Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Dad will be 90 in a few weeks . He's in a nursing home, very content but not really aware of the outside world or anything other than the here and now. I'm struggling for ideas for a present. It doesn't have to be much (we're not that big on presents as a family) but I'd like to give him something however small.

 

He can't read at all or watch tv with any understanding, he does have a couple of Doris Day CDs but doesn't listen to them any more, he's not very mobile although he can walk unaided. I did print and laminate large photos of all the family (and my dog who he was very fond of!) but he doesn't really recognise anyone in them (even himself ).

 

All I can think of is personalised hankies (he's always had a runny nose!) but just know they'll get lost in the nursing home laundry system . And perhaps a new cardigan (has to be easy for staff to put on him) - not wool as they shrink anything wool .

 

Anyone else been down this path already and have any advice ?

 

Edit: Found these which would be good as I can fit his whole name on - good for the laundry!

[lillybettybabs]

It's very hard when they are in a home, I bought my Grandma a lovely fleece blanket that was large

enough to go on her bed for extra warmth but she could also use it when she was sitting in her

chair to keep warm.

I think i got it from Dunelm

[C&T]

We used to give our Grandparents (who were in a similar situation, many years ago) things like Bulbs for Christmas, as the combination of flowers and strong smell seemed to work to some degree. Maybe too early in the year though...

 

Other than that, it was homemade sweets or biscuits, which tended to get devoured!

[Chickendoodle]

When my MIL was in a nursing home they refused to allow any of the residents to have cotton hankies for hygiene reasons (don't know if that was just a quirk of theirs or if it is widespread but worth checking)

 

Home made cake seems like a good idea to me as it will be special but not over the top. Fantastic reaching 90 - lost both of my parents in their early 70's

[Olly]

I was going to suggest a photo, but you've covered that.

 

A new cardigan, a snuggly blanket/rug or a cushion - something he'll use, even if he doesn't recognise that it's from you. It is hard in this situation, I know.

[Shirl]

It is hard isn't it. Maybe something with a smell that might bring back memories? Not sure what but it's just something I've been musing on for my brother.

[craftyhunnypie]

When I worked in a care home - most of the men wanted electric razors / shavers, licorice allsorts or a nice lady!

They also wanted a pork pie & a lager & lime down a pub - bless them! Some nice pyjamas & a dressing gown go down well too.

 

Emma.x

[Guest]

is he allowed outside? Maybe a nice day out somewhere or even just a walk? Borrow a wheelchair and take him on a bit of an outing?

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Thanks for your ideas, everyone .

 

I've ordered some hankies with his name on and I'll look out for a cardi and a nice fleecy blanket.

 

Poet, he can go out but I've never had the nerve to do it on my own as he's not terribly steady on his feet so the family are going to help and we'll take him out for a pub lunch or a Chinese .

[Guest]

...Poet, he can go out but I've never had the nerve to do it on my own as he's not terribly steady on his feet so the family are going to help and we'll take him out for a pub lunch or a Chinese .

 

sounds perfect, a lovely family day out!

[Tiggy]

when I worked in a nursing home most of the residents really looked forward to getting out of the place for a while, so a family day sounds like a very good idea

[Guest]

when I worked in a nursing home most of the residents really looked forward to getting out of the place for a while, so a family day sounds like a very good idea

 

same here, sometimes we had to chase afer the escapees! some of them could shift too, bless 'em!

[Tiggy]

when I worked in a nursing home most of the residents really looked forward to getting out of the place for a while, so a family day sounds like a very good idea

 

same here, sometimes we had to chase afer the escapees! some of them could shift too, bless 'em!

i remember it well

[Cranfield Kate]

someone on here said something that smells that might remind him of something. could you get your mum's perfume? you could spray that on the blanket or jumper and it might give him happy memories.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

You obviously don't know my mum . That would give him a relapse .

 

Perhaps I should wrap an old t-shirt round my dog for a week then give him that . He loved Riley .

[sparkysmum]

Vicki, congratulations to your Dad on reaching such a grand age. The only other little thing which might be worth a thought is one of these heat pads - you know the ones made of rice or wheat with lavender. I always make or buy one for my Mum and she loves it.

Have a great birthday . Alli x