Visiting an Aged Care Home: Gifts to Bring for Your Loved One

What kind of gifts should you bring mum, dad, or a dear old friend living in an aged care home that’ll brighten their day? Heritage Care have noticed family members and friends bringing some incredible gifts into their homes and have created a handy list for some inspiration.

Yourself

A priceless gift you can bring for your loved one is YOU! Visiting a loved one in an aged care home is often the best gift you can give them, and it doesn’t cost a thing. Spending a couple of hours a week visiting your loved one has countless positive benefits.

Something Hand-Made

Monetary values appear to fade as we get older, and the value of sentiment only increases. Create something original, either with your kids or just yourself. A painting, a knitted blanket or jumper, maybe paint Nan a new mug to remember you during her morning tea rituals.

Games

There are plenty of things to bring to a nursing home visit, the list may be too long. But games are high on that list. Board games are an effective way to stimulate the brain, which can reduce the onset of dementia, all-the-while keeping that special someone entertained and socially engaged with their fellow residents.

Heritage Care have quite an extensive list of games and a heavy activity schedule like many aged care homes, so it’s a good idea to ask them what game they’d love to revisit or check if they already have the game you’re thinking about buying.

A Basket of Ingredients

Depending on the skill level of your inner master chef, bring a basket of ingredients and put on a fancy meal for your loved one. Share a bottle of wine, laugh, cry, eat and celebrate the beautiful relationship you share.

A good conversation can have the most profound impact on the motivation and moods of aged care residents.

A Photo Album

Collate the memorable moments into a pretty scrapbook or photo album and stumble down memory lane. This can be somewhat of an emotional experience but one they will cherish.

Be sure to include any new additions to the family! Children grow up fast, but they grow even faster when you’ve got a few years under your belt – it’s hard to keep up.

A collection devoted to their grandkids – or your little ones if there is no blood relation – is a fantastic way of keeping them up to date with their schooling, achievements, celebrations, and hardships.

Pampering Products

A little bit of self-care goes a long way!

Essential oils
Fresh (or preserved flowers)
Perfume
Makeup
Moisturisers
Facials
Fresh towels
New linen
Dehumidifier

You could even go as far as hiring your loved one a massage therapist to visit the nursing home to take them on a relaxing journey. That’s a gift that would surely make their week!

Music

Music is a brilliant way to trigger some nostalgic memories. Bring in a few of their favourite artists on vinyl, or if you think they’ll enjoy the progression of music technology, introduce them to Spotify or Apple Music! Whatever their preferred method of listening to music, it’ll be special nonetheless.

Remember, some nursing homes have record players, some don’t, maybe just check in advance.

A New TV or Media Device

Is there a model out that will revolutionise their way of life? If grandma loves watching her stories in the morning but can no longer see well enough to read subtitles, maybe a new television is the way to go. Or perhaps grandpa’s watches boxing and footy on his Saturday afternoon, but his hearing aid doesn’t do a great job, and he has trouble following the action, so maybe a taste for what surround sound is like? If they’re into their music, an MP3 player or tablet may be a great gift.

Clothes

As we age, the clothing we wear can be restricting, which can dramatically affect the independence and even the self-esteem of the elderly. Owning a wardrobe that is comfortable and still on par with style preferences is essential.

Bringing a couple of new outfits to your friend or family member in a nursing home is a practical and thoughtful gesture, but you should also consider they might prefer to shop with you! In that case, take them out for lunch, go to the shops, and have a shopping day… even better.

Books or Magazines

A selection of their favourite authors? A collection of their preferred gossip magazines? Perhaps some crossword puzzles? Even better – hand write a nice memory involving your loved one that you’ve always held close to your heart.

Heritage Care

Knowing what to bring to a nursing home visit is understanding the desires and needs belonging to your loved one. Whether the couch they’ve had for years is starting to hurt their back, or their coffee table is too low for the time they spend reading and drinking tea – open the lines of communication check-in to see what they need.

Remember, the best gift is one that you have already achieved, your presence. They are most likely ecstatic that you’re coming to visit – anything on top of that is a bonus.