10 Holiday Requests – That Won’t Make Senior’s Gift Lists

Updated on October 31, 2014

While material gifts could satisfy the desires of a senior loved one, why not choose a present that is even more meaningful – a gift from the heart?  Family caregivers and senior care professionals won’t likely find these requests on a senior’s wish list:

TAKE A SENIOR SHOPPING.  Make it a special day by taking your older adult to a favorite store of create an online shopping experience he or she won’t forget.

LEND A HAND.  Carry on the holiday cooking traditions, asking the senior to help where he or she can. Or ask people to bring their favorite dish.

WRAP AND SEND PACKAGES.  Arthritis can make wrapping those holiday presents a challenge; so too can shipping gifts to loved ones afar.  Why not schedule a gift-wrapping afternoon, complete with a hot chocolate, cookies and plenty of family stories.

DECK THE HALLS.  Make decorating a multigenerational activity by sending over the grandkids or great-grandchildren.

SEND HOLIDAY GREETINGS.  The handwritten Christmas card is one of the most popular traditions for seniors.  Offer to spend an afternoon writing greetings.

PLAN A FUN EVENT.  Caroling is a fun activity for most any age.  Why not get a group of your senior loved one’s friends together to serenate other older adults in an assisted living facility or nursing home?

CELEBRATE THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.  Be flexible and change traditions if necessary.  For instance, attend an early Christmas Eve service not midnight Mass.

FOCUS ON OTHERS.  Get the entire family involved in gathering supplies for a homeless shelter or serving a holiday meal.

STAY CONNECTED.  Help an older adult connect with loved ones far away with the latest technology such as Skype.

GIVE THE GIFT IF TIME.  Sometimes all an older adult wants is companionship, whether it’s a few moments of the day or a driving tour to view holiday lights.  If you are short of time, consider the assistance of a family friend or neighbor, or the help of a Home Instead CAREGiver.

CAREGivers from Home Instead Senior Care can make a difference in the lives of older adults and their families by providing support with companionship, meal planning and preparation, transportation and outings, and activities of daily living to help keep them independent for as long as possible.  For more information about Home Instead Senior Care visit www.homeinstead.com/greaterpittsburgh or call 1-866-996-1087

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