Top Ten Gift Ideas for Senior Citizens

The following is a list of Christmas gift ideas for the Senior Citizen on your list, but they are also good suggestions for any time. As we age, living independently becomes more challenging. These suggested gift ideas are all geared toward making impendent living easier. I would also recommend checking with your elderly loved one’s Medicaid provider, and inquire about special coverage for items such as electronic lift chairs, electric scooters, wheelchair ramps, and special in-home medical equipment such as walkers, canes, and shower grips and chairs. In some cases your local Area On Aging office or Social Services Agency can also help you with getting independent living items for your elderly loved one. You can find these agencies listed in most telephone directories under the Government heading.

1. For an elderly loved one who lives alone or in an isolated location, a Medical Emergency Notification System such as Life Alert, MedScope, or LifeLine Services is not only a wonderful gift - it could save a life! These devices are designed to be worn by the individual at all times, in either the pendant style or wrist bracelet. In the event the wearer has a medical emergency, such as falling, and is unable to reach the telephone, they can press the big button on the device and emergency medical services will be automatically summoned. These systems cost as low as $14.95 per month, and in some cases the cost my be completely covered by Medicare.

2. Large Button Cell Phone - such as the Jitterbug Cell, and the Jitterbug One Touch. These large button cells make calling easier for the senior citizen, with a lighted display, large buttons, speed dialing, caller ID on a large visual display, and all the functions of a standard cell phone. Price: around $147.00

3. If your elderly loved one has a pet companion, a truly appreciated gift would be pre-paid pet exercising services. Check your local telephone yellow pages for pet exercise services in your loved one’s area. These services are especially appreciated during winter months and the heat of the summer when walking a pet may be dangerous for senior citizens.