Christmas Present ideas needed - brace yourself

[hippyhoppy]

My dad is 86. He is quite deaf, nearly blind, has no hobbies, diabetic (can't have Toblerone), recently fitted with a pace maker, therefore can't have his old Martini-ness ... we (my sisters and I) are stumpted as to what to get him for Christmas. Any ideas would be welcome
however I realise this is a massive task....

[VillageVicar]

Good evening! Working with many seniors, I've found among their discussions that 'memories' are the things that touch them most.

Framed photos of special times you shared together, an old school photograph - something that invokes memories and chat - things along those lines have tremendous value and lasting memories. Further, what I've done for elderly family members, is written special heart-felt words on the back of the frame, noting the dates and any other details. Later in life, they become powerful posittive memories for yourself.

In our home we have...a framed box of pencils that belonged to my great grandfather, a deportment card with a note from Her Majesty, menus from ocean liners, newspaper articles, icons, coins, brass buttons and serveral other oddities.

I hope this helps!

Fr Bill

[hippyhoppy]

what lovely ideas - I will go down the old newspaper route - and maybe ransack their photos (stuffed in a box in cupboard) and create an album that spans the ages perhaps?..

[VillageVicar]

That's a lovely idea Hippy! I don't know what your father's mental state is, but there can be benefit in writing a brief synopsis of each image. These help serve as what I call 'launch-reminders.' These can help people activate areas of their brains that sometimes are used as much when we become older. I like your idea of an album, that will be lovely. Desk top frames do well also as the recipient is able to see the images constantly. These can activate many lovely memories.

It's nice to see you're thinking of creative ways to please your father this Christmas. Each year I ask my children to make things for me. I cherish each and every one of the things they've made.

I wish you a wonderful Christmas

Fr Bill

[hippyhoppy]

Thank you Father Bill -- you are so endearing

[VillageVicar]

I don�t deserve such accolades, but thank you for your kind words. Christmas can be a challenging time for many. It�s not only the decision of what gifts to buy, but what is the meaning behind them.

http://anglicans.blogspot.com/search?q=prepari ng+for+christmas


I hope you and your family are able to feel the gift of Christmas

Fr Bill

[VillageVicar]

Hippy: I was just thinking about your father's eyesight. If it's too severe for him to see images, perhaps a 'talking clock' would be of benefit.

The first one I ever bought was for a friend who was blind 30 years ago. I still remember the awful raspy voice it made in the middle of the night when she'd touch it.

Today it has changed. They're much smaller and more compact, but the voices...oh my...still raspy!

Be well

Fr Bill

[skyep]

A digital radio with 'presets' which enables you to set his favourite stations so he can press a button and emediately he gets the channel he's looking for. We have just bought one, they are very clear! You will need to go somewhere you can actually view them close up, pick one with large preset buttons.

[Ice-Maiden]

Awwww - hope you all give him a great big hug!

[what..the?]

A bigger clearer tv (eg 42"), wireless headphones if ness, and maybe the history channel, for some of his fav tv prog's or films.

You can also buy diabetic hampers now online. Or if you know foods he likes, then make your own hamper, it doesn't even have to be all food it could have the odd cd and a pair of socks in their too - it does show that you have put alot of thought in to it.

[joannie10]

as my parents get older and are out less doing there own things they very much appreciate family time - even if we are all there in a rabble and they are not picking up all of the conversation they just like seeing their children and grand children around them. They really do not want for anything these days other than the treat of someone else buying them a new sweater etc so we just try to take them out for lunch/dinner etc a bit more often throughout the year. They are always keen to try somewhere new and it is always the family's treat to them. Perhaps though you do these things often or maybe he is not keen to be out but just a suggestion.

[Maypole]

I am thinking of getting my dad and his wife a digital photo frame this year. I'll scan in old photos and load up new ones the rest of teh family now have on computer - it will be on display and scroll through them automatically.

For your dad, it does depend on how his eyesight is of course

good luck xx

[Maypole]

I see you can get a 15" digital frame which might be useful for your dad, athough these are more expensive - �200 at Tesco Direct. You can get a standard 7" for �40.

[WendyS]

What sort of telephone instrument has he got? You can buy them now with large numbers on them for visually handicapped people , and with a "loudspeaker" button on them as well, so that the caller can be put on "loudspeaker" mode so that they can be heard more clearly.
I also believe the Royal Institute for the Blind sell a machine which can play audio books. If your dad has a local library like ours, they may have a service whereby they will deliver audio books to his house for him to listen to, as our library lets individuals who are registered blind (and this means they can still have a little residual sight) borrow the audio books or cassettes free of charge.

[taliajames]

Get him a foot spa or foot massager.