​What Does your Beloved Senior Really Want for Valentine's Day?

 While there's nothing wrong with the tried-and-true jewelry, candy and flowers to show that you love your special senior someone, many elders have plenty of necklaces, are on special diets and may have few places to display large flower arrangements. With a bit of creativity, you can still demonstrate your love in unique ways that will please all through the month of February and beyond.

• Send warm wishes with a soft pink sweater or a bold red sweatshirt. Fleece is easily washable and lightweight, perfect for your senior loved one to have nearby and grab when the room gets a bit chilly. During times of isolation, you might not be able to embrace the resident of senior housing, but something warm to wrap around their shoulders will remind them of your hugs.

 

• Choose a heart-shaped container (gift boxes, baskets and tins are all available in this classic shape) and fill it with individually-wrapped goodies. Don't forget their dietary needs: choose sugar-free or low-sodium treats. If they can't enjoy the treats themselves, they will still get pleasure from having something to offer to the aides and others who visit.

 

• Many senior-living facilities have barber and beauty shops, where residents can get their hair or nails done. Contact the residence and pay in advance for a special makeover for the one you love, which can lift their mood, even when you can't be together. The bonus surprise will be when the attendant says, "No charge!"

 

• Buy a few heart-shaped frames and fill them with the latest pictures of the grandchildren and nieces and nephews. If you're crafty, you can add the names of the youngsters to the frames with paint or stickers so that Granddad or Aunt Joan can proudly show off their descendants. Pocket-sized photo albums are an alternative for those who don't have much wall or shelf space.

 

• Cut out colored-paper hearts in the traditional shape of candy conversation hearts. Instead of the standard slogans, write your loved one's nickname or special phrases that have meaning to you and your family. Consider fun ideas like "Lovely Linda" or "Best Papa" or "Groovy Gran." String them together with yarn or ribbon to make a banner or door sign for your senior's apartment.

 
Whether you can celebrate Valentine's Day up close to your senior friend or relative or have to wait for another time to be together, there are many sweet ways to show them that they are always in your heart.
 
Kim Rayas
Residence 600
[email protected]
www.residence600.com
600 E. Elm
Salina KS 67401
(785) 822-1300