When I was a child, we had a nursing home in the small town where I lived. I remember going there every year and singing Christmas carols. There were donation drives and people were always helping the residents when they could. My family now lives in a town with multiple nursing homes and care facilities. I came up with 10 ways to help your local nursing home during the holidays or anytime of year!
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10 Ways to Help Your Local Nursing Home During the Holidays
I think there is a big misconception that people living in a nursing home have everything they need. It may be true that their basic needs are being met…but these elderly people may really be lacking items that would make them so much more comfortable. Most of these residents are on an extremely fixed income. Some don't have family nearby to help. It is important that communities remember their elderly and continue to give to them when they can.
Call Your Local Nursing Home and Ask About Their Specific Needs
Every residential facility will have their own rules for donations, visitors, etc. It is best to start off by finding out what their guidelines are. I also like to find out if there are any specific needs they have or that certain residents may have. This will enable me to be very purposeful in my help.
DVD's
Most nursing homes have recreation areas for residents. These typically include a TV and DVD player. It is always nice for the residents to have new movies to watch. I know we have TONS of DVD's at home that we don't watch anymore. I also try to watch for good deals on movies during Christmas sales!
Stationery Items
Many elderly people still like to write letters by hand (shocking I know, LOL). Donating pretty stationery, pens, envelopes and even stamps is a great way to connect with the residents!
Calendars
If you are doing holiday giving…calendars
Crossword Puzzle & Word Find Books
A lot of residents like to work crossword puzzles
Warm Blankets
Many older people have issues with temperature control and they feel cold a lot. Wouldn't it be nice to give them a pretty, warm fleece blanket
Books
Books in large print
Magazine Subscriptions
What about donating magazine subscriptions directly to the facility? This would be a donation that would serve many residents every month and the home would really appreciate it. Get creative with your magazine subscriptions…sports, outdoors, crafts, etc. You may talk to some residents and see what magazines they would like to read.
Skin Care Items
The older we get the more fragile our skin seems to get. Good quality lotions and lip balms are items that many elderly nursing home residents need and would really appreciate.
Personal Care Items
A lot of residents need personal care items and not everything is provided for them. There can be needs for underpads for beds and other personal care type items that residents need and the costs of these products really adds up for people on a fixed income. They make great donation items.
What Will You Donate?
Does your family help your local nursing home during the holidays? What are your favorite items to donate? Do you have any touching stories to share? Let me know…let's connect!
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Thanks so much for sharing these ideas! It’s great to remember to help people of all ages, especially during the holidays. #client
Thank you for your ideals I volunteer at the local nursing home on Thrusday after noon they play BINGO some need a little HELP others need a lot. We all have lot of fun. Local churches come once a month to call the numbers and bring gift for winners. Everyone is a winner. Once a month the nursing home dose it so I try to help with a few gifts. I crochet so I made thangs like hand and leg warmers. They love it always love anything to keep them warm. I have made a few shawls. Thy love very bright colors. So I’m always looking for gifts ideals. Thanks now I can make them some gift bags to win in bingo. Thank you.
Hi Susie, sounds like you do a lot–so wonderful! I love your ideas!!
I think you are wrong about crossword puzzles and word find puzzles. They are too difficult. Resident want find-the-object, dot-to-dot (large print), and find-the-difference in the picture games.. And jigsaw puzzles! Mom is 93 and I’m a long term care ombudsman. For goodness sakes the games I have suggested will make them happy. Please get a clue.
Karen, thank you for your opinion…although I am not sure why you feel the need to be rude with your remarks. I have had multiple staff from our local care homes tell me that some of their residents like crossword puzzles and word find puzzles. Not every resident is the same and I was merely offering ideas that could work for different people. There is not a one size fits all way to help local nursing homes. I hope you have a good day.
I agree Jamie. My step dad loves the word finds and crossword puzzles. And yes, the ideas Karen mentioned are also great ideas, but as you said, no need to be rude. One suggestion I would like to add, is my step dad asks for the larger print. It makes it easier for him to see. Thank you for your ideas.