The feeling of isolation is all too common in the residents of assisted living facilities.
And with the stay-at-home orders issued because of the COVID-19 pandemic, visiting your loved ones in these facilities has become virtually impossible.
But there are many ways to show how much you care without scheduling an in-person visit. You can video chat or call to check in every now and then, for example. Or, to really make someone’s day, send them a care package!
Unsure what to include in such a package? Not a problem! We’ve compiled a list of the best care package ideas so you can send the perfect bundle of goodies.
Care Package Ideas
When assembling your care package, the first question you need to ask yourself is how you plan to deliver this package.
Hand delivery might allow you to get a bit more creative with your arrangement. If you have to mail it, you’ll need to be sure to package your items in such a way that they arrive undamaged.
Shipping a Package
If your loved one lives out of state or you’re unable to deliver your package in person, shipping is the option for you.
Be sure to choose a sturdy box that can withstand potential rough handling and use plenty of peanuts or other packing material to protect your gifts.
Gift Basket or Box
Lucky enough to have your loved one close by? Consider arranging a beautiful gift basket or container!
Now, you will need to either deliver this yourself or have someone else hand deliver it, but this option will allow you more freedom with your design and gifts.
What to Include in Your Care Package
Now that you’ve chosen your method of delivery, it’s time to start picking out your gifts! As mentioned earlier, your method of delivery will determine which items are safe to include.
If you’re shipping your package, including extremely fragile items might not be the best idea. With that in mind, let’s get into some care package items!
Activities and Hobby Items
First and foremost, think about what your loved one enjoys most. Do they have a hobby or interest they invest a lot of time in? Encouraging the pursuit of this interest can help cultivate a positive attitude!
If they’re a puzzle aficionado, include a few crossword and sudoku books, or a jigsaw puzzle that can be completed with friends. Avid readers might enjoy a new series to dive into or an audiobook to devour while they take part in other activities.
Other activity ideas include a cross-stitch or knitting pattern, a card or board game, or a copy of their favorite movie! Whatever you include, make sure that it carries meaning with the recipient of your package.
Comfort Items
Sometimes a homey touch can make all the difference in how someone feels about their environment. Everyone wants to feel comfortable and cozy in their home, so send an item or two to foster that feeling.
A warm blanket or fuzzy pair of slippers can be the perfect addition to a care package for seniors!
And if you want to go the extra mile, consider including something that will not only be a pretty addition to their room but will also give their health a boost. Plants or flowers, for example, can improve the air quality around them while providing a variety of mental and physical health benefits.
Snacks and Treats
Who doesn’t love to indulge every once in a while? In your care package, include your loved one’s favorite snacks or candies, as long as their dietary restrictions allow it.
If you’re going the hand delivery route, throw in a batch of homemade cookies or other treats.
Don’t worry, if your recipient’s diet is too strict for candies and cookies, you can still send them treats! Just do so in the form of personal care items. Put together an at-home spa kit or whatever products help them feel pampered.
Add a Sentimental Touch
Gifts that you purchased with your loved one in mind will certainly mean a great deal to them, but a small personal touch can be the most cherished gift of all. These are items that have no monetary value but will mean the world to the one given them.
This can be a framed photograph of your family, a handmade gift, or drawings and cards made by your children. Including one or all of these is important, but perhaps the most important item of all is a card or letter from you.
Take the time to write out a heartfelt note on a greeting card or even on a plain piece of paper. Putting how much you care in writing is the greatest gift of all.
Send Some Love with a Care Package
A small gesture can go a very long way, especially with someone feeling down or lonely. By putting some of these care package ideas to use, you can make your loved one’s day (or week!) with a simple arrangement of gifts.
Don’t overthink it! The best packages are ones sent with love. As long as you include items that you know the recipient will enjoy and are sure to include a heartfelt note to go along with them, they will love it.
The decision of moving a loved one into an assisted living facility is never an easy one to make. If you and your family are preparing for this transition, take a look at the various services offered by some of the top facilities.
Choosing a facility based on care provided can help you make the best choice for your family.
