Mother’s Day is just around the corner! Remember how your mother was the one who cooked your meals, read stories to you, taught you how to read and write, and so much more? To make your mother feel loved and appreciated, why not use the opportunity on Mother’s Day to express yourself? If your mother is staying in an assisted living community, you can surprise her with a visit while bearing gifts. Here are six awesome Mother’s Day gifts you can get your elderly mom.
A Book
Even with all the daily activities organized in your mom’s assisted living community, there are surely downtimes allocated for her to relax and recharge. She may want to spend her alone time reading a good book. Does your mom enjoy fiction or non-fiction books? Science fiction or fantasy? Get her a genre she likes. Out of ideas? A recommended reading list for seniors includes books by J.K. Rowling, Margaret Atwood, and Daniel James Brown, among others. You can also get her an E-book reader with an annual subscription. This will give her the flexibility to read anything she wants and spares her the inconvenience of having to store physical books in her living area.
A Photo Album
Studies have shown that reminiscing can lower the heart rates and blood pressure of seniors. A photo album filled with old pictures of your mom can bring her on a journey down “memory lane”. Nostalgia is not only physically healthy for seniors but can also contribute positively to their emotional health. It can improve self-esteem by reminding them of their achievements and contributions to society. Reminders of happy memories can also bring back pleasant feelings tied to the original experience, giving your mom a dopamine boost.
Flowers or Handmade Crafts
Flowers can lift your mom’s spirits and make her surroundings more beautiful. Flowers such as lilies, roses, freesias, and gardenias can also introduce fragrant smells into her room. Besides flowers, you can also get your children or nephews to make crafts as decoration items to liven up her room.
Brain Games
Aging comes with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Solving puzzles such as Sudoku or Tetris can help your mother maintain her mental agility and improve her problem-solving skills. Doing brain teasers can also give her a sense of accomplishment after she solves a particularly difficult challenge. Other popular brain-stimulating games that you can give your mom include jigsaw puzzles and chess. You can even get her some art and craft kits to keep her hands and mind active.
A Family Outing
Your mom might not be able to meet everyone in the family after moving to assisted living. It would certainly make her day if she could spend time with her loved ones doing something which she used to enjoy, be it going to the theaters, having dinner at a restaurant, or swimming. This Mother’s Day, round up your siblings, kids, or nephews, and plan a family outing or activity! Having a family reunion will allow your mother to spend time with her loved ones and bond with her grandkids.
Movies
Everyone loves movies, especially the elderly. Get your mom some comedies or action films so that she can keep herself entertained. Even better, get her a streaming subscription so she can have access to any TV series or films that she wants to watch.
Remember, a Mother’s Day gift does not have to be extravagant. It is the thought that counts. If you think that it will make your mother feel happy and appreciated, it is a gift worth giving.