Top 3 Gifts for Someone in A Nursing Home

[@erikab.44]

My mom is in a nursing home at only 54 because of the progression of her muscular dystrophy. Thank you for shedding light on the needs of residents in these facilities. It is heartbreaking to visit her and see the blank faces of people wasting away with no visits from family and only the same four walls to look at every day. Time spent is the most precious gift we can give.

[@zoicomeau3063]

@erika.B so sorry to hear that 54 that's young muscle dystrophy isn't that something you get born with and understand about nursing home I volunteered in one after 3 years I left cause I was getting too attached and sad for the residents and then my father had to go to nursing home do to Alzheimer's had no choice you didn't know us no more but your mom still young 54 God bless her big hugs and kisses to you🙏❤🇨🇦

[@Bethh3890]

Erika, sorry to hear that your mom is there at an early age. I agree with you, it's a sad thing to see when no one goes to visit them in their family. Bless your heart for noticing this and caring.

[@livenotonevil8279]

And now in 2020, they can hardly have visitors. An Ipad that would let them video chat (assisted by the activities crew) would be an awesome gift.

[@AnniePilatesPhysicalTherapist]

Awe this is so Sweet of you guys! That is so true with our loving elderly population , they needed to feel loved , special and some form of belonging and I really have a big heart ❤️ for all of them as a physical therapist working for more than 15 years . I have a special heart for all of them ! 🙏😘❤️💕

[@MrShadowBen]

Annie Pilates Physical Therapist that’s the sweetest I have read thanks annie for your beautiful heart I love your channel I watched your amazing workout exercises for back pain I love it 🙏😘❤️

[@anabelenaranton7177]

You are such a sweet lady annie and an amazing therapist I love your loving and sweet videos for health and wellness will continue to follow you and subscribe to your channel as well 🙏😘❤️

[@AnniePilatesPhysicalTherapist]

Thanks guys for all the sweet replies ! Trying my best to help my community as well 🙏❤️😘

[@ReenyNY]

Check with facility. Some dont allow other items or furniture brought in

[@rebeccah3091]

SOCKS !!!!!! The pain of cold feet should not be ignored.

[@mmgibson1]

I was recently in a nursing home/rehab facility for close to a month. You are right about a visit being one of the most important things, because it gets to a point where it is so boring that it is a treat when somebody that is not a medical person comes to see you. It's even better when they bring in something to eat that you have not been able to have because it is not on the cafeteria menu. I might add cushions for walker handles to take some of the strain off of the wrists and arms and a decent pillow that you can use at night if the one provided does not offer good cervical support. For some reason, they expect people to sleep with their heads propped way up; this can create problems in the back & neck, and keep sucking people into taking more medication and endless appointments. The best thing is to ask a resident what they need to be more comfortable.

[@shawnawinter2051]

As a geriatric nurse we discourage electric recliners due to it promotes lack of use of the muscles that help you transfer resulting in a quick decline in mobility....note any personal equipment has to be maintained by the family kept in safe working order...please check floor to seat height and seat depth and include the cushion with this or you can get sores from poor pressure relief or/and feet dangle and can have blood clots.ROHO is great but need checked daily to make sure no holes...also not great for sitting posture. .but depends on your need. .keen is also a good brand. Electric shavers, socks, hair ties for ladies, subscription to the news paper, make up, large print books, volunteer, bring in pets and/or kids for a visit.

[@lucymanet3297]

Great shaver we use is One Blade (by Gillette?) Rechargeable by plugging in overnight maybe once a week and the blade (pricey) lasts 6-12 months. Not as clean a shave but if used every day to keep up, pretty good. No messy shaving cream needed! His aide loved it so much (so quick & easy to use), we sent one to her husband who has a degenerative neurologic disease and he loved it too as it enabled him to shave himself again, no longer have to have his wife shave him. No gotchas!

[@santi_super_stunts2573]

I like how this deviates from the usual video topics you guys put on this channel

[@nab-rk4ob]

You two are gems. Thank you very much for this video.

[@jackiebohannon322]

Thank you for care for others ❤❤❤❤❤❤Bob Brad your the Best❤❤❤

[@zatoichibandit]

We’re just starting to get things ready to put my grandma in a home. This is a lot of stuff I never thought about.

[@valsevenav]

1. A good, comfortable chair (nice and firm) 1a. A good bespoke or adjustable wheelchair (like Broda; not the standard nursing home chair) 2. A good cushion (with dense foam base and soft foam top layer, like Roho) 3. A visit (take them out for a field trip)

[@rebeccah3091]

My friends and i collect socks at the beginning of winter. we got 1500 pairs last year and were able to help 500 people get warm feet in elderly homes. so many people have no family's that come to visit and so many elderly sit in hole filled thin horrible socks during our harsh Canadian winters .This year i want to get a charity # so we can help more people .Please drop off a bag or two of socks to any home ,many people have noone to bring them some .

[@lucymanet3297]

That's terrific!

