizen.
Senior Citizens will always appreciate a nice new set of bedsheets....
My mom LOVES pretty bedsheets, and I make sure to buy her the best I can find. I tend to shop online but, if I'm running out, those 20% off coupons at Bed, Bath and Beyond come in handy. Click HERE for some Bed, Bath and Beyond shopping secrets that I've figured out, and I'll bet you don't know....
Try to find sheets that are at least 300 count; generally, the higher the count, the better. But, always make sure to feel the material before purchasing. My senior citizen likes a soft sheet so I always go with cotton or percale.
Try to find sheets that are at least 300 count; generally, the higher the count, the better. But, always make sure to feel the material before purchasing. My senior citizen likes a soft sheet so I always go with cotton or percale.
Solid White 450 Thread Count Twin Extra Long size Sheet Set 100 % Egyptian Cotton 3pc Bed Sheet set (Deep Pocket)Twin XL By sheetsnthings
Amazon Price: $59.99 (as of 05/31/2012)
We personally own these sheets and they are among the nicest I've every purchased for my mom. They're soft and resist wrinkling. I highly recommend these, but they don't come cheap!
Some nice bedding is a great gift for a senior citizen
Keep those bedsheets ON the bed with bed suspenders!
There's nothing worse than getting up from a bed and having the fitted sheet all balled up at your feet. Well, I say "NO MORE" to that! These bed suspenders snap (like garter belts of old...) on the bottom of the corners of the sheets and hold them fast to the bed. No more having to pull and tug the sheets every morning.
My mom loves these! I even snap the foot of the top sheet with a suspender to keep it in place so her feet don't get cold. They're great!
My mom loves these! I even snap the foot of the top sheet with a suspender to keep it in place so her feet don't get cold. They're great!
Some other fun gifts for senior citizens
At 95, my Mom has had, and probably worn out, everything! She really doesn't like a lot of gifts but food choices are always welcome. She loves showing off her food baskets and offering them to visitors. Here's some good one on Amazon.com
How about pimping out that walker?
Make a walker a piece of art!
How about a set of new luggage for your favorite senior citizen?
If your senior citizen is anything like my folks, their luggage is that heavy Samsonite from 1960 - the stuff that a gorilla can't break. Time to upgrade to the new Samsonite Spinner collection. I just bought this luggage and am absolutely in love with it. It's light, compact, yet has a lot of space for packing. Samsonite remains a leader in luggage makers. This is a perfect gift for that senior citizen who is on the go.
Give your favorite senior citizen a gift of a snow thrower
Although I believe that we younger folks should clear walks and driveways for our elderly, I do understand that some senior citizens prefer to do this themselves. The below snow shovels will make the task much easier and safer for a senior citizen who is independent minded.
Calendars are always a great idea as a gift for a senior citizen
I used to use CalendarMaker (a software program) to make my own calendars. I'd put anniversaries, birthdays, or any other memorable occasion on the calendar and give them as Chanukah presents to my family. They were a hit for a while but then life got in the way and I ran out of time to create them. So, instead, I now buy a calendar for my Mom.
Here's a selection of calendars on eBay - they're all dog calendars for 2012 as I know a lot of senior citizens who love dogs.
Here's a selection of calendars on eBay - they're all dog calendars for 2012 as I know a lot of senior citizens who love dogs.
Other musings on caregiving by me
These lenses are mostly from personal experience as I caregive for my Mom, Gertie. I've been 'married to my mother' for 5 years now and hope I have another 5!
Please leave me comments if you liked (or hated...) this lens
I read all the comments to Mom and she gets a kick out of them. Thanks in advance!
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lilblackdress
May 29, 2012 @ 2:40 pm | delete
- Lots of good ideas here. I did not realize that there were large keypads for tv remotes etc. My father in law is 96 and mother in law 90 so this list will come in handy!
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BiminiBahamas
May 27, 2012 @ 2:22 pm | delete
- Cool stuff for seniors ... and btw ... you are such a wonderful inspiration!
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BiminiBahamas
May 27, 2012 @ 2:22 pm | delete
- Cool stuff for seniors ... and btw ... you are such a wonderful inspiration!
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magictricksdotcom
May 26, 2012 @ 8:28 pm | delete
- Clever lens! I really like the walker art- if you have to use it, flaunt it!
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Tipi
May 26, 2012 @ 3:06 pm | delete
- Returning to congratulate you on front page honors on this gem!
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by gottaloveit
I've been my mom's caregiver for 4.5 years now, since my adorable father died. I've learned a LOT about caring for the elderly through this challengin... more »
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Chicken Soup For The Soul
Chicken Soup for the Golden Soul: Heartwarming Stories for People 60 and Over (Chicken Soup for the Soul)
Amazon Price: $5.42 (as of 05/31/2012)
I love this book! It's filled with heartwarming stories of living with and being a senior citizen. Every senior will love this gift.
My recently retired blog - Travels (or lack thereof) with Gertie...
..retired after Mom's death.
Come visit some of my other articles about loving a senior citizen
