What Should You Give Someone Who Is Going Into Assisted Living?

Give comforting essentials, sentimental gifts and home decor to someone who is going into assisted living. These meaningful gifts are as special as they are practical, and they make wonderful choices for anyone who’s acclimating to assisted living.

Making the transition from one’s home into a long-term care community is a big deal, and all your loved one wants is to feel at home. While adapting can take some time, these gifts help your loved one feel special.

Your loved one is acclimating to a new home, so comforting essentials include gifts that are practical and thoughtful. Consider purchasing a super-soft blanket in your loved one’s favorite colors or a pair of pillows that match their comforter. Throw pillows, slippers and robes are other must-haves that make wonderful gifts for someone who’s transitioning to assisted living. Select essentials in their favorite colors and fabrics to show just how special they are to you.

Your loved one will cherish gifts that remind them of home, family and friends. Gift a photo album showcasing the special memories you’ve shared over the years, or send them cute photos of the grandkids in kid-made albums. Alternatively, make a DIY scrapbook of your favorite moments together, and present it to them the next time you visit. You can also put a few snapshots in decorative frames and place them on the wall in their new home. These gifts encourage reminiscing, and your loved one will enjoy flipping through the photos and showing them off to new friends.

Help your loved one get used to their new home by volunteering to help decorate it. Your loved one may feel intimidated and unsure of where to begin. Gifting them some special home decor is a great way to help break the ice. Try a personalized welcome sign in their favorite colors or some DIY art to hang on the walls.

Do they have a special interest? Try knickknacks tailored around a specific theme, such as pets or flowers. Your loved one won’t be able to stop smiling when they discover a set of cute animal statuettes, for instance. Another excellent idea? Bring over a bouquet of fresh flowers to help warm up the place. Whatever you give, do it with meaning.