Things to Put in a “Comfort Basket”

If you have an elderly relative living alone or in assisted living and they are isolating themselves from the novel coronavirus, you probably would love to do something to brighten their day but just not sure how.  One idea is to send them a “comfort basket” filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant. 

For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options.  Are they a chocolate lover or prefer salty snacks?  Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses.  For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architect, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest.   A collection of classic movies is also something many seniors would enjoy. 

Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers.  If they have low vision, include large-print playing cards and books.  If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket.  While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight.   For example if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds.  

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we offer the finest senior housing in Santa Fe, NM.  Our pueblo-style community has 56 bright suites for assisted living and 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website for information as well as pricing and availability.          

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website or give us a call to learn more about the most trusted senior living in Santa Fe, NM.