Buying present for 102 yr old!?

mandi

I think the kindest thing you could do is to get her some care at night , an old lady shouldn't be wandering at 2.30 am in the morning .

puppypants

+Definitely not a slanket or slippers, far too hazardous. I think a little hamper with some nice biscuits, a pot of jam, teabags, a couple of mince pies, etc would be very nice.

Or as someone has said, take her round a plated christmas dinner and pud. I did this for two ladies next door to me, they were sisters living in two OAP bungalows and wouldn't eat together even though it was christmas!! You tend to find that old ladies won't wear their new clothes anyway as they like to "keep them for best".

jackieglasgow

I actually think its really patronising of so many of you to suggest she not get the whisky. Just because she's 102 doesn't mean that she is not allowed a drink. Even more so, in my opinion. I have several neighbours over 90, and not one of them would appreciate "old lady" gifts of hand cream or a dressing gown, especially from a neighbour. I bet no one has bought her fresh flowers for years, or as someone else nicely suggested, a hamper full of delicious things which elderly people tend not to buy for themselves, especially ones who don't manage to get out often. Nice "luxury" biscuits, posh jam, a nice cake and things like that. And a wee half bottle of whisky if that's what she would really like. Even if she is an alcoholic (which I doubt if she's managed to 102, btw), there's not much more harm it could do her now.

I'll just add that in the recent snow up here, when my husband had to go get some shopping for our immediate (elderly) neighbours, number one on the list was unwaxed lemons - these are normal working class people, but they wanted them for their wee G&T! Maybe she was like that until she became infirm, and her mind still hankers for her luxuries in life.:)

puppypants

jackieglasgow wrote: »

I actually think its really patronising of so many of you to suggest she not get the whisky. Just because she's 102 doesn't mean that she is not allowed a drink. Even more so, in my opinion. I have several neighbours over 90, and not one of them would appreciate "old lady" gifts of hand cream or a dressing gown, especially from a neighbour. I bet no one has bought her fresh flowers for years, or as someone else nicely suggested, a hamper full of delicious things which elderly people tend not to buy for themselves, especially ones who don't manage to get out often. Nice "luxury" biscuits, posh jam, a nice cake and things like that. And a wee half bottle of whisky if that's what she would really like. Even if she is an alcoholic (which I doubt if she's managed to 102, btw), there's not much more harm it could do her now.

I'll just add that in the recent snow up here, when my husband had to go get some shopping for our immediate (elderly) neighbours, number one on the list was unwaxed lemons - these are normal working class people, but they wanted them for their wee G&T! Maybe she was like that until she became infirm, and her mind still hankers for her luxuries in life.:)

But, think about it - if she isn't used to whisky, even slightly over imbibing can cause falls. She may be at more risk of hypothermia, having a false sense of "warm glowiness" from the whisky. Not to mention checking that she is not on any tablets which are contra-indicated with alcohol.

Sorry to be a party pooper, but maybe a tot of whisky taken round before the home cooked christmas dinner or with the hamper!!:D

ailuro2

I'd go visit her and have a wee dram with her, maybe take some home cooked food with you.

At 102 the whisky will hardly wreck her liver and bring about an early demise, but it could confuse her - hence going round and helping her to drink it / pouring it for her. It could also interfere with her medication.;)

laurenjs88

puppypants wrote: »

But, think about it - if she isn't used to whisky, even slightly over imbibing can cause falls. She may be at more risk of hypothermia, having a false sense of "warm glowiness" from the whisky. Not to mention checking that she is not on any tablets which are contra-indicated with alcohol.

Sorry to be a party pooper, but maybe a tot of whisky taken round before the home cooked christmas dinner or with the hamper!!:D

But its about choices isnt it. Its ultimatley upto the lady whether she drinks it or not. If an SU wants nothing but whiskey and donuts for there weekly shop we have to get that for them.

You will assume she is mentaly capable of making appropriate choices or she wont be being cared for at home. as I said before a small hamper of goodies and a little tipple would be best. However if you dont feel comfortable buying alcohol then dont.

But don't assume because she is 102 that she isnt able to handle a drink

scooby088

How about a space hopper:rotfl:

onlyroz

Get the old dear some whisky if that's what she wants. If she's asked for it then surely she's had it before and can handle it.

puppypants

onlyroz wrote: »

Get the old dear some whisky if that's what she wants. If she's asked for it then surely she's had it before and can handle it.

I have spent most of my working life nursing the elderly, in nursing homes, hospital and in their own home. There is a great risk to the old person in giving her a bottle of whisky as stated before. There appears to be some confusion there if the lady is found outside at 2.45am shouting for help.

Is there any point in finding ways for her to fall, fracture her neck of femur and spend her last painful days in a hopsital bed. You HAVE to weigh up the risks. I know she's 102, but she still deserves to die with some dignity the the time comes

sparrer

Like puppypants my career was with older people for 30 years, I agree with what she says.

The other important problem of buying the lady whiskey would be if she's taking meds. She's seemingly has moments of confusion and may not know what she takes or why, so unless you know if she takes meds and it's safe to drink alcohol with them it could have an adverse effect. I would hate to see her going off in an ambulance because someone gave her something not compatible with the pills etc which keep her as well as possible.

The flowers/plant idea is lovely, as is a little hamper of goodies - without the alcohol