gifts for LTC residents...Christmas!

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Hi!!

I just found out that I get to be "Santa's Helper" for 2 very special people in LTC facilities this Christmas. A 76 yr old lady and a 80 yr old man. I am so excited to do this!!! Essentially we send little gifts and cards to brighten up the days of these seniors who have very few visitors etc. (They were nominated by someone at the facility).

I'm not too familiar with LTC, but I know there are some rules about what residents can and cannot have (like candles are probably a bad idea yes?) I got information regarding the likes and dislikes of the two people as well as some specifics.

So, I'd like some suggestions for what types of small gifts would be appreciated by residents? Can they have live flowers?

Of course, one of the "gifts" I plan to send is to have donuts and coffee delivered from somewhere for the nurses one time "from" the resident!!!

Thanks in Advance!!!!!!

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

That's right - no candles. No open flames in a nursing home... receipe for disaster. Just use the information that someone gave you as to their likes/dislikes. You may want to check in with the nurses about dietary restrictions (ie: candy yes or no) and allergies (perfumed soaps.. yes or no). Some residents love large print books/magazines, some can't/won't read them. Good luck

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Specializes in Med-Surg with tele.

Try to find out if the residents you have been assigned have everything they need. Many of the residents at the nursing home where I work are lacking in basic things - pants (elastic waist), shirts, socks, etc. Also, check to see if they can have body spray or nice shampoo or body wash or lotions--often what the nursing homes "supply" is an undesirable product billed at an outrageous price (i.e. $1 each for a disposable Bic razor, which cannot be kept for safety reasons, so must only be used once). Obviously, the likes and dislikes will be a great help as well.

Live plants and fresh flowers are usually allowed, but check with the nurse first - they may be allergic, or confused (we had a resident trying to eat the roses her daughter sent for her birthday this year).

Thanks for helping them feel loved!

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wonderful :balloons: and its nice that you should ask here.

no to the candles. yes, they can have flowers.

if you can, talk to the aides on the unit/floor where the residents are. the morning/day shift may give you different suggestions than the evening (after 3 pm) shift. perhaps you might find out if he/she is a diabetic, too.

ok, so halloween is around the corner,:rotfl: hershey kisses, bite-size candy bars, without nuts; individual lunchbox size package of cookies, cheeseballs, cheesecurls, ...

socks, two/three pairs of the same style/pattern (if one gets lost they can still have a set to wear); if he/she gets up and walks at night, the non-skid bottoms are great! sweaters, lap-robes, ...

of course, one of the "gifts" i plan to send is to have donuts and coffee delivered from somewhere for the nurses one time "from" the resident!!!

great idea ... but, i have to say this ... nurses are there 24/7 ... the day shift usually gets the best, the second shift gets the leftovers, and the third shift gets nothing. i would like to suggest a box of candy, chocolates or a tin of cookies (or a tray of homemade cookies) for each shift and labeled/marked for each shift.

:typing

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Thanks!!! I NEVER would have thought about lacking pants or shirts- as you can tell, I don't know too much about LTC...

Thinking about the food problem, Maybe a holiday wreath delivered for the unit?? That way all can share it- surely food is more appreciated, but I forgot that it is usually three, not two shifts, and the facilities aren't local to me!!!

Well, I'm going to shop for "gold toe" socks...

Keep the suggestions coming! I've made a list already.

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Specializes in OB, ortho/neuro, home care, office.

My suggestion - Lavender scented baby lotion. I would suggest this several times over for the residents in a LTC because they rarely get spoiled and relaxed at the same time. I have also found that many elderly (always know if they are diabetic first or have troubles swallowing) love peppermints. Just my suggestions.

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Plants are nice, but to be honest, unless they have family visiting and watering them, they die. They are either over watered or never watered.

As far as a wreath...check with the life safety rules first...everything is a fire hazard.

Women like lotions, crossword books, warm socks, a brush, if they wear glasses...a glass case....these are dollar store items.

More expensive....solid soled slippers, T shirts, a cardigan

Men....most of the same...maybe aftershave...undershirts.

Ditto on the three shift gift idea for the nurses. Everything is always gone by 3-11 in our place. :crying2:

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