The holiday season is always a wonderful time of year. Most people thoroughly enjoy the combination of festive music, snowfall, bright lights and cozy naps by the fireplace. Of course, this time of year is also filled with excitement around gift-giving. If you have elderly loved ones to consider, the choosing of your gifts should prioritize safety and wellness as well as enjoyment.
Are you looking to enhance the holiday experience of the seniors in your life while also keeping their health in mind? Let’s go virtual holiday shopping, shall we? What gifts for seniors prioritize their health and safety?
Comfortable and stylish loungewear.
Who says that seniors can’t be safe and stylish at the same time? Believe it or not, the clothing your elderly loves ones wear plays big a role in their safety and well-being. Garments made from soft fabrics and that have easy closures make loungewear both cozy and practical. Look for designs that prioritize comfort without compromising on style. This gives seniors a fashionable yet functional option for relaxing at home.
“Health conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes, can make specific clothing requirements essential,” points out Adaptive Clothing Australia, “Comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict blood flow or aggravate sensitive skin is crucial…When choosing clothes for the elderly, comfort comes first. Natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen, are gentle on the skin and offer breathability.”
Supportive footwear.
“Falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians with 20-30% seniors experiencing one or more falls each year,” reveals the Public Health Agency of Canada, “Falls cause 85% of seniors’ injury-related hospitalizations, 95% of all hip fractures, $2 billion a year in direct healthcare costs, and over one third of seniors are admitted to long-term care following hospitalization for a fall.”
One way to mitigate the risk of falls is to ensure your elderly loved one is wearing comfortable and supportive shoes. Look for footwear with non-slip soles to prevent falls. They should also have easy closures (think Velcro) to help those with limited dexterity to secure their shoes on their feet. Don’t forget to consider cushioning for added comfort as well.
A personal emergency response system.
Does your elderly loved one either live alone or spend a lot of time in an empty home? If so, a personal emergency response system might be the most important gift you can offer. These systems typically include wearable devices or pendants with buttons that, when pressed, connect the users to a monitoring service. Some can also contact predetermined emergency contacts.
Look for systems with features such as fall detection and GPS tracking for added security. Discuss the system with your loved one to address any concerns and ensure his/her comfort in using it. Life Assure and Lifeline are popular brands, both advertised as top choices among Canadian seniors.
Smart home devices.
Let’s stay on the subject of technology, shall we? It’s important to note that smart home devices like voice-activated assistants, smart thermostats and home security systems have made tremendous strides in improving the lives of seniors. As you can imagine, they offer convenience and enhanced safety. Such innovations can make daily tasks more manageable and provide peace of mind. Ensure that the devices you purchase are user-friendly and come with clear instructions.
“Smart home devices offer seniors the ability to manage their home from a mobile device in the comfort of their bed or seat,” notes Housecall Pro, “For example, if a caregiver was at the front door, they could see who it is, talk with them to confirm, and unlock the door without getting up and risking injury. Any elderly person living alone also now has a source of interaction and communication even if with a voice assistant.”
Aromatherapy diffuser and essential oils.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a soothing and relaxing atmosphere for seniors. An aromatherapy diffuser combined with a set of high-quality essential oils can help set very peaceful and calming moods in your home. Aromatherapy has long been associated with various health benefits, including stress reduction and improved sleep. For the elderly loved one in your life, choose scents that are known for their calming properties, such as lavender or chamomile.
“Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years,” informs Pennsylvania’s IntegraCare, “Ancient cultures in places like Egypt and China incorporated aromatic plants into things such as balms and oils…Smells can instantly trigger memories as well as affect the body’s nervous system through the olfactory nerve. The olfactory nerve triggers the parts of the brain that control emotions, mood, and memory.”
Indoor plants or herb garden kits.
Bringing a touch of nature indoors can have numerous health benefits for seniors. Consider gifting indoor plants or herb garden kits that are easy to care for. Plants not only add a decorative element to the home but also contribute to improved air quality and overall well-being. Herb garden kits provide a hands-on activity, allowing seniors to engage in gardening. Opt for low-maintenance plants that thrive indoors and are safe for pets, if applicable.
“A now legendary study by NASA found that plants not only purify the air by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, they also scrub the air to remove toxins – up to 87% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) every 24 hours,” reports All Seniors Care, “Houseplants evaporate water through their leaves in a process called transpiration. Some studies show that added humidity and moisture is great in the cooler months as it decreases dry skin, sore throats, and coughs.”
Mobility solutions.
If the seniors in your life contend with mobility issues, it’s wise to gift them with solutions that will significantly improve their chances of avoiding injuries. At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we offer a wide variety of mobility solutions and personal health care products ranging from stair lifts to orthopedic braces with everything in between.
We always ensure that you have the complete picture to make an informed decision. You will know all of the possible options so you can choose which solution is best for your loved one. To learn all about them, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
