Sentiments of cheer and goodwill are certainly heartwarmers at this time of year, but how about ways to literally give the gift of warmth?We've come up with some perfect holiday gift ideas for elderly parents and grandparents for the holidays. Many of these holiday gifts for elderly parents can help them stay warm over winter—especially as some will be battling the aches and pains that come in the colder months.However, we've also included some thoughtful gift ideas that can elicit a feeling of warmth from the inside by eliciting fond memories.Happy holiday gifting from us at Nurse Next Door!
Gift Ideas Ahead!
1) Cozy Slippers
Give some toe warmth and comfort!
Whether it be wool-lined or fluffy slippers, keep an eye out for non-slip soles to maximize comfort, warmth, and safety.To kick things up a notch, why not consider heated slippers? They can bring increased circulation and soothing relief to achy feet. Unlike socks, these slippers have flexible rubber soles, so you're less likely to slip. And they can be worn indoors or outdoors, perfect for a dash to the mailbox.
2) Chair Yoga Book to Ease Stiff Muscles
Achy joints? Stiff knees? While everyone needs to be active, it's even more so for people with painful arthritis.
Cold weather can hamper exercise routines, so having options for indoor activity is key. Give the gift of gentle movement and stretching. Chair yoga is a gentle way to warm up muscles and fend off stiffness.Check out this Chair Yoga Book developed for seniors. With the convenience of a book, your loved one can do these exercises any time of day in the comfort of their home sweet home.
3) Warm Meals for More Cheer
Cooking can become more difficult as we age, especially if you use a walker or can't stand for long periods of time.
Buy a slow cooker or dust off the one from the cupboard and introduce your loved one to some new recipes. Offer to help with grocery shopping and meal prep, or ask your home health aide for assistance.Consider a meal delivery or prep service as a unique and practical gift idea. Alternatively, connect with your local Meals on Wheels program to be sure nutritious and warm meals are a staple.
4) Arthritis Gloves (Great Gift Alert!)
Arthritis gloves are essentially finger-less gloves that can be worn by your elderly parent indoors as they go about their daily activities. They provide mild compression for warmth and help promote circulation.
Here are five top-rated brands are here to explore!
5) Practical Gift with a Relaxing Touch!
Package up some reusable wool dryer balls, and essential oils with the suggestion that they can are used any day of the week, not just on laundry day. Warm up blankets or sweaters for a few minutes in the dryer with this dynamic duo before bundling up.
The soothing warmth and the relaxing, all-natural scent will chase away any winter chill. Dryer balls are a cost-saving alternative to dryer sheets, a unique gift that will keep on giving throughout the year.Aromatherapy using essential oils can also help relieve sundowning symptoms for those with dementia or Alzheimer's. Check out these other relaxation recommendations for seniors to bring more peace into your elderly parent's daily life.
6) Digital Photo Frame for the Sentimental
Digital photo frames can be the perfect gift for the sentimental grandparent, especially if they live far away.
Share photos of family members through a wifi connected digital photo frame. This can be one of the most meaningful gifts for sharing your digital photos so your loved one doesn't miss a moment. The whole family can get involved and share photos instantly from your smartphone with your parents wherever they are.Digital photo frames are one of those great gift ideas for elderly parents that keep on giving!
7) Not-Your-Everyday Blankets
Sure, a blanket seems like such an obvious holiday gift, but we have three that stand out from the crowd:
- Cabeau Fold 'n Go Travel and Throw Blanket Plus Compact Case—Besides being so soft and plush, this blanket folds into a convenient carrying case for easy travel. Attach a carabiner to the handle, and it's ready to be attached to a walker. While the blanket is in the case, you can also use it as a pillow, seat cushion, or lower back and lumbar support.
- Heated Throws—For those times that call for total body warmth, turn on an electric heated throw and snuggle in with a movie or a good book. Today's heated throws come in so many styles and colors that it's easy to match them to any décor.
- Custom Photo Blankets—These blankets do double duty, warming hearts as they warm bodies. Family pictures, a family tree, or a family name are just some of the ideas to have imprinted on a blanket.
8) Heating Pads
The options for heating pads are many—disposable, microwaveable, and electric.
When that deep ache sets in, have the perfect one on hand. ThermaCare disposable heating pads are great for those hard-to-reach spots, and an adhesive keeps them in place. Microwaveable ones offer unlimited uses; many can be worn while you move through your day.We like the ones with velcro straps, like this lumbar and abdomen one or this one for your wrist. And don't rule out an electric heating pad. In addition to the flat style (great for backs), they also come in various designs for different body parts.
TIP: We always encourage our clients to take advantage of the time with an electric heating pad. By elevating their feet it can help maintain positive blood and lymph flow!
With gift-giving soon approaching, get a head start on your gift planning.You'll thank yourself the eve before gifting-giving when you can sit back and relax while others are on a last-minute gift rush!
