2 of 44

Write now Article Tools

Gift Ideas for the Elderly

Since I am classed in the category of the elderly,( I'm 87 ), I suppose I'm a judge of what are good and bad gifts for the elderly. In the first place, if someone wants to give me a gift, I'd appreciate it a lot if they asked me what I would like before they go out and spend a bunch of money foolishly for something I have absolutely no use for.

This reminds me of a few years ago when I was a resident in an Assisted Living facility. Here is my story.

I looked forward to the resident Christmas Party in the living room of Shady Oaks, the assisted living place where I lived. The residents arrived in wheel chairs along with those pushing their walkers ahead of them, and the few of us who were able to walk on our own. We all gathered around the beautiful Christmas tree, loaded underneath with gifts. An air of expectancy filled the room.

The manager announced the staff had gotten each resident a gift because they wanted to show us how much they appreciate us. We didn't have to wait another minute. She and a couple other members of the staff began passing out gifts.

Finally, my name was called and there came my gift. Al large piece of yellow tissue paper came loosely wrapped around what looked like a bundle of dried hay sticking out from underneath. Leaves and dried stems tumbled from the package as it was handed to me. Shocked, I managed to come up with a weak "thank you". I peeked under the yellow tissue paper to see what I held on my lap. There I saw a white and gold bow in the middle of some rust-colored dried flowers with dried leaves and branches around it.

Disappointed, I tried not to let it show. What would I do with it when I got it to my small apartment? Every time I touched it, something else fell off. We all hung around half expecting something else to happen, maybe some Christmas music to celebrate the occasion? But the staff left. Finally, one of the care givers came in and said, "You may leave now if you want to".

Evident the party was over, I picked up my big bundle of "weeds" and started up the stairs to my room. What would I do with it? I left a trail of dried leaves and stems behind me -in the elevator, in the hallway and all the way down the hall to my apartment.. I met the maintenance man at the top of the stairs and asked him, "Where do you think I should hang this?" He suggested it would look nice above the door on the outside of the apartment. "Good", I whispered to myself. "Then I won't have to look at it and it won't

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Gift ideas for the elderly?
We want to hear your view. Write now!