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If you have an elderly relative in a nursing home who has limited mobility, sight, hearing and dexterity, you might be finding it challenging to think of a gift for them. The good news is there are several affordable gifts that you can give your relative which will be much appreciated - and yes, these all work for people with multiple disabilities.
I have an elderly relative in exactly that situation and these gift ideas all come from personal experience of things I got for my relative. It's true that there are a lot of gifts you can't give someone with limited abilities - even a large-print book won't work for those with poor vision, for example, which is why that's not even on this list. Also, you don't want to get something that takes up a lot of space since there's only so much space in their room. Don't worry, there are plenty of wonderful options here that they will love.
It's OK if you don't live in the same city as the recipient. All of these can be ordered online and shipped directly to your relative at his or her nursing home address.
1. Activity cube
Even for those with limited dexterity, an activity cube for seniors such as these ones from Etsy or this one from Amazon is the perfect idea. The recipient can choose to do the activities if they are able, for example turning a gear, snapping a vintage-style suitcase lock, and so many more. Even if your relative has little to no dexterity like my relative, they still get to benefit because it gives them something to hold with interesting textures. If merely holding something in their lap is the extent of their physical abilities, this gift may be much more rewarding and make more of a difference in their life than you might first think.
An activity cube can also help them make the most of whatever dexterity they do have. This type of cube is typically just a few inches in each dimension, making it easy to place in their lap. It won't break or get damaged if it falls.
Do be sure to get the type that is designed for seniors (not the much larger activity cubes designed for toddlers). The type you want are sometimes also called busy boxes for dementia patients - and they are beneficial to anyone with physical limitations, even if they do not have dementia.
2. Lovely soft warm hat for winter
A super-comfy hat is a wonderfully helpful item for any outings that might come up. Even if your relative does not regularly go outside in his or her wheelchair or on many organized rides for the residents, a hat is one of those things that is a must-have. It doesn't need to be a super-thick winter hat, but just something to take the chill off if the occasion arises.
They might have their own hat from before, but if it has inside seams or a not especially soft material, it might get less comfy over time as their skin becomes more delicate. They may not even be aware of this gradual change themselves, until they get a new comfortable hat from you.
In this situation, the type of hat you want to get happens to be the same kind that is designed for those who lose their hair to cancer and have sensitive skin, even though thankfully your relative's skin is delicate for a different reason. What you want is a chemo hat such as these from Amazon. Chemo hats are especially designed for comfort: they don't have inside seams and do have soft material. These are available in a range of up to date styles for men and women - and best of all, they do not have an "old person" look.
It's worth it to look through different styles of chemo hat, since you'll want to get something that suits your relative's tastes and personality. For example, you'll want to get something macho (maybe camo-themed?) for a manly-man type of guy. On the other hand, if you have female relative who is a Southern belle, perhaps something pink and floral with maybe a frill or some lace would be ideal. If your relative is quirky and eclectic, get something bright and stand-out. This is an ideal gift for anyone aged 80, 90, or up.
3. Music box
A music box is a great gift even for someone whose hearing isn't great. So long as they have some level of hearing, it won't matter if they don't hear every note. It's not like an audiobook where they could miss out on important parts of the plot if they don't hear every word. Music boxes come with classic tunes that everyone knows, so the person's brain will automatically "fill in" any missing notes.
Furthermore, depending on its size and design, the music box can double as a trinket box, so it also works well as a storage spot for favorite photos, birthday cards, etc.
You can get music boxes quite cheaply at Amazon, or for an even better idea, you can get a personalized music box from Etsy.
If you're looking for gifts for the blind elderly, this is perfect.
4. Activity blanket
An activity blanket such as these from Etsy, also called a fidget blanket, is a small lap blanket with activities to keep the hands busy. There are things such as buttons, zippers, snaps, bungee cords, and more to play with. Even if the elderly person has poor dexterity, just being able to touch the different textures will be interesting for them.
5. Chocolates (if allowed)
If the elderly person is able to eat chocolates and has no medical conditions prohibiting these, then a box of chocolates is always a welcome gift.
While you might wonder if the gift seems a little generic, rest assured that your elderly person will not see it that way! Remember, they can't just pop out to the store and buy whatever takes their fancy anytime. So a box of chocolates literally arriving to them in their nursing home room is wonderfully welcome and appreciated. This is one of the best gifts for the elderly in a nursing home.
If you live across the miles, I recommend Simply Chocolate - they send a box of chocolates of your choice to the recipient. They stock plenty of well-known brands as well as their own brand. Remember to get chocolates with all soft centers that can easily be eaten or just allowed to dissolve in the mouth. Avoid anything hard, chewy or with hard pieces such as nuts.
6. Flowers
No matter what limitations the person has, if they have even some level of eyesight, flowers will provide a bright pop of color in their room. In addition, having flowers delivered adds excitement to their day. It's tangible proof that someone (you!) were thinking about them.
I recommend ordering online from 1800Flowers.com because they have plenty of different options of bouquets - and pricing is relatively inexpensive when compared to other florist delivery services. Also, when you order online from 1800Flowers you additionally have the option to add a vase to your flower delivery order, which I recommend unless you know for sure your relative has a vase already.
Summing up
You have plenty of options for gifts for disabled elderly - even if your elderly person has multiple disabilities. It will make all the difference to your relative. You don't need to spend a lot: the gift ideas above are affordable, so you are certain to find something that will be perfect without needing to spend a lot on a big-ticket item. Your relative will be so glad that you took the time and effort to pick out something special for them. Receiving a gift will make their day!
To level up your gift guru skills even more, you might also like to learn these cool Etsy shopping hacks that let you find the best stuff that others don't find! Are your neighborly? If so, take a look at these wonderful inexpensive ideas for neighbor gifts - perfect for at Christmas or for other celebratory times.
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