Brighten Your Elderly Loved One's Day

If you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior community and they are isolating themselves from the coronavirus, you probably would love to do something to brighten their day but just not sure how. One idea is to send them a “thinking of you” basket filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant. 

For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options. Are they a chocolate lover or prefer salty snacks? Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses. For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architecture, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest. A collection of classic movies is also something many seniors would enjoy. 

Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers. If they have low vision, include large-print playing cards and books. If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket. While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight. For example, if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley is proud to offer residents a lifestyle of comfort and wellness along with resort-style amenities. Our beautiful senior living community has 61 stylish assisted living suites for those who need help with the activities of daily living. In our Reflections Neighborhood, 27 secure suites are devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional senior living community.