FiL present help!

[fatgirlrunning]

We are really struggling as to what to buy for FiL this year. Sorry if this is long...

FiL has been in bad health the last few months and after a fall was transferred to a nursing home from his assisted housing. His mobility is bad and has mental health and heart problems as well as early dementia. He has gone downhill quite rapidly so gifts that we once would have bought are no longer appropriate.

DH came up with the idea of an MP3 player that we pre load with his favourite songs but when it arrived it was clear he would struggle to operate it.

We are stuck at the moment and the only idea DH can think of is a new jumper so I said I'd pop on here and ask MN for advice.

T.I.A

A radio for his room in the nursing home,
warm pyjamas,
framed family photo,
zip up cardigan (easier than buttons),
day trip/lunch voucher if he's allowed out with you. That would give him something to look forward to after Christmas,

Does he like reading?
Digital photo frame or photo album with labelled pics of family and friends could be good

The digital frame is a great idea.

Unfortunately a day out would be difficult for both physical and mental reasons.

He has a radio already but would have definitely been a contender if they hadn't provided one already

Thank you for the suggestions.

Is he on his own? I was wondering about a stocking or hamper with a few food items and small bits.

Yes he's on his own. We normally get him a nice box of biscuits so maybe add some more bits to make it a little more special

A nice soft blanket? Next have some nice ones.

A book of photographs of anything he's interested in? Ie wildlife, war, cities etc.

What about a photo book of pictures and places from his childhood?

These are all such lovely ideas. I know DH has found it difficult to see his dad so vulnerable and it's sad FiL won't be able to spend Christmas with us this year so your suggestions are much appreciated.

I think we will go for a lovely framed photo or photo book, a zip up cardigan, a blanket, some nice Xmas goodies, and DH will make a CD of FiL's favourite songs as he can play it through his portable DVD player.

A lot of elderly people have problems with their feet. Orthopaedic slippers give them support and have Velcro fastenings for when their feet are swollen,