17 Cool and Trendy Gift Ideas for Senior Citizens

What should you buy an elderly loved one for Christmas? Which holiday gifts are most appropriate for senior citizens? What would your grandmother like in her stocking this year?

The possibilities are endless!

Remember, not all "elderly" may be as old as you think they are. When we hear the word "elder" or "senior citizen"  we often think of "the Grandma's raised during the Great Depression".  But just think! People who are close to retirement age this year were the teenagers of the 60's (and early 70's)! 

And if your loved one has reached the amazing age of 75, (three quarters of a century!), or close,  then they were the teens of the 50's...

They sort of invented "cool".

I always try to bring you some new perspectives into caregiving and caring for the elderly. I've done more traditional gift guides, (you can find the links at the end of this article) but you can (and should) think outside the box sometimes when buying for your aging relatives, friends and neighbors. 

Sure, a person can probably always use another pair of fuzzy socks and some hand cream, and you should always pick gifts that are safe for a person's health conditions, but why not glam up your gift giving this year with some trendier, cooler, presents too?

Here are some fresh gift ideas, from prettier versions of practical gifts, to things that are just plain modern and fun.

Unique Gift Idea for the Elderly: Organizing a Senior's Home for Efficiency and Independence

It's almost the holiday season, and every year I hear people asking:

"What on earth can I possibly get for the aging loved one on my gift list? What do they really need?" 

I've written a couple of posts on gift buying for the elderly, but for this post, I thought I would focus on something besides "just a gift".


I focused here on gifts to buy the elderly in nursing homes, and this post on what NOT to take as a gift to a nursing home. 

So now I want to talk about a gift idea for the senior citizen who still lives in their own home. 

What's the most amazing gift you can give to an elderly loved one who is aging in place? How about helping them live as independently as possible by organizing their living space?

Houseplants for the Elderly--Practical Gift Ideas for Seniors

6 Houseplants for the Elderly

Having a houseplant (or two, or three) is healthy for every human being. They purify the air and provide emotionaly and visual gratification. So why wouldn't the elderly benefit from some live greenery as well?


Actually, caring for a plant can help elders have a sense of purpose. For those who have spent their lives caring for a spouse, children pets, etc. and who are now alone, a plant can still feed those nurturing instincts without requiring too much expense or physical exertion.


Here are few plants that make great gifts for seniors, and some additional tips for making sure you give a plant that is an enjoyable, healthy gift:

How to Win An Elderly Person's Trust--Tips from and Elder Companion (Guest Post)

Sometimes the elderly have a reputation for being a bit irritable. This trait can manifest itself quite strongly when seniors are placed in the hands of new caregivers, companions or medical staff. 

Care providers may face a tough first week (or longer) being met with distrust, dislike, and ill-temper from their new patients. So, how do you break the ice and make friends with the seniors you've come to help? 

Today's guest post talks about just that. Leah has worked with seniors for over 20 years, as a home health worker, nursing assistant, and personal companion. She gives her best tips on winning the trust of the elderly below: 

What Caregivers Should Know About UTI's In the Elderly

UTI's can be deadly for senior citizens. Caregivers should be aware of the signs and symptoms. 

Urinary tract infections, also called UTI's, in the elderly are bad news.  For the average person, a bladder/kidney infection can be nothing more than a brief nuisance, or it can cause major discomfort and require medicine and rest.


For the elderly, a UTI is an emergency that requires immediate treatment. The elderly are at higher risks of developing UTI's, but don't exhibit the same symptoms as younger sufferers. Because of the apparent lack of signs and symptoms, the entire body can be affected before an infection is even suspected and diagnosed.


Here are some things caregivers should know about UTI's, and how they exhibit themselves in seniors.

Caregiver Respite for Peace of Mind (Guest Post)

Respite care for caregivers can provide peace of mind.
Photo courtesy of author

Caregiver respite is the topic of today's guest post, and its a very important subject. Not enough caregivers take time to care for themselves. The result is a struggling caregiver who is spread too thin to take care of any of his or her responsibilities safely and efficiently. 

Jacqueline Hatch of Seniorly.com shares some options for overworked caregivers below: 

Elderly Caregiving--Who Are The Medical Professionals?

A guide to medical professionals who care for the elderly. 

From surgeons to Home Health Aides, from family caregivers to psychiatrists--the field of geriatrics is broad and often confusing.


If you are embarking on the journey of caregiving for an elderly loved one, it may be surprised how many medical professionals you will get to know. They all play a special part in caring for your relative, and many will be there to support you as well.


But at first, it may be confusing. Who are all these people? Do you need them? How are you supposed to which person is the right one to tell about each issue or concern?



To help, here is a quick look at some of the many health care workers you may meet while being an elder caregiver:

Newbie Caregiver Guide to Different Types of Elder Care Facilities and Services

Guide to Different Types of Senior Care Facilities. 

Respite Care or Skilled Nursing Care--What is the Difference?

Are you a new caregiver? Are you a bit overwhelmed by the many different types of elder care facilities and services you see advertised?

You aren't alone. Even seasoned caregivers sometimes get confused when it comes time to choose the most appropriate place for their elderly loved one.

In this guide, I hope to clarify the basics of the many types of senior care options available to you. From here, you can choose to research the most relevant services for your individual situation.

Happy Easter From Elder Care Issues

May everyone have a wonderful holiday filled with fun, chocolate and precious memories to cherish. 

Don't forget to include the elderly, and always remember...you can never take too many photos. 

Happy Easter!

Is Telehealth the Solution for Rural Caregivers?

Telehealth is a growing trend in modern healthcare. This form of remote medical care could soon improve the lives of thousands of elders and caregivers.


Isolation is not a new issue for caregivers. With the majority of caregiving responsibilities falling on one person, it can quickly lead to problems. Sadly, not all caregivers have access to respite care, home health aides, and other means of temporary relief.


What does this do?