When family/friends are scattered everywhere, a really great gift for an older person is a phone card. I would imagine that a pre-paid phone would be even better since one wouldn't have to enter all the numbers.
Also, a house telephone with oversized numbers is a great gift or universal tv remote with large numbers.
A large print Bible or a large print subscription to Reader's Digest is also a good idea. The year I gave those was a big hit.
If she loves to send cards as many of the elderly do, get her a selection of various kinds of cards and a roll of stamps...or if she still writes letters, a pretty box of stationery and a roll of stamps.
Or instead of a gift-a-month type thing, take over her cable bill or such for a year if your budget can handle it. Just freeing up a bit of money per month for an elderly person is a big help. I love doing something like this because it "gives" each month.
One Christmas I even gave my Mother the installation of a dish network and had the bill come to me for years. She really enjoyed the westerns. Perhaps you could add a channel if there was something like that your Grandmother likes but doesn't have.
I don't have any of the elderly in my family still living but if I did, I think one of the things I would be interested in doing would be getting an ipod (or something similiar) and recording lots of their favorite songs and music genre. Then instead of the ear pods, I'd add real headphones because they are more comfortable to an older person. This would be a real treat for an elderly person who cannot listen to their favorite music on the radio anymore.
I tried to combine my practical gifts with a bit of fun each year for my elderly relatives. The joy they take in the smallest gift is priceless. Keep in mind, too, that if they grew up in the Depression, they also appreciate a gift that can be used as well as enjoyed.
If you don't get a chance to visit very much, make that a concerted effort from now on. That would be the greatest gift you can give an elderly person AND yourself. Pay attention to the things around your loved one and try to see ways you can ease life. For example, if hot tea is a favorite, why not get one of those heat units where you can set a mug to keep it warm?
Of all things though, if your elderly loved one lives at home and is ever left alone, I think getting one of the alert systems is the best gift. There is generally a monthly charge to that set-up so you could pay for that and/or have other family members contribute. I'm speaking of the kind of item where they push a button on a necklace or bracelet to summon emergency aid. Amazingly wonderful device for those elderly who still want their independence but need a safeguard.
Eek! I didn't mean to go on and on but with the first "baby" in our family born this year (since 16 years ago), my gift-giving for nearly two decades has been to elderly family members. |