As a busy adult, you’re probably wondering what the best gifts for your aging parents who live in independent living are. Well, here’s the deal: you can go right with everything. The key is to find something that will make them smile and remind them of their younger days—that way, they’ll have something to cherish even as their bodies continue to age.
Consider Their Needs
Think about it: what do they need? Do they want an extra blanket, or would they prefer new reading glasses? Is there anything specific holding up their daily routine, like a broken chair or a faulty hamper? How about hobbies and interests? What are their favorite things to do when they’re not at home—or in this case, an independent living community? If possible, take some time to visit them with your siblings so you can make sure everyone is on the same page when deciding on gifts for your parents (and perhaps even grandparents).
Buy Something That Will Last
When buying a gift, it is important to consider the longevity of the product. Do your research and read reviews, so you know how long a particular item will last. You should also consider how long it will take to use up all of the product. For example, if your mom has always wanted a nice pair of headphones but only uses them once in a while, those are not the best birthday gift idea for her!
Another factor that comes into play when choosing gifts for aging parents living in Independent Living communities is the cost per use. If you’re considering buying something like an expensive pottery set for your mom’s birthday, she’s unlikely to use it very often since she doesn’t live alone anymore. So if we look at this from an economic point of view and disregard sentimental value altogether (which isn’t very fair), then we can see that she won’t get value out of this purchase because there won’t be enough opportunity for her to get her value it over her time (or even just during one visit).
Give Gifts That Can Save Money
Many of your aging parent’s daily needs will be paid for by others, but there are still plenty of ways to save money on their other expenses. Reusable gift cards are a great idea because they can be used to pay bills, buy groceries and household items, give to others as gifts (e.g., a grandchild who lives far away), or even spend on yourself!
You should also consider giving gift cards that can be used exclusively for the senior’s living expenses. For example, if your loved one has moved into an independent living community and is paying monthly fees, consider getting them a gift card that can only be used at their building’s cafeteria or convenience store. This way, they won’t have to worry about buying something with it that isn’t already included in their monthly costs at their assisted living home.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember when giving gifts to your parents is to keep it simple. They will appreciate any gift you give them, but they likely don’t want something they won’t use or enjoy. The key is knowing their interests, hobbies, and personality. After all, the best gifts will make them happy and feel loved!
