by Carol Gioia

Created on: December 04, 2009

Elderly people have their own unique needs and wants to consider when deciding on what to give them for Christmas. They will be delighted to receive a present that truly reflects your love and care, because it is tailored to their specific situation.

Some elderly people still live independently in their own homes, making one type of gift appropriate, while others reside in nursing homes and have a different set of Christmas wishes.

Great Christmas gift ideas for your elderly loved ones:

* Nursing home residents

- Some nursing homes have a hairdresser on site. If this is the case with your loved one, advance payment for several sessions at the hair salon is a thoughtful gift.

- If there is no in-house hairdresser, contracting one to come in every so often and style your loved ones hair is a wonderful gift.

- Large print books and audio books make a nice present.

- Novelty holiday sweat suits will be welcomed by a nursing home resident who wants to be in the spirit. Nursing home laundry facilities are notoriously hard on clothing, so any comfortable items to add to the loved one's wardrobe will be appreciated.

- Elderly people feel the cold more, so a cozy lap blanket, afghan, bed jacket, or one of the popular new snuggies, would be a good gift.

- A homemade fruit basket, containing only their favorite fruits would be welcomed.

- DVD's of classic movies or music from your loved one's era will be sure to please.

- A small pre-decorated table-top tree is another thoughtful choice.

Always check with the administration or activity director of the nursing home to ensure your gift is appropriate. Elicit their advice, especially if your loved one is incapacitated mentally or physically. Nursing home personnel, who are taking care of your loved one, are in the best position to know what items will be useful.

* Elderly still living in their own home

- If your loved one is fortunate to still be living in his/her own home or apartment, arrange to have some helpful maintenance as a gift. Pay a housekeeper to come in once a month weeks for deep cleaning, hire a snow-shoveling service to keep the walkways cleared and safe.

- Offer to come by and decorate the Christmas tree. Bring some goodies and Christmas music and make it a party.

- Large print books, audio books, DVD's of current movies or their favorite genre ofmusic will be welcomed.

- A new board game and a promise to come by and play with them is a fun gift. Follow through on the promise, as the game and the company will enhance your elderly loved ones mental alertness.

- A fruit, or wine-of-the-month will delight someone who is on a limited income and not ordinarily indulging in luxuries.

- Any type of gift card is a good idea. You can obtain gift cards for dinner out, a movie and refreshments, bookstores or any retail store where your elderly loved one can enjoy a day out, or obtain needed items throughout the year.

Whatever you decide to do in regard to gifting your elderly loved one for Christmas, don't confine your thoughtfulness and generosity to just the holiday season.

The greatest gift you can give is to be consistent all year long with visits, phone calls and small thoughtful gestures to convey the message that your special elder is loved and cherished all the time.

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