I plan on taking my 10 year old to an old folk's home this week to visit and give gifts. I was thinking of calling ahead and asking what patients might not have visitors. If they let me know this, I'd like to bring gifts. I'd like to get something for about 3 patients. I was thinking slipper socks and ??? Hubby says a solitary game, I'm not sure...
I'll be bringing cookies for all..
Call the home you're thinking about going to and ak for the Activities Director, they'll be in a position to advise you!
I think it is wonderful that you are doing this~! Alot of older folks don't have family that come to visit as often especially during the holidays. So, you will be making a HUGE positive impact on their lives. It will also greatly affect your 10 year old---
Here are some gifts you can bring:
Slippers and slipper socks
solitaire hand held game
nice lotion for the ladies and gents
offer to do a hand/foot massage
be a listening ear and let them tell you all about their life
Have a great time!
M
What a lovely thing for you to do!! I am going to suggest this to my daughter, she is always looking for things for my grandson to do to help him learn the concept of compassion and giving back!!!
I would consider adding some fresh fruit to those cookies...because some of the residents may be diabetic or on diet restrictions.
Slipper socks is a great idea...maybe the kind with those grippy knobs on the bottom to help with traction if they are going to be walking in them. Small bottles of baby lotion ( avoid any scents...they could be allergic or sensitive)...a pad of notepaper and envelopes....pretty cloth hankies for the ladies...nice big mens hankies for the men. Maybe a holiday decoration for their room or their door. What they will love more than anything is just the gift of your time...encourage your daughter to visit with them...ask them questions about their childhood...just give them a chance to interact with her. Congratulations on teaching your daughter the joy of giving back to others!!
Merry Christmas!!
Oh what a lovely idea.
Defintely the socks.
Maybe a puzzle book
Ask at the desk who doesn't have family that comes in and what they might need.
This is a great tradition to start.
Have you ever done this before?
We have played the piano at a lot of retirement homes over the years for the holiday's....and most of the elderly people are pretty bedridden, or in wheelchairs and not very interactive. Some are, but few.
Make sure you contact them first, ask for both the best hours to visit and also what to bring.
My mom just spent 6 months in a convalescent hospital this past year, and our family brought lots of nice and practical gifts, like slippers, chewy vitamins, a Kindle - EVERYTHING valuable and nice was stolen from her. The staff cannot be trusted much anymore....terribly sad.
