Author: Alicia Centeno

You should buy someone in assisted living something useful and comforting. Making the transition to an assisted living community is a major life change, and selecting the right gift goes a long way in helping your loved one acclimate to their new surroundings.

Choosing key items, such as hobby essentials, helps your loved one fill their schedule with a familiar activity, helping them feel more at home. These next must-have items are excellent choices to buy your loved one in assisted living. 

Health and beauty items

Your loved one still needs everyday toiletries in assisted living, along with an assortment of health and beauty items. These necessities are always useful, so they make practical gifts. Consider products such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, skin creams, nail tools, beauty products and makeup. Store any health essentials in a carefully marked bag to make things easier on your loved one and prevent the items from getting lost. 

Hobby essentials

Your loved one has a lively life to look forward to in assisted living as these communities host full schedules of stimulating activities each day. While they’re likely to be involved in some of these activities, and the community may provide some essential items, your loved one will still have time to attend to their favorite hobbies and interests.

Pack knitting projects and needles, paints and paintbrushes, books, puzzles and games. Whatever your loved one is interested in is welcome entertainment, and those hobby supplies make great conversation starters, helping with socialization. 

Home decor

Assisted living communities invite residents to decorate their homes however they see fit, so feel free to gift some home decor essentials. Your loved one might want to feel like they’re still residing in their own home, so select decor that fosters a sense of familiarity.

Since you want them to feel comfortable, aim for necessities, such as pillows, blankets and towels. Whether you pack a favorite blanket filled with memories or a brand new one, giving them something soft and comfortable has special meaning.