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buds) or as expensive as a laptop computer. A prepaid, pre-loaded, cell phone could offer a little extra calling time to someone for whom the cost of calls limits phone contact with friends and friends. Even a relatively inexpensive Mp3 player may offer a FM radio, so the person can have a handy way to listen to his own kind of music but also listen to the radio. AM radio that offers lots of talk programs and news, however, should not be overlooked. Personal CD- and DVD-players should not be overlooked for the person who is at home and ill.

Speaking of CD's and DVD's, provided the person has the player, the gift of their favorite music or type of music can be perfect. Online movie services make a good gift for some folks.

Thought should be paid to the fact that items may be stolen from hospital rooms. When patients are too sick to pay attention, or will be brought out of their rooms for tests or surgery it's always better to wait until such activities are over before bringing some types of gifts. At the same time, selecting a very inexpensive version of something like a CD player means not worrying as much about it being stolen. People confined at home, however, don't have this concern.

Elderly patients not suffering from Alzheimers Disease can still be at risk of "slipping a little" into depression, isolation, and even some mental decline if they don't have things around them to help them feel a little more "grounded" (in terms of not having the hours and days just turn into "one big blur"). Making sure an elderly person with long-term, confining, medical issues has things like a radio, television, calendar, and visible clock are important. A pretty clock with an easy-to-see face or a compact clock radio can make nice gifts.

Children, of course, always benefit with activities they can do even if they can't be up, out, and running around. Coloring books, puzzles, all kinds of paper or pencils, or hand-held games (electronic or "plain old") can make great gifts.

Whether or not a child of school age is sick, never underestimate what a few additions to a set of Hot Wheels cars, a couple of action figures, or a small doll can do for a child. Tray-table-sized dolls, action figures, or cars (and maybe a case to keep them in) make good gifts for children. Also tray-table sized are the smaller sets of Lego blocks or other blocks, that contain only a handful of blocks but still offer quite a few building possibilities for a child.

Children aren't

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