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Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Assisted Living Residents

Giving a gift to a loved one in an assisted living community can brighten up their day – but take care in choosing the right gift. Consider the amount of space they have, their health and physical abilities and what would bring them joy. Avoid items they cannot use, do not have space for and ones that create more work for them.

Instead, look for gifts that are suited to their interests, easy to use and show them how much you care. Here are eight thoughtful gift ideas for assisted living residents.

Warm and Cozy Apparel

Pick up a pair of cozy non-slip socks or slippers in their favorite color. Similarly, they may enjoy robes, blankets and wearable blankets made of soft material. Use caution with heating pads or heated blankets, however, as they may be a burn hazard or be against the assisted living facility’s rules.

Games and Puzzles

Create a little friendly competition with large piece puzzles, crosswords, sudoku, cards, card games or a straightforward and fun board game. Dedicate some time to sit down and play with them or work on the puzzle and enjoy quality time together. Don’t forget to also include anything they need to use the item, such as pens for the crossword.

Accessibility Accessories

If your loved one uses a wheelchair or walker, consider purchasing a special accessory to make their life easier. You can purchase walker caddies, wheelchair bags and blankets online or sew/crochet one yourself.

Cherished Memories

Share the gift of special memories they can see every day through digital photo frames, scrapbooks or framed photos. Many digital frames allow you to easily upload photos from your phone for them to see in real time. And scrapbooks can include more than just photos – create an album with special items, programs, letters, yearbooks and more.

Comfort Items

Sometimes the simplest indulgence can brighten someone’s day. Lip balm, hand cream and gentle lotions are all great gift ideas for assisted living residents. Avoid overly strong fragrances that could affect those with sensitivity.

Musical Gifts

Give the gift of a familiar tune. Choose whatever tech (old or new) they’d enjoy or would be easiest for them to play their favorite songs. This could be a record player with albums, a cassette player, CD player or MP3 player. If they are savvy with technology, get them a subscription to a music streaming platform or a nice pair of headphones for listening.

Entertainment

Gift large print books, audiobooks (this could be on CD or a gift subscription to a service such as Audible), a portable DVD player with their favorite movies or a Netflix subscription.

Homemade Items

Finally, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful handmade card, a drawing from a grandchild, a painting of their childhood home or a healthy homemade treat such as banana bread.

It’s All About Showing You Care

Show your loved one you are thinking of them with these gift ideas for assisted living residents. A gift doesn’t need to be grand or expensive. Most of all, be generous with the gift of your time to share stories, reflect on memories and just be together.

At Advent Christian Village, we believe it’s important to meet each person where they are and provide the care they need with a personal touch. That’s why assisted living is an important part of the continuum of care we provide at ACV. Have questions about assisted living or other options available in this vibrant, faith-based community? We would love to speak with you. Give us a call today at (800) 467-3353 to learn more or schedule a tour.

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