Still searching for the perfect gift for your aging loved ones?

“We know that coming up with gift ideas for older people can be challenging – especially if they insist they don’t need anything,” said said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM. “My advice… think useful. We work with a lot of seniors, and we’ve seen how simple tools can help them with every day tasks and challenges.”

Below is a list of useful items than can help your aging loved ones remain safely in their homes for as long as possible.

Electronics

• Voice operated devices, like an Amazon Echo, that can play music, give weather forecasts, set medication reminders and even control lights in the home. Some of these devices also have screens so they can make video calls.
• A simple television remote that has large buttons and numbers – something that’s not as confusing as most devices.
• A landline or cell phone that’s designed for older users – one that has large numbers and can easily be programmed with frequently called numbers.
• Digital frames that allow family members to upload photos from their mobile devices.
• A robotic vacuum to help keep up with the cleaning without having to use heavy, traditional vacuum cleaner.
• Key finders are very useful gifts for seniors (or anyone, for that matter) who are always misplacing their keys.
• A weather monitor that displays current conditions and the forecast – with a display that’s large enough to easily read.
• A fitness tracker to help them monitor their activity and sleep.
• A video doorbell that sends alerts to your loved one’s smartphone and allows them to see and speak to the person who’s at their door.

Kitchen Gadgets

• Jar openers and hands-free can openers are a great kitchen tools – especially for those who have poor grip strength.
• Grabbers to help reach items on high shelves.
• Measuring cups with extra large type on handles and bottom of the cups.
• Senior-friendly cookware that’s lightweight and easy to clean.
• A Single-serve coffee/tea maker to replace kettles and pots that need to be picked up and poured.

Gifts to Make Life Easier

• A power lift recliner for those who have trouble getting out of their favorite chair.
• Button hooks to help with clothing and shoe horns and tools to help put on socks if it’s harder for them to bend over.
• Pill organizers to help keep track of medications.
• No-slip socks or slippers to keep feet toasty while preventing falls.
• A massage pillow to help soothe age-related aches and pains.
• An auto cane that fits in the car door to help exit the vehicle.

Of course, the best gift of all is YOU… so, try to make time to visit, call or text often during the holidays!