Gift Ideas for Grandma on Hospice Care

Smells are some of the strongest memory triggers. If you could find something that 'smells like home' like a scented candle or oils, it would probably trigger some happy memories for her.

Perhaps some holiday decor to cheer up her room? I'm thinking something that's not a living plant that needs to be watered or cared for...maybe a nice indoor holiday wreath (with artificial greens, or grapevine with bows and ornaments, etc.)? I like the ideas of things she can wear, like really nice socks or pajamas, or a cozy blanket.

Sorry to hear about your grandmother. This may sound odd, but if you really want to give her a gift, I would like into having a professional (licensed) massage therapist come to the nursing home to give her a relaxation massage. I work in health care as a therapist - trust me - many of these pts. have such tight musculature from being bedridden or not being very mobile - it is very uncomfortable. One of my friends works as a therapist and also does massage therapy on the side. I think your grandmother would truly appreciate the comfort it would provide her, even if only for a short period. Look into the massage professionals in her area to see if any of them have holistic or health care training. Good luck

Socks or music as a gift to be purchased, more importantly give her some of your time. Cut out snowflakes to put in her room and talk to about everyday life even if she doesn't quite remember you. time and your love are most important. you could even sit in her room and cut out snow flakes with her. It doesn't have to cost much at all. best wishes.

I'm so sorry about your Grandmother. I lost my sweet Grandmother almost 2 years ago. For her last Christmas, I took all the videos I had taken from family get togethers, many of them well over 15 years ago and included a younger and vibrant version of herself, I edited and copied the videos onto a VHS tape (she never did convert to DVD!!). I included some special performances that she had missed over the years, too. She loved watching the videos and I was told by her hospice care nurse that it was her second favorite, bested only by watching The Price is Right :) My thoughts are with you and your family, you are so thoughtful to try to come up with something to comfort your Grandma.

At this point, a thoughtful card and maybe some photos would be great (depending on whether she has dementia ... sending photos can be upsetting if she has later stage dementia because she won't know who the people are anymore). We just went through hospice with my late grandma and my parents also encouraged me not to buy anything. At that point, what's most important to your grandma is knowing she's loved and thought about, not giving physical things.

If you really want to send something, perhaps a nice Christmas floral arrangement?

I think you should absolutely send her something!

Warm blanket (hospitals are cold and sterile)
Pillowcase decorated by your children
Framed photo of your family
CD of mixed classical/holiday music
Warm socks (I would avoid jammies, as she is probably best in the hospital gown)

LOVE the idea of the massage therapist! When my great grandmother was in a long-term care hospital, my parents had a hair stylist go to her once a month and wash & set her hair. Her hair was always something she took pride in and one of the few "ammenities" she missed after leaving her home. My mom called a local salon and they were very willing to send someone there monthly. The fee wasn't too bad and it was something relaxing and enjoyable for her and it allowed her to retain a sense of herself in a drab environment.

So sorry she is in hospice. Hospice might have some ideas if you called them. Comfy fluffy socks or ones with aloe, a scented lotion, favorite perfume, being able to spend time with her. My Grandpa still liked frozen
yogurt and milkshakes when he didn't want solids because they were too hard to eat.

Two Christmases ago, my husband's aunt was battling stage 4 breast cancer. We knew she was not going to live much longer, but she wasn't in hospice yet. One day, while walking through the mall, they were having a craft fair, and I saw a table with those warming packs. It is filled with something - rice? not sure what, but you heat it up in the microwave and it has lavender or something scented in it. I thought, "That is perfect!" She was achy and uncomfortable from chemo, we live in Wisconsin, so winter can be brutal - and she LOVED it!!

Looking through other answers - I also like the pillowcase decorated by children idea - what about getting iron on pictures and putting them on a blanket/pillowcase? I also like the CD idea - see if you can find tunes that were popular when she was young?

