I love to help out at the nursing homes and I was wondering if anyone knew some ideal gifts or entertainment to give to the elderly?
Best answer:
Answer by K Hall
Music, audio books. 
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some of the songs they used to dance or sing to on a d.v.d. or sweets and little treats, and even a bible reading, for some of them! Good on you for thinking about others!..
the suggestions above are all good, add hand and face massage , a manicure , its more than pampering, you also provide human touch, many older people are touch starved, with apropriate music ,a few laughs and reminiscing, you will have some VERY happy people .
check with the person in charge first ,as to what is appropriate to each individual person.
One thing I know of from dealing with seniors is that very often they get cold feet. Nice slipper socks with good traction to avoid slips would be lovely.
Depending on your budget, perhaps something warming.
Most have at least one favorite photo, so a plastic (unbreakable ) picture frame.
There use to be a lady on tv who did exercises for the elderly. All of them were seated in a chair. That would do wonders for blood circulation, without possibility of getting hurt.
Music from their period. Big Band etc. I worked with Alzheimer’s patients and though they would forget their name, they remembered lyrics. That is a lovely way to spend a day. Have a sing along.
A tombstone?!?!?!
A nice smelling lotion.
Sun glasses with a chain.
My mother-in-law had sensitive eyes – she needed sun glasses in the dining room where the light was so brite – she also had very dry skin and used her lotion often.
Shortstuff has a good answer.
DeeJay.
I take my grand son, with crayons and a pad. He is six years old and wants to draw everyone a picture. He won’t leave until everyone has a picture. The residents love him. His pictures ate on several walls there. Such a good experience for everyone involved
Your best bet is to speak to someone in charge at a nursing home in your area. They’d be the best people to give you some ideal & practical ideas. I can tell you, from my days of working in a nursing home, that the residents are usually cold all the time. This is due to poor circulation & inactivity. Crocheted shawls & matching footies make a nice gift. For the male residents, they would like non skid slippers & warm footwear while laying in bed or sleeping.
That is great that you help those in nursing homes! I’m sure they appreciate you!
Here are a few gift ideas:
Stationery, note cards, note books, assorted greeting cards, writing supplies, postage stamps, address book, magnifying glass..
Magazines, books or puzzle/word search books in large print size..
Grooming aids such as brushes or combs, nice smelling shampoos and hair conditioners, lip balms, moisturizers, hand lotions, powder, etc.
Fleece blanket throws for the colder months.
Paint-by-number art sets.
Large size/small count jigsaw puzzles.
Blank page drawing books and markers or color pens/pencils.
Decks or cards, CD’s, books, games, puzzles,subscription to a favorite magazine, toiletries. You may ask to homes director what most find useful or what they need but is not readily available.
People in nursing homes don’t have a whole lot of personal space, so it would have to be something small. One time I took a bunch of really brightly colored toothbrushes and brightly colored combs. The people had fun picking out their favorites.