Gift Ideas for Aging Loved Ones for Valentine's Day or Any Day
Finding the right gift for a parent or other older family member can sometimes be challenging. Whether it be for Valentine's Day or any day, remember you don't need a reason to give a gift to someone you love!
Remember when your mom left you a Valentine's Day card when you were a kid. Perhaps you also received a sweet treat. You may have given your mom or dad a Valentine's Day card or gift as well.
The years go by fast, but the love your mom or a dad has for their children never ends. When a parent gets into their golden years, thinking about gifts for Valentine's Day may become more challenging. However, the feelings you have for them have not faded.
The perfect gift for an elder parent will bring back memories for everyone and reinforce the loving bond between parent and child - no matter what the age.
Valentine's Day is right around the corner, now is the time to find unique gifts for those who mean the most to you. However, if you're trying to find something to give an aging loved one, such as a parent, guardian, relative, or family friend, you might struggle to find something they don't already own.
Nonetheless, when your loved one enters a new stage of life, it creates the perfect opportunity to give them a gift that correlates with this lifestyle change. With that in mind, here are the best Valentine's Day gift ideas for your aging loved one.
One nice thing about any of these ideas is that you don't need a reason to give a gift to someone you love!
Something That Reminds Them of Spring
Depending on where you live, if your town or city experiences harsh winter weather, Valentine's Day might fall right in the thick of it.
Thankfully, you can cheer up your aging loved ones by giving them gifts that remind them of spring. For example, you could offer them a small citrus tree to grow in their garden or on an apartment balcony.
If they live in a long-term care facility, a flowerpot with some roses should do the trick. Giving your loved one a plant of some kind will provide them with a sense of purpose, and if they grow a citrus tree, some delicious fruit as well.
Personalized Walking Canes
If your loved one needs assistance with mobility, you could get them a cane if they don't have one already. However, if they already have a cane or two in their collection, you could surprise them with a personalized walking cane.
Engravings can turn any gift into a lifelong memory, which is why engraved canes make excellent Valentine's Day gifts. You could engrave their initials, a special date, or a quote from one of their heroes. No matter what you choose for the engraving, make sure you know the best walking canes to buy men in 2022.
Spend Time with Your Loved Ones
If you still can't figure out what to get your aging loved one, spending time with them can supersede any material gift. For starters, you could plan out a special day of engaging in their favorite activities. To cap it off, grabbing dinner at your loved one's restaurant of choice or cooking them their favorite meal is a beautiful way to finish off Valentine's Day.
Overall, gifts are merely a token of gratitude for the affection and joy that our loved ones give us throughout our lives. Now that you know some of the best Valentine's Day gift ideas for your aging loved one, you can offer your thanks in the most meaningful way possible.
Other Unique Gifts
Here are three other gift ideas that an older family member may enjoy.
- Smart picture frames: Several sizes are available that display a rotation of family photos you preload. Find family photos from the past and recent ones that will remind your loved one of the many memories they have had throughout their lifetime.
- Custom photo calendar: Many older people still like old-fashioned wall calendars. You have a custom printed calendar with a family photo for each month. If you are really creative, you can use an image that matches the month of the year.
- Large print playing cards: Many older people love playing cards with friends. You can purchase larger print decks that are easier to see and handle.
Don't forget the gift of time. Spending time with your loved one may be the best gift available; however, just a phone call can make their day.
About the Author
Mallory Knee is a freelance writer for multiple online publications where she can showcase her affinity for all things beauty and fashion. She particularly enjoys writing for communities of passionate women who come together for a shared interest and empower one another in the process. In her free time, you can find Mallory trying a fun new dinner recipe, practicing calligraphy, or hanging out with her family.
Mallory Knee
Contributor since September 25th, 2020
Editor's Note
Greater longevity means we have family members usually for many years. However, life does get in the way, and we don't always stay in touch with older parents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives like we should. Plus, COVID-19 sometimes makes it harder to see older loved ones who may need to be isolated due to the virus.
Longevity also means declining health and long-term care. Finding quality caregivers and facilities when your mom or dad needs help with daily living activities is a priority.
LTC NEWS offers you help. If your parent or loved one needs care now - or soon - you will need to find the appropriate care in the right setting depending on their needs.
First, does mom or dad need long-term health care services? Do you know the signs to look for? Finding quality care options and the money to pay for this care will be a priority.
Finding Quality Care for Mom or Dad
Start by reading our two guides -
If they are lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
Get Help in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim
Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care. If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help.
LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work, free with no obligation.
You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Are You Prepared for Long-Term Health Care in the Future?
One of the biggest concerns when planning for your retirement are the consequence of declining health and aging - including the costs and burdens of long-term health care.
Health insurance, including Medicare and supplements, will not pay for most of these future costs. According to the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator, the costs of long-term health care are increasing rapidly nationwide.
If you don't have Long-Term Care Insurance, you will have to fund these costs from your income and assets. Your children may also find themselves in the position of becoming caregivers. The role of a caregiver is physically and emotionally demanding.
An affordable Long-Term Care Insurance policy will give you the tax-free resources to pay for your choice of quality care services, including in-home care. Your family will have the time to be family instead of a caregiver.
Most people obtain Long-Term Care Insurance in their 50s when premiums are lower, and the most options are available.
The Resources to Help You Find LTC Solutions
You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis.
To help you plan the costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
- The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
- The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
- Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
- A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Seek Expert Guidance
Insurance rates are regulated, so no insurance agent, agency, or financial advisor can give you special deals. However, premiums vary over 100% between insurance companies for the same coverage.
Experts suggest using a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many options available to you and your family.
A specialist who works with the top companies can match your age, health, family history, and other factors and find you the best coverage at the best value. A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
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LTC NEWS is open to contributors to share their stories with the world.
You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.
Be sure to write for our core target audience of adults aged 40 and older. Our audience is worldwide; however, our primary target is the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other English-speaking nations.
Improve your website or blog's SEO and gain exposure and traffic at the same time by being a contributor to LTC NEWS.
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Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
Reverse Mortgages Could Be a Solution
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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Let's work together and help consumers who search for us on the web - Site Request | LTC News.
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