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When people give gifts to the elderly, they aren't usually thinking about these hidden dangers.
Most people give gifts with the best of intentions. (excluding those are just doing it from obligation.) So they might say, while purchasing a gift:
"Oh, Dad would have loved this back in the day." or "This will let Mom do x task for herself."
While that is all well and good if the elderly still live at home and are completely independent, it might not be the best idea in a nursing home.
First of all, if your loved one is in a home due to ANY decline in cognitive function, they may not be capable of using some items safely.
Secondly, there are other residents in there who might access these items, and cause themselves or others bodily harm. You might mean well.
And yes, your elderly loved one may really like certain items. But it might still be better to avoid gifts like these:
1. Curling Iron or Hot Rollers
No kidding, we had a lady who was brought into the nursing home because she left her stove on and almost burned down her house.
She had advanced stage dementia, and was no longer able to make safe decisions. Yet, her happy family brought her a curling iron!
This was a well-kept secret for about 56 hours...or until she plugged it in and left it laying on her recliner.
2. Pocket Knife
Dad might have used to like to whittle, but if he is no longer able to dress himself or hold his own cup of coffee, then chances are his hands are not in the best shape.
Giving him a very sharp knife could lead to a severe wound. If dad has immunity issues or circulatory problems, a wound could lead to an infection or even gangrene.
3. Scissors
If knives are a bad idea, then so are scissors. In some cases. If your loved one is quite capable of handling these safely, and likes to sew or do other hobbies, then discuss this with the staff.
They may suggest safety scissors. However, if there is any doubt that your loved one can safely handle them, then it isn't worth the risk.
That includes fingernail scissors, hair scissors, etc. We had a gentleman who begged for a pair of good scissors every week.
When asked why he wanted them, he replied that he wanted to open his mattress and hide his pills there so they wouldn't be stolen. Obviously, this is a time when the staff had to insist that the family not honor the man's wishes.
4. OTC Medications
No medicine should go into or out of a nursing home unless it is supervised or ordered by a doctor. Medication needs are handled by nursing home staff.
That includes everything from pain medications to the common hemorrhoid cream. You don't need to bring it in, and your loved one doesn't need to have it hidden in their room.
All medications can pose a threat if not used safely, and even the most seemingly harmless vitamin or arthritis cream can be dangerous in combination with other meds or if used incorrectly. There are tons of OTC medications and ointments that can be toxic if swallowed.
Even though it might seen nice to give your parents a gift bag with these little "comforts", it can be bad news.
5. Certain Foods
This really only applies to those with dietary restrictions, but it is still very important. Doctors don't restrict foods for fun. There is a health reason.
Sneaking in foods that even have "just a little" can be dangerous. Salt and sugar are the usual things on the no-no list.
Sometimes there may be more complex issues to consider. For example, some people might not be able to safely eat foods that are hard, dry, crumbly or any that are not liquified. This is to prevent choking, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia.
Think Before You Gift
Giving gifts to those in nursing homes is an awesome idea. It can make a resident very happy. And you will feel good too. Just think before you gift. Don't be responsible for a tragic accident.
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