[@lucymanet3297]

I wonder if nursing homes are used to people and groups asking to collect items residents need/want? Ideally nursing homes could routinely create an anonymized wish list consisting of each resident's 1-2 needed/wanted items (or a pledge or $ towards a bigger ticket item like a special cushion or wheelchair) each Christmas season (& maybe periodically after it caught on) and individuals/families/groups/churches could adopt a resident or residents. No doubt already done on an irregular, small scale basis, but imagine if it became "a thing" and everybody was doing it!

[@jodyljohnson8515]

I'm telling ya, you're getting very close to fixing that broken heart 💔❤️😉

[@jeannel2515]

I think it is so nice that you guys make videos on how to help those in nursing homes. I also applaud you for mentioning the fact that not all nursing home residents are elderly. Thank you Bob and Brad.

[@patihopkins5190]

Thanks for doing this video. Very thoughtful; and a tactful reminder for us all not to forget our older family or fellow humans. One day we will be the old ones.

[@mavericksization]

I work 17 yrs in snf setting occupational therapist

[@dotink]

The chairs are nice but Medicare or insurance usually covers that stuff. In my experience most residents need socks and underwear- commercial laundry destroys or looses clothes often. Clothes in general are good. Visits are nice, outings are great unless your loved one has dementia as it can increase confusion and anxiety. Hang pictures at their eye level if they are in wheelchairs, or make albums. Label the names of people in pictures if they have memory problems, it is frustrating and embarrassing if they can’t remember their kids names. Always check with nursing staff when bringing in food to make sure it isn’t against orders- some foods and alcohol can interact with drugs etc. I love to see any video talking about nursing home residents. Many don’t have family or friends nearby, and volunteering your time for activities or donations are always appreciated. We always took small toiletries, knick-knacks etc for bingo gifts too. Just call your local nursing home and see what they need. Large print books and dvds were nice, especially more recent movies or classics.

[@nancykowalkowal3078]

Thank you so much for doing this video, it’s so important ,

[@tosue1]

I used to work in the Medicare division of a large health insurance company. Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities were considered two distinct places of service with different levels of care.

[@sabrinamwalker7049]

Thank you so much. Blessings

[@fzawilla]

This is great information. Yes! Taking them outside can be like heaven when they’ve been inside for days. They can also get really tired of the food at their SNF. Bring them something they like to eat if they can’t go out. Even fresh fruit could be a real treat. Also, a personal assistant like an Amazon Echo can be really helpful especially if they’re in a W/C. They can even answer calls & messages without getting up.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

The top gift is for friends and family to visit.

[@ms.5779]

Your right but Robb a lot of times a person has no visitors because of how they lived their life when they were up and about.. That sweet little ole’ lady may have been a hell raiser in her younger days!! Or a family , just don’t give a damn..with or without money being involved. I no longer work in nursing homes because of the bureaucracy of the such establishments. Management is only into numbers not quality of residents lives.. My ability to give quality assistance was punished

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

@@ms.5779 It takes a special type of person to work in a nursing home. people always talk about the sacrifices teachers or first responders make in their jobs, they never spent a lot of time with sick loved ones in a nursing home. Workers in the homes need a lot more recognition and support.

[@mckenp6545]

As always thank you Bob and Brad!

[@lindsayhead2943]

For the lift chairs - they should be covered in vinyl or leather, so they can be cleaned for infection control. For w/c - some insurance companies will only cover one every 5 to 8 yrs. So if you loved one's needs change in that that time your in trouble. In Canada there is the Red Cross program for people in LTC. You can rent equipment for a small fee depending on the person's income.

[@lucymanet3297]

Re: socks suggestion, highly recommend a particular Dr. Scholl's sock that accommodates swollen legs but also stay up and are very comfortable. It says on the packaging that they're for people with diabetes or circulation issues but they're fine for everybody. Color selection is limited to a slightly olive beige and maybe white and black. Usually buy them at WalMart. They look very stretchy and "hole-y". Would be great for donating because so universal - anybody could wear, regardless of health status. Was well.

[@happycomfort3026]

Thank you so much for the suggestions on how to help a loved one in a nursing home! My mom 💕who is 87 is home now but she had to spend some time in a care facility and for her one of the greatest joys was if someone would take her for a ride or to a meal. She even loved going to Taco Bell. She didn’t care she just wanted to get some interaction with the outside world. Now she lives with our sister and gets to get out way more often now that her health improved. I live in a different state but when we visit I always take her for rides places. I enjoy it too 😁👍

[@happycomfort3026]

I also meant to mention how wonderful you two are for donating the fantastic chair to a patient! I wish we could afford one but it’s way beyond our current income to do so. Though we did get her some of the equipment etc she wanted last time we were there from Craigs list and that worked out really well. And was just what she needed.

[@KathleenHelenLisson]

What a kind video. Thanks!

[@babbetteduboise4284]

I have a family member in a nursing home for advanced alzheimer's. Best gift? 'Edema shoes' with velcro closures at the heel and over the arch. To keep them from getting lost, take them to an embroidery shop to have their name embroidered on them. Also, just resign yourself to constantly replacing clothes. The industrial laundries in the nursing home prevent the spread of infections but also wear the clothes out really fast.

