The holiday season is here and I have found in my family that finding the right gift for loved ones living in a Skilled Care Center is a challenge. Here are ideas that are some of the most thoughtful gifts you can give:
1) Scrapbook – a book of photos with labels of family names, events, dates, etc. is a wonderful gift for your loved one. Staff love to look through scrapbooks with our residents. It is a pleasure to get to know our residents better and a fun reminiscing activity for residents to share their lives with us.
2) Personalize – a pretty comforter that is machine washable is a nice gift to personalize and brighten your loved one’s room. Framing a family photo or creating a shadow box that reminds your loved one of home, a special event or vacation is a wonderful gift. If your loved one enjoys sharing his or her sense of humor a colorful pair of fuzzy socks, a bright fabric flower to attach to a wheelchair, or a humorous tee-shirt to spark a conversation. Residents with unique items get a lot of laughs which help break the ice and can make for a better sense of community.
3) Organize the closet – give your loved one the gift of better access to the items they need. Remove out of season items, damaged clothing, and other miscellaneous items that clutter the space. You will then have a good stock of what clothing items they have and may need more of.
4) Pampering – set aside some time to do your loved ones nails or makeup or give him or her a hand massage. Or make an appointment at our Spa for him or her to receive these services. Better yet, make an appointment for the two of you together at the spa and enjoy the pampering together.