Under the influence of OS

nearlyrich

We have the same problem with FIL who doesn't really need anything, what we have done for a few years is buy a box of treats, more expensive food that he won't buy himself such as salmon, nice jams and marmalades. We do it every year and he is always delighted, hope that helps.

Queenie

Any waist related issues, I put down to MSE OS - not OS per se and ... not for the recipes or advice ... but the time spent on here

gilly - may I ask why smellies are a no no? If it's due to sensitive skin, maybe it's all the chemicals in modern products? Perhaps you could make her a more simplistic bath product using natural ingredients yourself?

Diabetic recipes are abundant on the web so you could still make her some HM goodies to gift.

Or, how about a HM rice bag to heat up for any aches pains associated with age?
Or, make her a lap quilt using OS techniques to keep her warm and her bills down during those cold months?
How about some Sloe Gin to warm the cockles of the heart, or slow vodka if gin isn't her tipple?
If she's tea-total, perhaps a "promise book" would be more appropriate filled with coupons for favours? (ie: a foot massage, a back massage that kind of thing - know this sounds daft, but how about a promise to cut her toe nails so that she doesn't have to turn to those ad's in the GP surgeries and have a stranger do it?).
How about making her a pinny?
HM (or even bought!) slippers?
Clothing is expensive for a pensioner, but they like to get dolled up just like the rest of us and rarely are they gifted clothes because smellies and chocs are usually peoples first thoughts.
Is there a gadget that might make her life easier, or more comfortable? A back scratcher or something.
Perhaps "time" is something that she would value? A commitment for someone to be there for x amount of time on such and such a date?
Energy saving lightbulbs so that it assists her financial state?
A promise of a meal out somewhere swank perhaps?
A foodie hamper of tinned luxuries that her pension doesn't ordinarily stretch to and fits with her personal health issues?
Does she have any unfulfilled dreams/ambitions that she would like to do but put on hold while she was a wife/mother/MIL/grandparent?
Does she have recipes/stories to tell that she might like to see published? It could be done on computer and passed around the family or even sold to the family/friends and any money raised given to her favourite charity.
Seriously consider ... who cuddles her? Who does she confide in? Who takes notice of her gripes and grumbles? I know that sounds really daft, but, that can be very precious to someone who time has forgot
Are they any odd jobs that everyone has been 'meaning' to do, but life has taken over? Make her a promise and follow it through.
If you really, really listen to her and put aside the pride which is prevalent in that generation, you may be surprised at her little whims and fancies
Audio books are GREAT! But, what if, one of the grandchildren/great grandchildren/whoever decided to do one FOR her? Imagine her delight!

I hope you find something which pleases you both!

PS: another couple of thoughts:-
would she appreciate a voucher to have her hair done?
Would she appreciate someone checking her utilitiy bill to see if savings could be made and maybe the promise of paying her winter gas/electric bill?
would she appreciate someone redecorating for her (if they have the skills themselves rather than paying someone to do it?)

sophiesmum_2

Some lovely ideas there queenie. i work in sheltered housing and you would be surprised at how many people get bought gifts with little thought - bubble baths for ladies with no bath!, chocs for diabetics, books for people with poor vision. Needless to say we are never short of raffle prizes after xmas or mothers day etc.
Most people would prefer "time" with their family or a homemade gift that some thought had gone into. you make some lovely suggestions.
sophiesmum

Queenie

sophiesmum wrote:

Some lovely ideas there queenie. i work in sheltered housing and you would be surprised at how many people get bought gifts with little thought - bubble baths for ladies with no bath!, chocs for diabetics, books for people with poor vision. Needless to say we are never short of raffle prizes after xmas or mothers day etc.
Most people would prefer "time" with their family or a homemade gift that some thought had gone into. you make some lovely suggestions.
sophiesmum

:think: Does your place of work have a newsletter/send out greeting cards to residents families? Or something similar? Perhaps a list of suggested ideas could be included? Not everyone thinks laterally when it comes to the elderly, no matter how much they love them (or, in some cases otherwise! ) . Just a thought.

jaybee

Queenie - you've come up with some wonderful ideas there! I have coppied them out because I just know that I will refer to it time and time again whenever my mind draws a blank (quite often )

sophiesmum_2

i send out a newsletter each month so think I will do an article on this subject and ask what things they would like to receive as gifts. i could then do that in next issue plenty of time before xmas for families to read.
Food items usually go down well and as you say "time" with family.
I am doing a wartime tea tomorrow afternoon so may ask for some ideas then from people.
sophiesmum

susank

82 year old - make a patchwork knee rug , buy a throw for her bed/chair, slippers, head scarf, cuddly toys (oldies love them like me!!), Flowers every month for a year etc


Sorry did not read Queenies lovely ideas post so some duplicates here

Queenie

Oh sophiesmum, the wartime tea sounds like a wonderful occasion/event! Please may I come? I promise not to wear anything garish incase of an air raid warning!!!

I'm really interested now, do post tomorrow and tell us what you served, which ideas they gave you when you asked, how much fun they had. It sounds wonderful!!! Best of British with it, hope it all goes without too many hitches :T :T :T

sophiesmum_2

One that i know is popular with my oldies is a birthday diary and assorted cards with some stamps etc, as often they cannot get out to buy these things, but they like to send birthday cards to family and friends.
sophiesmum

twink

what a lot of lovely ideas queenie, i agree with the cuddles and also time to be with her, i think its always nice to have something to look forward to as well, are there any carol singing concerts or anything musical on she would like seeing as her birthday is near christmas, it would give her the chance to dress up too