<p>I’m going to visit my grandmother next week and I wanted to get her a present. Since she’s VERY sick and can barely see/breath/walk, is there anything that you would suggest getting her to make her life a bit easier? My mum and I already bought a wheelchair (she has a walker right now), but is there anything less “you’re old you need this now” that we could get her?
Also, what should I get my grandfather? He likes gambling, smoking, and drinking…but I don’t think getting him more booze is a good idea…</p>
<p>Grandparents in our family are also in poor health. We’ve found these ideas helpful: soft, comfortable nightgowns and matching robes (no floor length, and no futzy buttons/lace), shower gel, hypo-allergenic skin cream/lotion (no heavy fragrances), framed family picture or small photo album, maybe of picture of you and her when you were little, large print magazines (include a sheet magnifier or magnifying glass if she has vision trouble). The best gift for her will simply be seeing you! Hold her hand and tell her you remember the good times.</p>
<p>tomorrow, you might want to think about what your grandmother still enjoys in life. For example, does she enjoy putting on a new blouse? Does she love a home cooked meal? Does she have a favorite restaurant from where you bring take out to her if she can no longer go there herself? If she still can go out, you might think about treating her to a lunch or dinner with you. Is her eyesight still good enough to enjoy a good book?
As for the picture ideas mentioned above, would she enjoy a collage of pictures of the family that you could hang in her bedroom?</p>
<p>I used to take my grandmother out to get her hair done and to lunch. I loved the time spent and never underestimate how much a woman likes to feel “pretty.” Pedicures are also valued because it’s really hard for older people to take care of their feet. ( just make sure there are no health issues there – diabetes comes to mind).</p>
<p>Grandpa – I am forever at issue with buying gifts for men in general and it doesn’t get any better as they get older. But I do like the lotion (shaving balm) idea, but there is nothing that says a man doesn’t like a good trip to the barber for a "shave and a haircut’ (but am thinking it’s more than “2 bits” these days). <— if you don’t get that reference, you are way too young. :)</p>
<p>As far as grandpa, is he into sports? Does he play a sport? Would he enjoy a new sports shirt, cap to his favorite team, or a mew sweater? How about a new electric razor (can be pricey though)? Would he enjoy a subscription to a magazine or DVD rental company (ie: Blockbuster or Netflix)? Perhaps he would enjoy it if you just bought a couple of DVDs (classic movies). Does he drive? If so would he like a book on tape, or some CDs for his car?</p>
<p>The visit will be a gift in itself. I love the idea of pictures. When my kids and I visited my uncle (in a nursing hope due to severe stroke), he always enjoyed us bringing pictures that he could hang up. If you have any sort of art type talent, you might make something for her. Also, if you are a writer, a written letter would be nice.</p>
<p>My grandparents live in China…and my grandma has diabetes…so a lot of the gift suggestions are out of the running. She can’t eat too much, because there’s only so much junk that a round of dialysis can eliminate…but I really like the robe idea. Would one of those foamy mattress layer thingies fit into a suitcase, do you think? Do you think your parents/grandparents would appreciate one of those foamy mattress thingies or foamy pillow thingies?</p>
<p>Could you ask your parents if they think the foam mattress/pillow would be good ideas? I’d think that anything that is easy to get here but hard to get there would be appreciated. Even worth paying for oversize baggage if you get the right thing. </p>
<p>My other suggestion would be to write up any and all memories you have of your grandparents, record them, and then bring that recording as a present. Consider putting them on an MP3 player that could be used in China, as well. If you don’t have many memories of your grandparents in person, talk about what you’ve learned about them from stories your parents have told you. Or, talk about your childhood, or describe a day in your life. </p>
<p>I’d also suggest that you yourself take something to record any conversations with your grandparents, along with a list of any family history questions you can come up with. This is a really precious opportunity you have here.</p>