Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Southeast Michigan Shares The Best Gifts for Seniors

'Do' and 'Don't' Gifts for the Elderly

The elderly can be the most difficult people to shop for during the holidays. Selecting appropriate gifts for seniors means being mindful of certain restrictions and limitations, so that the gift that you give can be enjoyed.

Don't give these food gifts:

Candy, nuts, salty snacks, taffy, popcorn, specialty coffee, caramel corn and sweets

Many seniors suffer from diabetes, digestive issues and weak teeth. Many senior have dentures. Candy, nuts and sweets may hurt their teeth. Many candies are sticky and difficult to chew. Diabetics, of course, must restrict their sugar intake. Nuts and popcorn are difficult to digest and aggravate Irritable Bowel Syndrome, colon problems, diverticulitis and other digestive issues. Salty snacks and caffeine are unhealthy for seniors with high blood pressure, circulation problems and heart disease. Salty snacks are hard on the teeth.

Do give these food gifts:

Herbal teas, vitamin drinks, hot cocoa, low-sodium crackers, Pepperidge Farm crackers (made with healthier ingredients), soft, non-sticky candies made with Splenda, mints and hard candy

Do give these helpful gifts:

Senior citizens may have difficulty seeing and hearing things clearly. Many elderly people love to read, but lack the visual acuity. Instead of giving books with fine print that are difficult to see and read, look for these entertainment alternatives:

• . . . . . .books with large print • . . . . . .large coffee table books with nice illustrations • . . . . . .book magnifier for reading • . . . . . .large print crossword and word puzzle books • . . . . . .books on CD, a • . . . . . .folding lap table or desk • . . . . . .desk lamp • . . . . . .audio CDs with a portable CD player • . . . . . .Ipod or Mp3 player preloaded with grandma's favorite gospel, country or classical

music favorites. [The mp3 player is perfect because the ear-buds fit right into her ear and she can easily adjust the volume.]

Do give these practical, comfort gifts:

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Southeast Michigan Shares The Best Gifts for Seniors

• . . . . . .warm, soft blanket (Senior citizens are almost always cold, no matter the temperature at which the heat is set. Many elderly persons will not turn up the thermostat because they are concerned about the cost of gas and electricity.) [Polar fleece, micro plush and micro fiber blankets wash up very nicely.]

• . . . . . .robe and slippers • . . . . . .hat, scarf and gloves (Many senior men are balding or have thinning hair. They catch

cold easily. A warm, knitted cap and scarf make ideal gifts.) • . . . . . .massaging back pillow or neck roll • . . . . . .heated, massaging foot bath

Any and all of these gifts will be most welcomed by every senior on your gift list.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Southeast Michigan. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Franklin, Mount Clemens, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Highland, Holly, Novi and surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones' continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601.