Quad Cities, IL/IA

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Gift Ideas for Older Adults

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Choosing an appropriate and appreciated gift for an older adult can be difficult. Whether a senior is living in their own home, a high-rise apartment, an assisted living center, or a skilled nursing center, nostalgic items are highly appreciated, and make excellent gifts. Other ideas might include personal items or helpful gadgets. We have compiled a list of items that are helpful and appropriate for seniors below.

Helpful/Assistive Items

  • Jar opener, key turner, or toothpaste squeezer
  • Large-print playing cards, crossword puzzles, magazine subscription, or calendars
  • Large-dial radio, button phone, or number clock
  • Sock and zipper pullers, button hook, or extended shoehorn
  • Portable CD/MP3 player
  • Envelope/check writing guide, or stationery items


Personal Items

  • Slipper socks
  • Comfortable outfits for indoors and outdoors
  • Shawls
  • Lotion or perfumes/aftershave
  • Gift certificate for beauty or barbershops
  • Small afghans or quilts


Nostalgic Items

  • Framed photographs of family/friends
  • Filled photo albums or scrapbooks
  • Collage of family photos
  • Video footage of family gatherings
  • CD of favorite music
  • Decorative calendars with important dates marked

Things to Consider
    If your loved one is living in a long-term care facility, don’t buy expensive jewelry, clothes that need dry cleaning, or complicated gifts. Instead, give the gift of your time. Plan an afternoon together, or a special outing. You’ll find that your time is the most cherished gift you can give.

This health tip was brought to you by HCR Manor Care. With 60,000 caregivers nationwide, the HCR ManorCare centers and agencies are preeminent care providers in their communities.

Quality care for patients and residents is provided through a network of more than 500 skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and hospice and home health care agencies. These locations operate primarily under the respected Heartland, ManorCare Health Services, and Arden Courts names.  This information is for personal, noncommercial use only. For permission to reprint multiple copies, please contact our corporate office at 800-736-4427.

Photo credit: AleksandarNakic/iStock