Do you really think your senior dad wants another tie?
For some among us it boils down to a tie or a golf shirt ... every single Father's Day. But is that really what Dad or Grandpa or Uncle Charlie wants?
Not necessarily, experts say. And especially not if he lives in an assisted living or nursing facility.
For that matter, we all might want to change our shopping habits for our senior friends, male and female, experts suggest.
First of all, be sure to tailor the gift to individuals. Consider their interests, likes and dislikes, physical and mental capabilities, said Myrtle Klauer, the director of resident services for the Health Care Council of Illinois. She has worked with seniors for almost four decades and says it's important to consider the individual's needs above all else.
"One of the things I tell people to watch is if they're going to buy clothing, try not to buy clothing that goes over their head," Klauer said. "Get things that button down the front with large buttons and large button holes. It makes it easier with arthritic hands and arthritic shoulders."
Shoes and other apparel with Velcro fastenings, jogging suits with zippered jackets, anything with an elastic waist, a cardigan sweater. All good choices. And anything warm since many seniors are often cold.
"They weren't born with air conditioning," Klauer said. "As they grow older, a lot of them lose weight. And that's their insulation."
Small afghans, throws, lap robes, shawls and leg warmers are always good gifts. A warm robe or twin-size soft blanket is also good, suggests the Illinois Council on Long Term Care.
A special family album is one of Sharon Brazill's favorite gifts for seniors, especially those with one of the many forms of dementia.
"If families come up with an album of pictures from long ago, maybe from when they got married or something to do with their job, their family, Christmas, birthdays ... that brings back memories that are long-term memories. That's something that they get quality of life from," said Brazill, marketing director for Arden Courts in Geneva, which serves people with Alzheimer's and various dementias.
"Get them something they can relate to from long ago," she added. Perhaps it's a golf video for a man who loved to play golf.
Consider tapes, CD's or DVD's from the Big Band era. A bit of Benny Goodman or Glenn Miller can be soothing to nursing home residents. The sounds of Frank Sinatra, Lawrence Welk and others will evoke memories, as will old radio or television shows like "I Love Lucy," the "Jack Benny Show," and old movies.
Consider a small combined TV/DVD player or small DVD player with those old shows. Or get an easy to use clock radio with large numbers and dials.
Transfer old family videos and slides to a DVD, the Illinois Council on Long Term Care suggests. Or put family photos on a digital photo frame.
Large print crossword puzzles, word find or Sudoku books, games like Monopoly, Scrabble (especially the version with the rotating board), checkers and chess, and cards are popular. Or consider an assortment of greeting cards, stamps, stationery, pens, or an address book with family and friends' addresses already filled in.
For those with dementia, a realistic stuffed animal or baby doll can be soothing, Brazill said.
Wii entertainment systems are increasingly popular for many seniors who can again bowl or play tennis.
If the senior in your life is still active, consider sporting gear.
Most of all, consider the gift of yourself, whether your loved senior is active at home or living in a facility.
"The greatest gift you can give them is your time," Klauer said.