The holidays are upon us, especially at all the stores! This article is a reminder to remember those loved ones and friends who are in long-term care. Many of the facilities have a list posted at the front entrance of things needed for residents either as prizes for bingo or gifts for holiday baskets. Activity directors work on a very limited budget to provide special things for residents.
Some useful items are socks, lap blankets, lotions, hair care products, lip balms, snacks such as individual wrapped candies, chips or crackers. Puzzles and puzzle books such as word search, magazines or books. Check in with your area facility to see what they do need. At Christmas special gifts could be wrapped for residents, many of whom do not have family close by. As always, the best gift is your time so stop by and visit.
If you have questions or concerns regarding a resident or facility, please do not hesitate to contact Cherrie Nutley, longterm care ombudsman supervisor for southwestern Oklahoma at 580-562-5032.
