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NOT BORN YESTERDAY: Gifts for older loved ones By LINDA BROWN, Not Born Yesterday
Gift shopping for senior loved ones can be a daunting task; after all, what do you get for someone who already has spent a lifetime accumulating things? Vintage Park Assisted Living Director Luanne Freund said, with a little thought, you can go beyond the perfume, hand lotion and handkerchiefs. “There’s a wide variety of helpful things you can give your older loved ones, whether they live in a senior living environment or are still living independently,” she said. For someone with low vision or limited dexterity, a talking alarm clock might make a great gift. Generally costing less than $30, many talking alarm clocks also have a talking temperature feature. For a hearing impaired loved one or one with moderate memory challenges, a clarity-amplified, cordless, big-button, picture-dial phone would be a most welcome gift. Most amplify the sound by 26 to 30 decibels and have back-lit big buttons. They allow owners to dial by touching the appropriate photograph. If watching television with someone with a hearing loss involves turning the sound up to deafening levels, you might consider one of several models of Super Ear personal sound amplifiers. Most increase ambient sound gain by up to 50-plus decibels and deliver clear, crisp sound through comfortable stereo headphones. Starting at about $40, some personal sound amplifiers are compatible with more than 5,000 hearing-assisted-equipped movie theaters. Arthritic hands always appreciate extra warmth and there are some new items available that combine warming mittens with aromatherapy so you get a nice mixture of soothing warmth plus the comfort of the calming fragrance of eucalyptus, cloves and cinnamon. The warming mittens sell for less than $20, as does another thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to play cards, but has a difficult time holding them. Playing card holders come in a set of two. They hold the cards in a traditional “fan” shape and are also a practical gift for the vision impaired or children with small hands. Freund said that while there are many great gifts to give an older loved one, the best is the gift of your time. Linda Brown is marketing director for The Ottawa Herald. Email her at lbrown@ottawaherald.com E-mail to a friend \| Print \| Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.