How to Find Useful Gifts for Seniors and the Elderly

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By Sharon Meier
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Grandparents

Seniors enjoy receiving gifts that help them with their everyday life. When choosing a gift for a senior think of something that is useful and something they have not thought about getting for themselves. Most seniors are not internet savvy and do not have access to the many products that are available to them. I’ve put together a list of 10 great ideas for gift items.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Large Print Bibles

Select a large print book or magazine for a senior gift. Many seniors have trouble reading small print; there are many wonderful books and magazine subscriptions in large print available, even the bible. If their eyesight is very poor, choose a book on tape.
Step 2

Emergency Medical Device

Safety is a major concern for the elderly. Check out the many options available for an emergency alert device. These devices allow a senior to live alone with help just a push button away.
Step 3

Mail Greeting Cards

Select a box of greeting cards or stationary for your grandparent. Our seniors came from a generation where they often would keep in touch with a card or letter. Don’t forget to supply a book of stamps with the cards.
Step 4

Phone Calls

Make a phone call or visit your Grandparents as much as possible. Even a small five minute phone call makes a world of difference to someone who lives alone.
Step 5

DVD Slide Show

Pictures in frames or photo albums of family and friends are always welcomed. Make a DVD slide show of your family photos.
Step 6

Digital Clocks

Digital clocks with large letters that have both the time and date are an excellent gift for the elderly.
Step 7

Shopping Errands

Create a certificate for shopping, errands, house keeping etc. for your Grandparents. They will be happy to see that you are available to help them if they need it. When I was first married we gave certificates for household help to my in-laws. They enjoyed our services and I enjoyed learning about them. It was the best gift that they received.
Step 8

Grammas

Invitations to your home for a weekend get away will mean a lot to your Parents or Grandparent. Often as we age travel becomes very difficult, but a getaway to a family member’s home is a real treat. Include your seniors in as many family activities as they can handle.
Step 9

Calendars

Find a large easy to read calendar. Fill in all of the family birthdays, holidays and special events for the year. Hang in a prominent place that can be seen daily.
Step 10

Large Buttons

Phones with large easy to read numbers and programmable buttons helps seniors to keep in touch with the world. Program all of their important phone numbers into speed dial. Teach the seniors how to use speed dial.

Comments

psychonurse said

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on 8/31/2009 Very sweet ideas!

Gottaloveit said

on 2/3/2009 Ok, from one 'raising' her 92 year old mother, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the ideas in this article. This is why I like eHow - it's this type of article that got me interested in the site. Really a needed resource. Thanks so much!