What can I give a 94 year old retirement village gal resident for Christmas?

Question

Last time I gave her some really beautifully packaged soap and before that, a gift basket of toiletries. She is alert in her mind, but sometimes relies on a walking frame. She is heavily built. I want to get something that will get some sort of reaction, like WHAT A FANTASTIC IDEA! I ALWAYS WANTED ONE OF THESE! Because she just gave a weak nod at the last two gifts, as I suppose bathroom stuff is all anyone ever gives old people. I thought of perhaps a gigantic water pistol that looks like a machine gun, and she can water the garden with it. At least there would be some reaction from her and the other guests on Christmas day. I would ask her rellies but I am afraid they might mention something that is too expensive and/or something that I have to spend 3 days hunting down. Because I have made that mistake before with other people. I am going to her rellies for Christmas lunch and we are all contributing to the food and drink, and we usually all exchange gifts.

I didn't want to get her a book as I don't think she has the concentration, and magazines are provided at the home. Nothing small like jewellery cos it gets lost when other residents who are more confused, thinks it is theirs.

Answer 1

There is a story-telling game for seniors. The players exchange stories and memories. It really sounds interesting.

Answer 2

My grandmother is 99 and this is a problem for our family too. The less exciting gifts, such as hand cream, etc, are what she really NEEDS and really does want, but let's face it, we'd all like a glamour gift every now and again.

Unfortunately, they do tend to be costly, but if it was possible for each family member to put in a few dollars, you could get something like :

~ A 1/2 hour visit from a beauty / massage therapist to give her a back and neck rub and facial?

~ A visit from a mobile hairdresser for a beaut new cut, colour and style

~ A car or bus trip to a local park or garden, and morning tea in the fresh air (my grandmother LOVES this)

~ Some music from the era of her youth, or a couple of old movies (not violent) from the bygone era ~ and your time to sit and listen and/or watch with her

From what I can see, most of the oldies really crave company, and the chance to share time with soemone.

That's a great gift in itself (although a little hard to wrap!).

Cheers :-)

Answer 3

if she is in a nursing home set up,, has her room door been decorated for the season... i know down here, it is a big deal for our old folks in the n. home to have a festive door..

do you know much of her family
that u couls get her a digital photo frame and put the pics in for her....

or i am sure she doesnt get out much to shop for music... maybe find a few of her favorite and make some cds for her and get a disc player if she doesnt have one...

old ladies still have a sense of humor
so maybe something that brings that out

there are quite a few sassy old lady things you can get
from picture frames to embroidered hand towels

maybe she could use a new high quality pillow or a hair do

if she is ok on a normal diet and otherwise restricted to the facility ,, it would mean a lot to her that you could take her for the day to a restaurant and ask her if there is anyone that she still needs to buy gifts for..
i am sure she wants to feel as capable as she was before she was there and it may mean a lot to her to be able to have a gift to give and often nursing home residents dont have the means or the ability to do this for themselves and their loved ones

hope this helps

Answer 4

A potted plant is a great gift.. and there are so many varities out there that require very little care ( great for a 94 y.o. )
They can brighten up a shelf or a corner- indoor or outdoor- really well.
You can pick up a nice, mature potted plant from the nursery for about $15 - upwards, depending on what you want.

Answer 5

I had a friend that brought in a lady to give her mother a pedicure/manicure. She loved it.

How about blowing bubbles? That would make them laugh maybe...Or a dvd/vhs of a good old movie...Betty Davis, Greer Garson, Laurence Olivier? They could watch them as a group.

My mother loves to listen to her radio at night. Does your friend have a radio? Her fav is a set of old radio programs from the 40's...she listens to those a lot!

If she has friends/relatives that she'd like to write to you could offer to take a letter for her that she could dictate to you...then you could make cards for her to send and address them together. Sometimes they aren't able to write and they tend to lose touch with people they'd still like to hear from.

It's very sweet of you to want to do something for her, I bet she thinks you are a gift!

Answer 6

Hello wemblani...
(thank you for making my day)

Your question is so very honest and thoughtful and shows the true Christian spirit that Christmas is supposed to be about. Kudos to you...

I'll offer two gift suggestions:
1) There a many well made watches that are quite inexpensive that always make a nice gift.
2) Flowers. As a dear friend always says to me...."bring me flowers now while I can enjoy them, not to my funeral when it's too late!"

good luck and merry Christmas.
GB u always.
.........................................
please pick mine 4 best answer
thin~Q
u r sweet if u do.

Answer 7

Here are a few ideas.
A book about what occurred in the 1920's, 30's and 40's.
A nice robe or pajamas
A cute animated toy
flowers
I do like your idea though, I think it's funny and I'm sure she will too.

Answer 8

If you're a christian, share the story of salvation...(if she ain't saved)

or

If you really want to make her happy, then if you can invite a family of hers or someone she knew in the past to visit her on christmas day, that would be the best gift you can give her...

Answer 9

At that age, many residents are truly unhappy with everything. Mama tells me that the other ladies at the nursing home are bored, but don't "like" books or music...
You can't make them happy.
Make yourself happy giving...

Answer 10

I Agree With Most Of The Answers And *kpr4123* he's Right!