What to Put in a Care Package for Elderly Friends

Even in this age of email and the internet, we all know nothing quite compares to getting something in the mail. If you are a senior citizen who lives alone or just doesn’t get to see friends and family members often, mail becomes even more exciting. We can treat our elderly loved ones, even in times like these when we can’t see each other very often, by sending a care package. So the question becomes: what to put in a care package for an elderly person?

Care Package Ideas for Elderly

A care package is the perfect way to let your elderly loved ones know you are thinking of them. When deciding on care package items for the elderly, there are a few questions to consider.

• What sort of things does your loved one enjoy?

• Do they have any dietary needs or restrictions?

• Are there essential items like toiletries that they need?

• How can you help them stay comfortable or relax?

• Is there a personal touch you can add?

A care package for an elderly person living at home could include daily essentials like toiletries, body lotion, Depends, or a foot scrub. Items like these can help them save money and perhaps even a trip to the pharmacy or grocery store.

If your senior citizen loved one is confined to a bed or chair, they may enjoy activity books. You could send crossword puzzles with colorful pens, adult coloring books with crayons, a puzzle, your favorite paperback, or even a Netflix subscription. We know it is important to keep the mind occupied when we can’t move our bodies much, and gifts like these can help stave off boredom and loneliness.

Food is a great gift to send in a care package. Be sure to double-check your loved one’s dietary restrictions if they have any. You could send their favorite cookies and a box of tea. If you are not a baker, you could drop off frozen dinners. You can even send a gift card so they can order whatever they want.

We all want to be comfortable, especially when we spend a lot of time inside, as many elderly do. So send something cozy in your senior citizen care package. Consider including fuzzy socks or a fleece lap blanket. You could also send a CD with relaxing music, or music you know your loved one enjoys.

Don’t forget to add a personal touch to your care package. A brief handwritten note expressing care is always appreciated. You could add one of your favorite photos with your loved one. A creative personal touch could be a “coupon” book, including things like house cleaning, walking the dog or making a meal.

If you don’t feel comfortable creating your own care package, let a subscription company do it for you. You can get a monthly subscription box for almost anything, and there are even services that cater specifically to seniors. This is a situation where it is truly the thought that counts. Sending any sort of package and showing you care will make your loved one’s day.