Gift Ideas for a Loved One in an Assisted Living Community

Share

Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Sharethis

When an older adult calls a senior living community “home,” they benefit from a wide variety of amenities and activities. From an on-site beauty/barber shop to fitness classes and art workshops, these thriving communities have almost every need covered. It’s one reason loved ones often struggle to come up with a holiday gift.

This year the COVID-19 pandemic has made holiday shopping and gift giving more challenging. Many senior living communities are restricting visitors in an effort to keep staff and residents safe. That means families are gathering virtually instead of in person which can further complicate the season.

If you are looking for a few unique gift ideas for a parent, friend, or other senior member in your family, we have some suggestions you might find useful.

Holiday Gift Guide for Seniors in an Assisted Living Community

Our first suggestion is to check if there are any limitations on what can and can’t be brought into the senior’s assisted living community. In some parts of the country, coronavirus concerns are leading to restrictions on items allowed in from outside the senior living community.

Once you’ve clarified if and what restrictions there are, you can begin the search for a holiday gift for your senior loved one. Keep in mind how much space your family member has for storing gifts, as well as their budget for maintenance and upkeep.

With all of that in mind, we have a few unique holiday gift ideas that might spark your imagination:

• Flower of the Month: When you are separated from your senior loved one by many miles or due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to remind them they are always in your thoughts. A gift that keeps on giving is one way to do that. There are a variety of online stores that offer subscriptions to flower of the month clubs. BloomsyBox and Bouqs are 2 to explore.
• Adopt a Star: For the loved one who has everything, naming and registering a star for them is a fun idea. Organizations like Star Register make that easy to do. For the ultimate splurge, add a small telescope to the gift package. You can try a tabletop telescope or this one for beginners.
• Workout clothes: Fitness activities are a part of daily life in assisted living communities. While few likely require yoga pants, most are more easily performed in comfortable clothing and sturdy sneakers. A jogging suit in a flattering color might even encourage your loved one to participate.
• For the Birds: Another idea is to purchase a bird house that adheres to a window in the senior’s assisted living suite. For those on the ground floor of the community, a shepherd’s hook and hanging feeder is another option. Both choices allow the older adult to enjoy their feathered friends no matter what the weather. Add a book on birding to complete the gift.
• Bundle of gift cards: Your loved one might also appreciate a bundle of gift cards to their favorite local stores, the community’s beauty shop, or major online retailers. This would allow them to indulge in purchases they might not otherwise make.
• Talking photo album: These twenty-page photo albums allow someone different to create a message that accompanies each picture. You can have friends and family members share their favorite photo and add a voice message to go with it.
• Lap desk: If your loved one enjoys working crossword puzzles or reading on their tablet, a lap desk might be a great gift idea. It makes favorite activities a little easier to manage. Some even come with a small, battery operated light or a cup holder.

COVID-19 Updates from Sunrise Senior Living

If your senior loved one resides in a Sunrise community, you might appreciate the section of our website devoted to keeping residents and families updated on our COVID-19 policies. We also encourage you to call the community directly if you have any questions about procedures or plans.