Caring for someone can come in many different forms, such as acts of kindness and consideration, providing comfort, and being aware of the needs of someone else. All of those forms of caring can be expressed in a care package for a senior loved one, whether it be from a spouse or an adult child.
Care Package Considerations
Some care package considerations for seniors include:
Is it a package that will need to mailed, or can you personally deliver it? If it is being mailed or shipped, be sure to do so in a sturdy box, and use packing to secure the items inside. Keep in mind, fragile items like cookies or other delicate baked items may not survive intact by the time they reach their destination.
If you can deliver the package or have someone drop it off for you, a decoratively wrapped gift basket filled with goodies would be a pleasant surprise for your loved one.
If you need some help to put together a care package for seniors, packages can be purchased online and delivered to the home.
How to Choose Items for Your Care Package
What does your senior enjoy? And what is he or she able to do?
Is the senior confined to a bed or chair? Add activities and entertainment supplies to the care package to focus your loved one’s attention on fun:
- Audiobooks
- Books and magazines
- Puzzles
- Games
- Adult coloring book
- Sketch pad and pencils
- Journal and pens
- An Amazon gift card
- Netflix movie subscription
Make a list of your senior’s favorite treats and foods, and throw in an offer to deliver a home-cooked meal. Other ideas include:
- Cookies
- A fruit basket
- Snacks
- A subscription to a food service like Blue Apron
- Specialty teas
- Cocoa packets
- Wine
- Cookbook
- An apron if he or she likes to cook
Who doesn’t want to feel warm and comfortable? Try these:
- Warm socks
- Blanket
- Slippers
- Robe
- Small pillow
- Sweater
- Gloves
- Winter hat
Often the most meaningful gift, particularly in a time when sharing with senior loved ones has been made more difficult, are items like these:
- Photos
- Handwritten notes
- Gifts from the grandkids
- Digital photo frame
- Photo album
- Something handmade by a loved one
For the senior that likes to be outdoors:
- Gardening hats, gloves, or aprons
- A pot for plants
- Wind chime
- Watering can filled with garden supplies
- A subscription to a gardening magazine
- Gift card to a lawn and garden store
If your senior likes to exercise, these items might come in handy:
- Exercise mat
- Resistance bands
- Chair exercise DVD for seniors
- Squeeze balls for hand therapy
You can create a care package for a senior with a theme or mix and match all sorts of items your loved one would cherish and enjoy. Whatever you decide, the real gift is the knowledge that someone is thinking of them.
