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For example, assist residents with assembling and decorating apple bird feeders, creating mosaic garden buddies, or constructing garden rain gauges. If you're looking for more gift ideas, read our guides on care package ideas for older adults during COVID-19. Start end-of-life planning today to take this burden off your friends and family. The more control we take over our own futures, the more options we have to ensure our wishes are heard. Begin your own end-of-life planning to stay ready for anything. If you’re crafty or want to do something a bit more personal, why not make a gift yourself?
Any of these gift ideas above are the perfect option, whether you’re choosing something practical or sentimental. Many nursing homes allow seniors to have accounts for things like activities, shopping, or even cable. Gifting some extra money to put towards something fun is a nice way to spread holiday cheer.
Gifts for Nursing Home Residents
You’ll want to check with any local homes in your area to see what is or isn’t provided so you can be sure to donate items that are needed. Recruit some of your gifted crafters to compete in a fun D.I.Y. craft challenge. Set the finished objects out for your facility’s administrators to judge and announce the winner of the best D.I.Y. makeover. While nursing homes are typically very sanitary, many residents might want an extra hand. Gifting sanitizers and hand wipes that are easy to use is a practical idea. When we are young, the village is our parents and close friends and family who help provide care.
These charities accept various types of craft donations for all causes. Pack boxes for children around the world in need, stitch up some blankets to keep children warm, and more! No matter your craft of choice, there's a way you can give back to those in need. Who knew there were so many different ways to paint? You, of course, can paint with the traditional watercolor or acyrlic, but have you ever tried adding something bizarre to give it a unique twist? Try adding salt to your watercolor to make a rainbow of crystals, or use a wine bottle cork with your acrylic to create interesting textures as you have fun stamping the paint.
How to Make Easy Beach Waves with a Scarf
As we get a bit older, the village still remains our family and friends, but may extend to our neighbors and others who can help us in our time of need. What Do You Do When Your Elderly Parent Can't Live Alone? Incorporating photos into crafts is the ultimate way to personalize a project. Many seniors enjoy taking pictures, and some have boxes of photos gathering dust in a closet somewhere that could be put to good use. If you have digital photos on a memory card, smartphone, or computer, you can print them out yourself or have them printed fairly inexpensively at places like Costco or Walmart. Needlecrafts like knitting and crocheting are some of the most popular activities among older adults.
Hang up fun wall art designed by the resident with their favorite patterns and colors. Tape a beautiful paper butterfly to the window that almost looks like stained glass as the sunlight shines through the pretty colors. Drape a cheery garland made of paper flowers around the entire room to lift spirits. Nursing home residents probably have a lot of life experience.
Creatively Thoughtful DIY Items to Craft and Donate to Your Local Nursing Home
First, make sure that clothing is new or gently used. Call the nursing home and ask to speak to the Social Work department and explain that you have clothing that can be donated and describe the clothing in full detail. They will probably ask you for size information and what type of clothing it is . The residents receiving this clothing from you will be very grateful that you thought of them.
I like the Lap Quilt idea and I do understand the response that the quilt may just end up on the floor. For residents in wheelchairs, I would suggest that the quilt be made like a long apron. The sash can either tie in the back or even be tied to each arm rest on the wheelchair. In the same category as shawls and scarves, wheelchair wraps are designed to be comfortably worn while sitting in a wheelchair. This donation will provide warmth to those in need. Think lip balm, lotion, deodorant, incontinence supplies for light bladder leakage, toothpaste, etc.
Crafting With Kids
As a lifelong learner, she is driven by her curiosity to discover and learn new things. This curiosity and passion eventually sparked a love for the senior writing niche. She has written countless articles to help seniors find their footing in this world through healthy and holistic living. She’s passionate about seeing the seniors in society live a more fulfilling life to the end. Read her LATEST POSTS. Learn more about her HERE. There are many ways to entertain an elderly resident.
He is father to 4 beautiful daughters and has three terrific grandkids. When not promoting better living for older adults, he enjoys outdoor activities including hiking and kayaking and early morning runs. I have been reflecting on new ways I can use my God given talent as an artist and crafter to bless the people who have no one to brighten their surroundings with pretty things. I am a retired nurse and have been in nursing homes off and on throughout my career and have been touched by some of the drab environments I have found in residents rooms.
Just be sure that the items you are donating are allowed in the facility before making any large purchases. This was made evident after a recent visit to our house when my Uncle, not knowing where he was, had wandered off at one point. Luckily we found him a few houses down at a neighbors house but it made us realize that he needed a little more care than one person could provide on their own. My dad has been taking care of his special needs brother for the past few years.
Nursing home residents will love the adorable flowers and animals and the whimsical designs that depict them. Allow them to choose their favorite, and begin filling in the intricate lines with whatever colors they see fit. All these nursing home craft ideas are free and require materials that are inexpensive or that you likely already have! There is nothing stopping you from presenting your local nursing home or assisted living establishment with these cool and engaging activities. You can build relationships with the lovely people who live there and foster a community of growth, creativity, and kindness.
For instance, provide stress-relieving toys that residents can use after they color them with permanent markers, like donuts, hearts, dogs, unicorns, and even cacti. A gift bag or care package offers a fun break from the routine of nursing home life. Keep your loved one’s personality and interests in mind to create a fun gift catered to them.
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