Holiday ideas
By Simone Gaunt & Laura Feakes
Q. Its holiday time again! Do you have any suggestions for presents for older relatives?
A. Yes. Elder Services’ Information and Referral Department has information on many adaptive functional solutions to enhance independent living, which help individuals dealing with physical impairments such as vision loss, mobility issues, etc. A few suggestions include large number and large button telephones, bold numbered thermometers, grabbers to reach those hard to get objects from shelves, or large-handled kitchen utensils. For elders already receiving Meals on Wheels through Elder Services, you could pay for a month of meals, or make a donation to the Meals on Wheels program in honor or in memory of a loved one.
Other great suggestions include purchasing: gift certificates to a grocery store, pharmacy, beauty salon/barber shop; personal care items; stamps along with stationery or cards, non-perishable items such as canned goods; or flashlights with working batteries. Offer to buy, install and change the batteries for smoke detectors. Consider purchasing snow plowing, leaf raking, window washing, or lawn mowing services to help around the house.
For additional gift-giving information, call Elder Services’ Information and Referral Department at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.
Simone Gaunt and Laura Feakes are Elder Services Information and Referral Specialists.
