I’d like to send something to a relative who had a stroke a few months ago. She is recovering but still has a long way to go. She lives in a different part of the country so I haven’t seen her. There are a couple of books that I think she’d like, but I’d like to send something else as well.
All suggestions appreciated!
I recommend an outfit with elastic and no fasteners . It will increase her independence with dressing. It also helps shift focus from being ill to road to recovery .
That is very thoughtful of you! Don’t know about her reading comprehension, but my mom really appreciates her large print Reader’s Digest subscription.
Yes, very thoughtful. Not knowing the age of your relative…
If you’re not sure she’s able to read, maybe some form of gift certificate (Amazon?) she could use for audio books, with a note suggesting the titles of a couple of books you think she might enjoy. Or some little speakers to be used with her iPod or phone to play music if she has a music library.
If your relative is working to regain physical activity, some fitness-related items – water bottle, gloves or hat for cold-weather walking, with a couple fun snack thrown in (chocolate?), with an encouraging note.
Books on CD may be a nice option or nice cheery new fitness gear.
A set containing essential oils, a diffuser, and aromatherapy book, a small mirror and a hairbrush, goat milk skin care products and lip balm, fancy tea sampler assortment and infuser mug, wool blend shawl or wrap, deep tissue massage pillow with heat control (I like Shiatsu brand)…
Ask whoever is caring for her. Depending on the severity of the stroke and her condition, it makes a difference.
Totally agree with @intparent . Depending on the severity of her stroke, where she is living and who is taking care of her , some gifts may be appropriate for someone who is expected to make a full recovery from an illness like pneumonia or surgery but completely inappropriate for someone who has experienced a life altering event like a stroke. Strokes can affect cognition, communication and physical function. Depending on the area of the brain that has been affected, they may not be able to read anymore because of visual deficits, decreased attention span, or comprehension deficits. Dexterity and gross motor coordination may be affected . Learning how to or continuing to know how to use CD players or tape players may be affected. If she is in a facility there are restrictions regarding heating pads , rubs , etc . Strokes can affect sensation and products that offer heat or cold should be used only with supervision to avoid injury. Many people who have had a stroke may be on blood thinners making risk of bleeding or bruising increased .
If the person is home, it may be nice ( if the person is not on a modified diet) to have a meal delivered to their house. It eases the burden on their caregiver , but also provides them the opportunity to enjoy a nice meal from a restaurant that they enjoy that may still be difficult to get out to.
Thank you all for the great suggestions! I especially like the massager idea, mycupoftea.
I also realize, after reading the responses, that I need to find out more about her status before deciding. I’m going to ask her sister whether she is able to read, whether the massager would be OK, etc.
How about a Kindle? Sometimes easier to hold than a book, she could use the audio function to read along with the reader, and she could get newspapers or puzzles when she’s ready. I have mine set to ‘almost blind’ print size and it makes reading so much easier.
Sometimes people who have had a stroke have difficulty learning new info so a Kindle may be too complex to learn, but the audio may be helpful if someone can set it up for her. Visual deficits may not be due to acuity , but visual perceptual skills and/ or field cuts.
It would be important to find out the kind/location of her stroke in order to identify the best types of gifts. How is her auditory and reading comprehension? Left hemisphere strokes may have affected language processing whereas right hemisphere strokes can (in right handers) affect reading skills or possibly cause something called neglect, and they may not scan the entire page. Do you know if she has lost function in her hands? Might she like a weighted pen or one with straps to be able to hold onto? There are lots of adaptive items available. The facility if she is in one probably supplied adaptive silverware if she is able to use it.
She is doing quite well, and the books and massager were approved by her sister. @mycupoftea can you tell me exactly which pillow you have? There is a bewildering array of them.
@NYMomof2 this is the one I have, but there are many others, some are more recent than mine, that also have great reviews. Hope she likes it.