[@sc220]

Suggestions on "high chairs" (sitting chairs, not wheelchairs) for people w hip/back problems? I'm not looking for a bar stool. More like something shorter than a bar stool but taller than a regular chair. These are surprisingly hard to find online. Suggestions, please. ☺ Would also be nice to find a design that looks less "medical-ly"... something with a bit of style. Or not. Maybe there's no such thing 🤔

[@lindsayhead2943]

They are called lift chairs. And if you contact medical supply companies they maybe able to help. I am in Nova Scotia, so I would direct people to contact Embracor, Harding Medical or Lawton Drug Store.

[@lucymanet3297]

Look up "hip chair". That's the term for those taller chairs you're looking for. I had a difficult time without knowing the right term. Didn't end up getting one (so can't rec a particular brand) as needs had changed. Maybe look on Amazon or Rehab Mart to get you started and other suggestions may pop up. Good luck!

[@sc220]

@@lucymanet3297 Thanks for the tip! I found it! I wasn't looking for a "lift chair" as @Lindsay Head suggested. It was a "hip chair"! www.vitalitymedical.com/hip-high-chair-deluxe-with-comfortable-padded-seat.html There's similiar stuff on Amazon. I also discovered another keyword, "hip high chair". Appreciate your input.

[@maryelizabeth1808]

Excellent video and ideas. So important for folks in a facility!

[@kathg1354]

Great advise, guys! especially number 3. :)

[@Acadian.FrenchFry]

Can you guys recommend a recliner by brand name. I really want something affordable, but that will last and not break down and will help with back issues. Thank you for all you do! Been watching you for a couple years now. Love you guys!

[@zoicomeau3063]

Please answer a question for me I go to a physical therapist chiropractor they tell me I have so many knots my upper back neck even in the lower back after I leave I still feel the same what is these knots from is it cuz I have TMJ they're also on the shoulders and my right shoulder pulls or feels heavy I just don't understand please answer my question🙏🇨🇦

[@AnniePilatesPhysicalTherapist]

Have you tried doing Pilates to strengthen your core ?

[@zoicomeau3063]

@@AnniePilatesPhysicalTherapist no but I definitely will look into cause I can function like this THANKS so much for advice from the BOTTOM of my HEART 🙏❤

[@zoicomeau3063]

@@AnniePilatesPhysicalTherapist forgot to mention for two years I've been wearing a mouthpiece and drinking Ensure so I think I've lost a lot of muscle mass so will this still help thank you again

[@AnniePilatesPhysicalTherapist]

Zoi Comeau you are very Welcome , you could try My gentle Pilates for joint pain Let me know if you want me To send the link , Go to My Channel , leave a comment and I Will guide you through

[@yopatricio1391]

Egg shell membrane supplement plus msm in the morning, egg shell calcium with vitamin d3 and k2 in the afternoon, magnesium prebed. Mix your ensure with extra protein powder and 5 to 10 mg dhea, also coingest 2 to 6 eggs whole eggs with vitamin c. Welcome back to life again.

[@lerch400block]

Me and my wife are caring for her grandfather. I go to nursing homes from time to time and there are violent people there. It's so sad. My friend is a caretaker at one and the stories she tells me are horrifyingly disgusting. Take care of your family and hire the cleaning out. We have a wonderful lady that comes to bathe him and we pay her extra to come when we go on vacation. Shout out Marcella. She does more than the VA payes her for. I really dislike our geriatric patient centers. Its so sad.

[@lucymanet3297]

Sad. Though when people with dementia occasionally get a bit fiesty or even physically abusive, it's usually because they can't express themselves adequately to get their needs met - so anticipating their needs (& as often as possible their wants) and addressing them typically goes a long way to preventing them from boiling over in extreme frustration and despair. If we just put ourselves in their shoes and follow the Golden Rule (do unto others as you'd have done to you), we'll know what's needed...most of the time. Lack of sufficient movement is often the problem so that Broda pedal rocker chair looks great for those who can still use it!

[@tosue1]

If you absolutely must put a family member in a care facility, visit often and stay on top of their care. Assume nothing. We had some horrible situations in my area a couple years ago.

[@18matts]

I like dark humor lol

[@lizsteilkie]

Not sure which nursing homes you are talking about thays how my sister in law became a millionaire...

[@kevinkall8547]

Quoting someone who committed suicide about hope is probably not the best motivating tactic.

[@obamasgirl787]

These are obviously gifts that the family gives because nursing home residents are to nasty to the caregivers to earn these kind of gifts.

[@lindsayhead2943]

You 2 really.have an OT come on and talk about this..... I work as an OT/PTA in LTC. And I understand what your trying to do, but your making me cringe right now. There are hundreds of cushions and hundreds of w/cs. I have had families bring their loved ones in with w/c that are not sutiable and it is because they have changed within a week because they have had another stroke. And have asked why are they not in the chair I bought. They feel like they have waisted $8000!

[@lucymanet3297]

Great idea to check first with patient's doctor/nurse/physical & occupational therapists so you get the right type & size of cushion/properly-fitting chair etc. It can be pretty complicated finding and selecting some of this equipment. But comfortable seating and lying is key since all the patient's time is spent there.

[@smilesmile7330]

3-400 years 😂