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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shirley Freyer
Concordia Lutheran Ministries
Tel: 1-724-352-1571 x8266
sfreyer@concordialm.org

Senior Gift Giving Guide

Cabot, PA – Coming up with gift ideas for seniors can be challenging. While people have their own tastes and preferences, it is important to consider giving gifts that stimulate both the body and the mind.

There are many possibilities once you start thinking “outside the box.”

Get to the bookstore: One place to start is in the self-improvement or games section of your local bookstore. Not only could you find a book on embracing aging or finding purpose, you could also find a mentally stimulating Sudoku book (a challenging number game) or a set of association cards designed to stimulate word association and naming skills.

Personalized family gifts: Anything involving family is sure to be a hit. Make a calendar using family photos, have old family photographs restored, or put together an updated family photo album. While these may not be the most practical gifts, they are sure to be cherished and looked at often.

Arthritis aides: Every year, thousands of seniors struggle with arthritis, so a gift that enables easier living for those individuals is something to keep in mind. A few ideas include a bed caddie, an arthritis hand mitt, an Un-Skru jar opener, or even a reacher. Easy car mobility gifts are a possibility also, with gifts such as a swivel seat cushion or a car caddie mobility aid.

Gifts that keep on giving: For those who don’t get the opportunity to leave their house often (especially in the winter months), consider gifts that can help pass the time inside. Perhaps a subscription to a favorite magazine or premium channel on television would be appropriate. Another type of gift that keeps giving all year is a voucher for regular housekeeping or outdoor maintenance (such as raking, shoveling, and mowing).

Home safety improvements: Getting back to practical gifts, there are many ideas we may not consider because they don’t encompass the holiday spirit. It is important to get past that feeling, as a gift like a bathtub railing, an air purification system, or an outdoor railing could save an aging loved one’s life.

Updated telephone or alert system: Consider getting a phone capable of programming numbers on it in case of an emergency; just don’t forget to program the phone. An even more efficient crisis measure would be to install a personal emergency response system, which can summon help through a device worn around the wrist or neck.

The gift of time spent: The one gift that should never be overlooked is the gift of spending time with your senior loved ones. It is not uncommon for seniors to get lonely, especially around the holiday season. Keep in mind, seniors have been around and received many gifts in their lifetime. For many, quality time with those they love is worth more than anything we can think about buying or making. Something as simple as taking them to church, a 45-minute lunch, and an afternoon of conversation and cards can be the perfect gift for someone who has less contact with their friends or family.

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As one of a few CARF-CCAC accredited Aging Service Networks in the country, Concordia offers more services than any other senior care provider in the region, including adult day services, assisted living, home care, hospice, pharmacy, rehabilitation services, retirement living, skilled nursing, and medical equipment sales.

For more information on any of Concordia’s services, call toll free 1.888.352.1571.