Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Recommended Birthday Gifts for Those Living in Care Facilities

Social worker / Care workermoko
My name is Moko, a mother of three who admired my mother and worked in the care industry as a care worker and as a medical social worker (MSW) in a hospital. I will be drawing on my previous experience to write mainly about caregiving. Thank you in advance.
Physical Therapist / WriterKawamura Mina
From a physical therapist to a writer, driven by the desire to travel the world with just a laptop. I’ve traveled to over 20 countries. I hope to deliver writing that many people are glad to have discovered. Thank you in advance.

If a family member living in a care facility has a birthday, you’ll probably want to send a gift.

But it can be hard to decide what would be best to give.

Here are some recommended gifts for older adults living in care facilities.

What matters most is the thought, so there’s no need to overthink it.

Heartfelt handmade items are likely to be appreciated, too.

Be sure to check with the facility staff and choose something that will put a smile on the recipient’s face!

[For Seniors] Recommended Birthday Gifts for Those Living in Care Facilities (1–10)

lap blanket

Isn’t it the case that many people don’t walk or move their bodies much in their everyday lives? I’ve heard that some older adults also struggle with cold feet.

With that in mind, how about a practical gift that suits both men and women? Let me introduce a lap blanket that brings warmth.

Having a cozy lap blanket can help you stay comfortable on cold days or when the chill really sets in.

It’s also a recommended item for older adults who use wheelchairs.

There are lap blankets made from various materials, so choose one that fits the season.

By the way, polyester lap blankets are warm, easy to care for, and reasonably priced.

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Album

Photos capturing memories with elderly loved ones will be deeply appreciated if you compile them into an album.

These days, it’s easy to print photos taken on a smartphone at convenience stores and similar places.

A handmade album decorated with illustrations and stickers is also a great idea.

Including letters from grandchildren or family members will likely make it even more special.

You can also create a “photo book” by ordering smartphone photos online and having them bound into an album.

There are easy creation methods, such as choosing a lovely template, placing your photos, and adding comments.

It can be fun to search for a photo book style you like.

Since the finished product looks like a stylish book, it makes a perfect gift as well.

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cup

Here’s an introduction to “mugs” we’d love you to use in the facility.

Many facilities encourage hydration with water or tea.

If the item you use every day is a mug with special meaning from your family, it can make each day more comfortable.

There’s a wide variety to choose from, including mugs that keep drinks cold or hot, and ones with lids to prevent spills.

Consider giving one as a gift to suit their preferences.

Mugs with messages like “Wishing you continued good health” are also recommended.

Each use may bring their family to mind.

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[For Seniors] Recommended Birthday Gifts for Those Living in Care Facilities (11–20)

handkerchief

Practical gifts are items that are appreciated by people of any gender.

Handkerchiefs are also practical and are a common gift.

If a handkerchief is given by staff or family, it’s something that can bring joy in everyday use.

Consider presenting it with a heartfelt letter or message card.

Although it’s not widely noted nowadays, some people associate handkerchiefs with farewells.

In that case, choose something suited to the preferences of older recipients—for example, one with their initials, or made from organic cotton or other high-quality materials.

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hat

Items we use every day are likely to bring joy because they feel familiar.

A hat is one of those items.

When you go for a walk or head out, a hat can add a touch of stylish flair.

Many older adults may lead similar routines every day.

If the hat is a gift from staff or family, simply wearing it might help them feel refreshed.

Hats are also said to help cushion impacts in the event of a fall.

Some offer UV protection or block ultraviolet rays, so it’s good to choose one that suits the purpose.

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socks

Many people wear socks every day, and they’re an item you can never have too many of.

Consider giving socks suited to the season—warmer ones for those concerned about cold feet, and breathable ones for staying comfortable on hot days.

If the cuff elastic is too tight, it can affect circulation, so try choosing pairs with a gentler cuff.

There are also socks with non-slip grips that help prevent falls.

Everyday items bring the giver to mind each time they’re used and can brighten someone’s day.

Be sure to pick out a lovely pair of socks that suits an older adult.

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Pop-up cake and presents

Classic ✩ Easy ✩ How to make a pop-up cake birthday card

Pop-up cake and presents

At some senior care facilities, they may prepare a birthday cake for residents’ birthday events.

Many older adults would surely feel happy if a delicious-looking cake appeared on their special day.

Here’s a pop-up card featuring a cake and presents, filled with lots of joy.

Let’s make the cake and gift boxes from construction paper.

Fold the cake piece in half and set it in the center of the card to create a pop-up mechanism.

Decorate the card by attaching pieces of construction paper cut out with dies or punches.

Opening the card to reveal the cake is sure to make seniors feel excited and delighted.

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