Or what about one of those recordable audio books and have each member of your family help read it? Those are geared towards children - but I think she would enjoy it hearing voices she loves reading her a story :-)

Sending prayers to you and your grandmother for peace this holiday season :-) Whatever you send her, she will appreciate. It is the thought that counts - she may not know the difference, but in your heart, you will know the difference and will feel better for including this special lady in your holiday gift giving :-)

When my grandmother was in her last days, which was right before Christmas, I bought her audiobooks- the bible, some other Christian authors she liked. Maybe your grandma would like the same? Or maybe just some of her favorite music. Hope this helps.

I just ordered a photo collage blanket for my husbands granny who's in a nursing home. It will be her first holiday there and we figured a blanket with our kids, seeing as we are the ONLY grandkids/great grandkids who talk to her on a regular basis.

I agree with a shake or smoothie when you go to visit, if she would enjoy one. Sometimes the older folks aren't into all the "new fangled" things WE like, but an old fashioned milkshake she might like.

Maybe something soft, like one of those really soft plush throws. That she could snuggle with or wrap around her shoulders or something while in bed.

I think you are very sweet to get your Grandma a gift and even though she might not know, you will know! My suggestions:
perfume or body spray - something light
aromatherapy item or non-burning candle (maybe lavendar or something relaxing/soothing)
really great quality slippers/socks
super soft, luxurious blanket or throw
can she still read?
a picture/pictures from the family - old or new in a frame for her wall or nightstand
if this is Alzheimer's, studies have shown that they are soothed by items from their childhood or youth - maybe try to find a retro item for her?
this might sound a little nuts but is her bed comfy? if not, maybe a memory foam topper
If she is strong enough, maybe set up an appt. for someone to come in and do her hair
spend an hour reading aloud to her or talking to her
Or you could always take goodies or small gifts to the people at the hospice that are caring for her on her behalf since she obviously cannot get out and get anything for them.
On some level, she will appreciate whatever it is you do for her.

Does she drink anything other than ensure? If you were visiting me, a nice big smoothie from Juice Shack or some other smoothie store would sure be a nice break from ensure.

A photo collage frame or album with past and present family photos.

How about some nice flowers for her room? Especially if they have a nice scent, it would brighten the room up a lot.

I think a nice photo of her kids, grand kids, etc. is a good idea.
Also love the idea of recording something for her.
At end of life, I think people most want to know that their life mattered and that they had a positive impact on the people close to them. How can you do that for her? Heartfelt letter, journal, book of photos and/or special memories of your grandma? (Even if someone else has to read it to her, that's OK) could you make her a simple book of your Top 20 memories of her?
Otherwise, a cozy blanket, pillow, mattress topper, bed jacket, fuzzy socks/slippers? What about a music box or snow globe that plays a special song?
Grandmas are really special and yours sounds sweet. :)

Hi, Mama:

Had you thought about a nice bottle of
body silk. You can massage her
hands and feet to give her a daily
treat as well.

www.camille beckmen.com.

Good luck.
D.

I'm sorry to hear about your Grandma's health. I think it's very kind and loving of you to want to give her something to cheer her up. How about a photo book of your kids? You could also add in pictures of things she likes, like if she likes flowers or the beach. My grandma has dementia and gets relatives confused sometimes, but she LOVES the photo books of the kids- she carries them around the house with her and looks at them all the time. I think it's because she can't really follow the plots of novels and TV shows- and even if she forgets who the kids are at least she's looking at photos of cute babies. I also put captions in with names, etc.

Music or audio books?

How about one of those recordable keychains and greeting cards? You
get to record a short greeting in your own voice.

A fleece throw in a pretty color.

Warm fuzzy socks (a few pairs).

Since she is living on Ensure, what about baby food (fruit ones)? Can
she eat that?

Very sweet of you. If you're close enough to visit, I would. If not, can you
try calling her?

Maybe something like a nice new robe/house coat, or nightgown . . . whatever she likes to wear to be comfortable in bed. Or, think about what she does in bed all day long. If she does more than just sleep. you can get her a nice cd to listen to, or a video to watch. It should really be something that can be used right away, so she can get the most enjoyment out of it.