Its probably getting paid via medicaid funds. They have a long term care program. Some vets get minimal help (or go into a vet nursing home).

My MIL is in a medicaid bed. Clothing is the most important thing, along with shoes, slippers and its nice if he can have his own bedding - sheets, comforter, pillows as the stuff they provide is terrible. Also, photos of family - grandkids or a nice print. The clothing gets worn out quickly as they wash everything in a very hot water with high heat (so buy big enough). Pants need to be elastic waist.

My MIL does not spend a lot of time in her room. She never uses the cd player as she cannot turn it on. Rarely uses her tv or dvd as they don't let her in her room much.

If he's in a dementia wing you may want to visit first to get a feel for the atmosphere and what the residents have in their rooms. Things have a tendency to "walk off" in a dementia wing even if the place is well run because that is simply the state of mind of the residents. I love the idea of something Harley related, socks, slippers. Nothing too pricey.

Walmart makes these 49 dollar (give or take a few bucks) basic portable dvd players for kids. They come in bright colors and are very light and easy to use. That may be worth looking into.

I'll second the coloring book--could be worth a try.

Anonymous wrote:Maybe a page a day calendar books with photos of Harleys? They have lots of glossy books like that on amazon and at Barnes and Noble.

If it's a badly run place there's a big chance a dvd player or tablet will get stolen, sadly.

I love the idea of the calendar! I'm definitely getting him one. Thanks.

From what I've heard it's run on a very low budget (I am not sure how it's being paid for but he's a veteran and disabled so I figure he gets social security and then vet benefits) but the staff are all very kind. I was thinking I could get a tablet that is obviously very cheap or even find a used one that looks used...maybe less chance of it being stolen?

Portable CD / DVD player with over eat headphones.

Maybe a page a day calendar books with photos of Harleys? They have lots of glossy books like that on amazon and at Barnes and Noble.

If it's a badly run place there's a big chance a dvd player or tablet will get stolen, sadly.

Thanks guys! some great ideas here.

I was also thinking about a CD player but then my mom mentioned to me that he shares a room with 3 other men and the TV is positioned in a way that he can't see it from bed. I was thinking either a portable dvd player or a cheap tablet (either are about $-50 on Amazon). I haven't seen him in years though and honestly not sure which if any he could operate. Thoughts?

I think I'll get him some comfy socks and a beanie. He's a big Harley Davidson fan. I'm sure I can find something on Amazon with quick delivery.

Any ideas to help with his boredom? I feel so bad that he just sits there all day long. I called him and he said he couldn't wait to see me and he's happy I'm coming to bring him home

Also it depends on his use of his hands and his dementia, but adult coloring books (they are trendy right now for ALL adults), mazes, and word finds might be nice gifts.

You can get lots of inexpensive cds from thrift stores. Put them in one of those CD books and get an inexpensive player.

Also a wall calendar with big family photos can be nice.

Anonymous wrote:When my mother was in a nursing home with Alzheimer's I brought a CD player (not expensive in case it was "lost") and I made her CDs of music from her favorite artists (Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, etc.). Depending upon the day, she would sometimes hum along to the tunes or simply sway with the music. The advantage of CDs is most anyone can make them and bring them to the home.

You are very kind to think of nice things for your uncle.

Plus big picture books of movie stars from Hollywood's golden days.

More on music and dementia, with some ideas for music choices:

http://www.alzheimers.net/2014-07-21/why-music-boosts-brain-activity-in-dementia-patients/

When my mother was in a nursing home with Alzheimer's I brought a CD player (not expensive in case it was "lost") and I made her CDs of music from her favorite artists (Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, etc.). Depending upon the day, she would sometimes hum along to the tunes or simply sway with the music. The advantage of CDs is most anyone can make them and bring them to the home.

You are very kind to think of nice things for your uncle.

Socks, comfy shirts with his name embroidered on them or name tag sewed on, fleece sweatshirt with his name on it, elastic fleece/comfortable pants.

I'm not sure which board this should go on so please feel free to move it (not sure how I would find it if the admin moves it though, ?)...

I'm back home for the holiday and will be visiting an uncle who just recently moved into a nursing home after a stroke left him with permanent dementia. He's in his late 60s but has a lot of health problems and his family has decided to keep him in the home indefinitely. Note, the family has a very low income and from what I have heard, this place is "run down", he's unhappy, and bored all the time.

Anyway, I'm looking for gift ideas. Maybe someone has experience with this, what would be helpful or appreciated? My mother is bringing him a photo book and a blanket he'll be able to use while in his wheelchair. Just thought some of you might have ideas. Thank you in advance.