MIL is now in an SNF, she can only use one hand so cannot do much for herself & she does not have much room, nor has she had much appetite for her usual favorite sweets.
Has anyone found any really successful gifts for nursing home residents?
How about a digital picture frame that you load with a bunch of family pictures from you and your other relatives? Something like this:
My grandfather enjoyed the loungewear we got-you know, niceer than PJ’s, but easy-on, easy off. He had the same limitations as your MIL. He also liked getting new blankets or throws for his wheelchair. Photobooks, if your MIL can page through them, or a digital frame, maybe if not. D’s Nana loves her photos.
jigsaw puzzles, Kindles (and show them how to download books), an ipod loaded with their favorite music and haedphones, easy on/off clothing, slippers or slip on shoes, warm socks, books of crosswords or seek and find (large print), box sets of old classic TV series, digital photo frame, a coffee table type book of their hometown (esp if it shows photos of the old days), a magnifying glass.
Photo calendars, throws, shaws , pull on clothes . Easy to use phone with large numbers with preprogrammed numbers.
My MIL loved the ability to display her family photos and we kept her updated with many new one as well as her older favorites. An album, display board, frames.
Just re-read all the above, seems I’m not adding any ideas but consider this a vote for an observed winner gift.
I find small containers of nice toiletry items, especially hand creams that are quickly absorbed and lip balms are appreciated. If you know preferences for (or against) scents, many nice products come in travel packs around the holidays and they work well. I think stuff that makes the mundane special is nice, as are conversation starters for when visitors or staff are in the room. A letter from older grand children is likely to be cherished by some as well.
A cosy, short bed jacket can be nice as they launder well and are more practical than a longer robe for chilly elders. My mother in law loved her fuzzy one that could be thrown on over clothing, pjs,and medical gowns. If doing clothing, sweaters with 3/4 or half sleeves work well as they don’t get into food as much.
Some SNFs have on site hair dressers. How about a gift certificate for that?
My mom had limited mobility also, somethings that required use of both hands were out…like hand lotions. And because she could not get out of bed, we also didn’t do things like puzzles. She had no way to access them!
We got our mom a portable CD player, and a bunch of oldies…Frank Sinatra, Judy Gatland, Bing, you know…and it was something she could listen to as long as someone else out it on.
Comfy and soft lounge wear was important.
My mom loves the book support I bought her. www.amazon.com/The-Book-Seat-Holder-Travel/dp/B0049VCA04
She uses it in bed and on the couch. It’s also great with her ipad.
Though someone with a stroke might not be able to use one hand, the caregivers can apply a nice lotion. At one point I had a patient with really high end lotion, and the scent was such a lovely gift to both of us as I rubbed her back. If there are any scents that are reminiscent of happy times, perhaps a lotion could be found to match, as nothing elicits memory like scent.
A good radio, tuned to appropriate station. Keep things small. A basket to organize bedside items? A photo book of memories.
Nicer sweat pants, if she wears them. If she reads, a magazine subscription, as it will bring something new to her bedside each month or week.
Well with parent and in law in 90s, not much options. But warm shirts and sweaters were a hit.
I might add that toffee for the nursing station all shifts is always a huge hit.
pretty sweat pants with a zip up jacket. cute socs with traction…delivery of outside food that will be a break from institutional food.
A visit from you and your spouse or the grandkids?
Lots of lovely suggestions already. A few other things we’ve done for various family members are a captioned photo album/memory book, an XL glow-in-the-dark rosary (great grandma was frequently upset about losing hers and she loved this one), a realistic plush kitten that looked like a beloved pet from 80+ years ago, and a realistic baby doll for a mom-of-many with Alzheimer’s who was comforted by rocking her new “baby.”