What should I make for residents of a nursing home?

Question

I can do most anything except woodwork. What would an elderly person in a nursing home need? I could make something to use as prizes for their Bingo games. But what?

Answer 1

As a therapist in a nursing home the number one gift is a lap blanket. Fleece is on sale every where and in many designs so it would be an inexpensive and easy gift to make. Residents are always cold although they keep there rooms at 85. It doesn't matter the season as it is something that would be used year round. Something else to consider would be door decorations. It is easier for them to locate their rooms with a special decorated door. These don't have to be lavish works of art but simple one of a kind decorations that would help them keep their independence by identifying their room.

I would strongly not make anything that could be 'missing' in the short future. This applies to all nursing homes no matter the area or economic situations. Theft is a minor problem each nursing home faces.

Thank you for thinking of these residents as they are often forgotten by many.
Nancy

Answer 2

A nicely made pillow,especially the neck-roll type are very useful for naps in the chair or to wedge behind the waist to ease an aching back. I've worked as a nurse in nursing homes for many years and have found residents really enjoy handmade gifts that add a bit of comfort to their daily life. Another idea is a set of Bingo chips that are large enough to be easily picked up and are unique. My mom was in a nursing home for several years and enjoyed playing Bingo. She had me collect thick plastic caps from certain flavored milk bottles because they were practically indestructible and had a cute bunny embossed on top. By having her own chips, she didn't worry about catching colds and flu from the well handled,"community" chips. By using shrink plastic you can design a decorative set of these chips with rubber stamps, markers, colored pencils,etc. Gluing two together makes them thick enough to be easily handled and picked up. Polymer clay would also be a good material to use for these markers.And lastly, eye glasses are frequently misplaced....a nice beaded eye glass chain or a decorative eye glass case that easily stands out would be appreciated....think about taking a hard sided case and decorating with decoupaged fabric or flat back crystals or even tiny silk flowers.

Answer 3

Fleece blankets, lap throws, crocheted shawls for cold shoulders, a nice stuffed animal for them to put on their bed or hold, and the decorated door is a nice idea, too. Things that take up a lot of room are not good, nor are things that others are likely to "pick up"......I worked in a nursing home for 12 years, and they were the 12 most pleasurable years of my life. It was just like walking into a living history book every day, so much to learn from the residents. The gift of your time for just listening to them could be such a great thing, too. Many don't have anyone to listen/talk to. Thanks for your interest!!!

Answer 4

Wow! Great question! I would make small things that do not take up too much space because a lot of times they have a bed and a night stand and not much else. Small things they can use like knitted socks, throw blankets. Or, you can do picture frames (I like to buy old ones and repaint or decorate them). You could also do paper/origami flower arrangements or origami mobiles (some people have to spend a lot of time in bed). Just a few suggestions. But the best thing you can give: the gift of your time!

Answer 5

I find that adding a little monogram to a pillowcase (just something cute and homey) is really cheerful to them. And older people tend to appreciate crafty things. Also you can knit or crochet some afghans or ponchos, as older people tend to be colder.

Answer 6

I agree with the first answer