The holidays can be a wonderful time filled with traditions, parties, special treats, and much more.
However, they can also be a challenging time, especially for those dealing with chronic illness or missing close companions who have passed on. Though no physical gift can take away that pain, small gestures can go a long way to elevate sadness. That’s why we came up with five great gifts for your sick or aging loved one that will bring a smile to their face. Try also discussing with their home health aide or CNA, to see what might best help support their needs and interests.
1. Subscription Box
Who doesn’t love getting a package in the mail? There are so many subscription boxes available to suit a wide range of interests. This can give your loved one something new to look forward to on a regular basis! From candles to wine, plants or even yoga; there are myriad subscription services available.
2. Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are a type of at-home therapy that can provide similar benefits to deep pressure therapy. These blankets have shown positive results for several conditions, including anxiety, depression, and dementia. They can help calm a restless body, reduce feelings of anxiety, and improve sleep troubles.
3. Digital Photo Frame
Digital photo frames are a great way to remind your loved ones how cherished they are. These frames basically serve the same purpose as traditional photo frames, but instead of having a single picture inserted, it operates digitally and displays pictures from the cloud, Wi-Fi, or a flash drive. Upload a variety of photos to be rotated through of close family, friends, and happy memories to remind them of great times.
4. Masterclass
Masterclass offers an all-access annual pass to videos created by over 100+ instructors with new classes added every month. This is a great way to offer your loved one the opportunity to learn something new or fuel inspiration from a variety of experts across many disciplines. For example, you can take writing classes with Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates, or David Sedaris. You can learn photography with Annie Leibovitz; acting with Natalie Portman; comedy with Judd Apatow or Steve Martin; and cooking with Gordon Ramsay, or Alice Waters, to name a few. Visit their website for more information: www.masterclass.com.
5. Streaming Subscription
Give the gift of entertainment. While your loved one might not be able to get out as much, especially in colder months, give them something new to enjoy from the comfort of their own home. From Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, Disney+, and more, there is a wide variety to choose from. It might be especially appreciated if it’s a streaming service you also have, so that the two of you can watch the same shows and discuss.
Are you looking for more support in caring for a sick or aging loved one? We provide live-in services including personal care, meal prep, transportation, housekeeping, and more. Care is available for as little as three hours or up to a full 24-hour period. Our caregivers can assist in many ways, from simply talking with your loved one or helping them stay sharp and engaged, to taking them out of the house to church, a family function, or the doctor. We deliver care based on each client’s needs. Visit our website for more information: www.preferredcares.com/service/homemaker-care/.