Gift for dad in ill health?

**gottadance** · 09-25-2010, 11:57 AM

Anyone have any ideas for my dad - he's 69, lives in Florida, has everything he needs/is well off. He had a serious stroke five years ago and is now sight impaired - he can see things but they have to be large (he's actually legally blind by definition - he uses a computer he talks into). He can get around - but only with a cane and only around the house. Because of his stroke, and some heart issues as well, he's on a very restricted diet - very little sweets, almost no junk food.

In recent years, I've sent him and his wife books on CD and they seem to really enjoy that. Of course - stupid me didn't keep track of which ones I sent him, so now I have to be careful. I guess I just feel like the books on CD are repetitive - same gift every year.

Anyone have any other ideas? I was thinking a calendar with pics?

**frugalwarrior2** · 09-25-2010, 12:23 PM

How about something tactile-Fuzzy bathrobe,soft pillow or a scent he likes? My dad is impossible too. I have to get non tangible gifts as they don't want stuff. Weird idea-Would he like a recording of you reading a book or just a short story-so he can hear your voice when ever he wants??

**pollypurebred39** · 09-25-2010, 12:25 PM

My oldest made us a DVD disc with family pictures and sound. I can't remember the song now. It's great! A family album on DVD. He got it done at CVS with some kind of deal. Maybe something like that?

Or

Does he like to feed the birds? You could get him a window bird feeder. It attaches to the window. It could bring the outdoor wildlife up close and personal.

**frugalfranny** · 09-25-2010, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by gottadance

Anyone have any other ideas? I was thinking a calendar with pics?

But you mentioned that he was 'sight impaired'......just a thought and BTDT....but the more hearing impaired and sight impaired my parents became the less they wanted anything to do with those things. Which would seem like a " duh".........but I found you never really know just how BAD they are, they don't want to talk about it or face it (or in my dad's case - even realize it!).......so he might not really be able to see a calendar very well.

Does he like nuts? Can he chew okay, with out choking? They are good for him and if unsalted, a 'good' type food. My dad loved Brazil Nuts and couldn't get the bulk ones where he lived. Also, loved pistachios, but I had to take him the ones that were already shelled........still good for him. Or.......how about some sort of dried fruit? Would say 'trail mix' but most of those will have salt and some sort of 'sugar thing' in them. Maybe make your own for him.

**sunshine** · 09-25-2010, 07:22 PM

My dad was in a nursing home the last couple years of his life. . . and ALWAYS cold. I made him some manly type lap robes, etc.

I also made his wheelchair head rest a "cover" for each month, and other special days. . . like his birthday, Father's day, National Lefties Day (dad was left handed), etc.

Think about the things your dad might struggle with daily, and see if there is a way you can make it easier - or figure out someway to make some days more "fun".

**Momto5RN** · 09-25-2010, 08:07 PM

music ??

i made my grandmother some CDS of nat king cole once and gave her a on sale cd player to listen to them with .

does his computer have a program that will read emails out loud ?

do you have children - if so a CD of your children singing - do you sing - a cd of you singing .
am amazon.com gift cert to buy a book on CD he might like
( if you do swagbucks you can earn enough points to get a 5$ e - gift cert code on amazon a month .)

**Momto5RN** · 09-25-2010, 08:14 PM

blog on gifts for a stroke victem
Holiday Stroke Patient Gifts-- Surviving a Stroke and Laughing - ForbesOnTech

ideas for visually impaired- you may or may not find something or get an idea from here .
Home page

**Darlene** · 09-26-2010, 10:18 AM

Old time radio programs on cd's would make a great gift.

**gottadance** · 09-27-2010, 02:02 AM

Hey - great ideas everyone - keep 'em coming. I did breakdown and e-mail his wife to just ask her. I thought maybe a talking pedometer. He does go for walks every day. I also found a photoframe where you can record a message - that might be special - a pic of me and him with a message. I'll see what his wife says - she'd been telling me for years - even before he had the stroke - that he was SO hard to buy for.

**gottadance** · 10-14-2010, 10:42 PM

OK - this is weird - I didn't hear back from his wife. I don't get along with her super well, but it's not like we're angry or hostile either. Usually when I send this type of e-mail to her - asking about my dad and asking for gift ideas, she responds. Well, if I don't hear from her by Thanksgiving, I'll e-mail her again.

**Libby** · 10-15-2010, 12:22 AM

I was going to suggest gift certificates to things he still can do - movies, aquariums, zoos - things that can be done on a day trip. AND/OR for transportation services so he can 'go' places - we have special city buses here that are designated for handicapped people but its still considered 'public' therefore you need to be there waiting or it doesn't stop to pick you up though you schedule it. Maybe a voucher for a private handicap cab/transportation company?

Comfy clothing - track pants, velour leisure suit

, sturdy slippers. Who knows...he may like a day at the spa with a relaxing massage or self pampering - haircut, shave, massage?

He's hard to buy for b/c he's your dad - I have this problem too...he has everything he needs, he buys his own wants (within reason) and/or I buy it for him or chip in to help out. But thats just it - you're buying 'things' for him. How about creating a memory? Thats what I see my dad liking now - getting to go out and try new restaurants or playing tourist in a city he's already been to but wants to drive through to see how its changed etc. Memories are where its at