Active Adult Communities

12/2/2015 | By Seniors Guide Staff

Living in a nursing home is a choice many families make. What better way to show you are thinking about your loved one and that you care than by sending a care package? Of course, before gifting anything, make sure they have room for your gift, and is able to use the things you send. Keep in mind you can likely work around any restrictions or special needs while letting your loved one know they are cherished.

Writing Care Package

Some parents and grandparents really want a way to keep in touch with friends and family members, but don’t always have the materials on hand that allow them to drop a note in the mail. This is where an amazing care package can come in. Include note cards and envelopes, quality writing paper, pre-printed return address labels, stamps and pens that your loved one can use with ease (taking note of any issues she may have with gripping ordinary writing instruments). Also consider including an all-occasion card package, so she has easy-to-use cards she can send for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.

Tech Care Package

Depending on your loved one’s needs, wants and current setup, she may love a techy care package. Consider an affordable and durable laptop like a Chromebook or something from the Lenovo 100 series. She’ll love staying connected to friends and family. Choose a few more items to make it even easier for her to surf the web. Think about add-ons like a wireless mouse, mouse pad and carrying case. In addition to sending items, acknowledge that she may need some instructions for using her new laptop, so offer to help her yourself or hire someone to do it for you if you live far away.

Gift Certificate Care Package

Another idea that your loved one will really appreciate is a selection of gift certificates to his favorite stores or restaurants. Of course, you’ll need to make sure that someone can take him out if you’re too far away to do so yourself (and that the staff feels that he’s physically capable to leave) but being able to go out and pay for his own dinner can be liberating and fun.

Comfy Care Package

Sometimes, a new pillow or ultra-soft pillowcase can be a welcome gift for a nursing home resident. Provide one while you also upgrade your grandma’s comforter. Purchase her a new pair of slippers or a new robe. Everyone loves and appreciates warmth and comfort.

Keeping Busy Care Package

For the nursing home resident who loves to keep busy with a pencil, think about some of his favorite activities — does he like to do crossword puzzles or word searches? Or is he an avid reader? Pick out a few books or magazines to brighten his day. Another great idea is a coloring book. Depending on his fine motor skills, you can choose between regular crayons and standard coloring books, or colored pencils and more detailed, adult coloring books. A comfortable lap desk would be a great addition to this package.

Seniors Guide Staff

Seniors Guide has been addressing traditional topics and upcoming trends in the senior living industry since 1999. We strive to educate seniors and their loved ones in an approachable manner, and aim to provide them with the right information to make the best decisions possible.

Seniors Guide Staff