Our Ladies' Auxiliary likes to make little baskets for the Veterans in our nursing homes and have run out of ideas for items. Most of the Vets cannot have candy and lots are in bed most of the time. I am looking for suggestions of small things for them, no sharp objects like pins allowed. All ideas are welcome. Thanks.
By GrandmaS from MD
My mom is in a nursing home and they love magazines, books, newspapers and videos. I am taking a bunch of costume jewelry to the ladies. I also take my dogs to visit them and they love that more than anything. She is in a brain unit (dementia, Alzheimer's) and my dogs have gotten some of them that never speak to talk to us.
We do Christmas baskets every year for our nursing homes. We put lotions, combs, socks, toothbrushes/paste, fruit, etc.
I am a hospital nurse who worked in a nursing home for a year. I noticed that the residents love getting gifts, but what most of them crave is someone to spend time with them. Visitors are what they cherish. The adopt a grandparent program is phenomenal. They also rarely get outside to enjoy the fresh air.
I was also a nurse. This is a great answer. Don't just think of folks at holidays. There are many people who NEVER get a visitor.
How about a variety of used, yet fantastic books? Or books on Cd? Maybe some interesting magazines? A pretty plant or two? Handmade things like quilts, wall hangings, scarves and etc may work.
Great ideas Ladies. I like the magazines, CD's video games, and movies. Most of the time if you're in bed a good movie is something you can watch and not worry about falling asleep. Just start it where you left off.
Old folks love music and children. Why not do an adopt a grandson and let some of these little ones learn some wonderful old timey things these veterans love to share.
How about some playing cards too? While it's probably not applicable, there was a great article recently in the American Legion magazine about disabled vets learning how to tie flies for fly fishing.
Crossword puzzles or puzzle books. c: Maybe little photo frames.
For the men shaving creams and lotions
For the women scarves or afghans (spelling?)
bibles
cds/tapes a lot of people would be willing to give away old tapes since most people use cds now
If they are able to take care of it maybe a small house plant (you might would have to ask the nursing home though).
sugar free candies
What about having several people bring in bread machines and alternate breads types and butter/jelly to distribute and share together.
Mens lotions...most nursing home residents have very dry skin...body wipes.. CD of older music..usually a mix of old time rock and roll and country....from their time era.. Photo albums...
Why not try non skid slipper socks which help prevent falls and are not expensive. $6.35 a pair or less if bought in bulk. Checkout Silvert's Adaptive Clothing & Footwear online.
I used this exact gift idea for my decrepit mother and she loved it! But the CD got too greasy from all the lotion and broke her walkman.
I have had a nursing home ministry for 25 years now and one thing they love for sure is small stuff animals. At Christmas time I tell them the Christmas story and play a bingo type game with them with prizes. Around Christmas time if you go to the dollar tree you can get small angel bears and also small regular bears they love them. some of the stuff they can always use is lotion, tissues, hankerchiefs for men or women, socks and they also love the small lap throws 2.50 each
A book, magazine, lotion, travel-sized game or deck of cards
