Father’s Day Gift Ideas & Advice for Caregivers

Unsure what to get your dad for Father’s Day this year? If so, you aren’t alone. Finding the perfect gift for dad can be difficult. That’s especially true when old age makes it difficult for your father to enjoy many of the things he used to love doing. So, it’s little surprise that many family caregivers have trouble knowing what to get their father come Father’s Day.

At Visiting Angels, we know how difficult — and how important — it can be to find the perfect gift for an elderly parent. To help you brighten your dad’s special day, here are some suggestions specifically for family caregivers on how to spend Father’s Day with an older father.

Spend Time Together

Many caregivers spend so much time fretting over a physical gift for their father that they forget the most important gift of all: quality time spent together. While many dads prefer not to be fussed over, most appreciate time spent with family, whether that’s a dinner with children and grandchildren, a quiet day focused on a favorite activity, or simply some quality one-on-one time.

One great idea for elderly fathers is to help make a favorite hobby possible again. In old-age, physical challenges force many men to give up their favorite activities, like fishing, woodworking, or attending car shows. As a family caregiver, you may wish to take the time to coordinate a way for your dad to enjoy a favorite hobby again, offering assistance, support, and transportation to help him overcome age-related difficulties. If you choose to go this route, it’s important that you take care to ensure your dad’s comfort and safety, which may mean enlisting other family members, friends, or a professional caregiver to help out.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Seniors

Some dads prefer not to get a Father’s Day gift. But for most, even a small, thoughtful gift can make them feel loved and appreciated. As a caregiver, there are a number of senior-friendly items that you might want to consider. Think of items that allow your dad to relive favorite memories, gifts that make day-to-day life easier, or simple, classic gifts that you know will please your dad.

Here are some specific Father’s Day gift ideas for seniors that caregivers might want to consider:

• Large-Print Books.  If your dad enjoys reading, consider purchasing a large-print book by one of his favorite authors.
• Non-Slip Slippers. Many older men have poor circulation, which makes a warm pair of slippers invaluable on a cold morning. Consider purchasing a pair with non-slip treads to help your dad avoid falls around the home.
• Housekeeping Services. Old age can make it difficult to perform important housekeeping tasks, such as day-to-day cleaning or important repairs. Consider hiring a cleaning service or a local handyman for your dad, or offering to perform housekeeping tasks yourself.

One piece of advice family caregivers should keep in mind when choosing a Father’s Day gift for an elderly father: try to avoid making your dad feel old. Many older men are sensitive about aging, and feel embarrassed that they can no longer do many of the things they used to. If your dad is sensitive about his age, try to avoid gifts that will heighten self-conscious feelings around aging.

Could your dad use a helping hand this Father’s Day? Give the gift of care through your local Visiting Angels. Contact your local office today to coordinate a free in-home care consultation.