Tina Gorman , Director, Westfield Council On Aging
Selecting the perfect gift for special relatives, friends, and neighbors can be challenging and frustrating. This can be especially true when the recipient is an older adult. In their efforts to downsize, many seniors don’t want more “things.” They have plenty of linens, pots and pans, towels, slippers, and gloves. However, if the gift-giver mixes creativity, practicality, and concern with a healthy dose of love, the possibilities are endless.
Westfield has experienced three major fires in the last couple of years involving seniors. Sadly, lives were lost. Does the older adult on your shopping list have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors? If not, what a perfect gift for Santa to give and install. Perhaps the recipient does have a smoke alarm. When was the last time the batteries were changed? How about purchasing the batteries, wrapping them with paper and a bow, and adding a homemade gift card for swapping the old batteries with the new ones? Many older adults do not change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors because they are afraid to get up on a ladder to do so. A gift that says, “I want you to be safe,” is a precious one indeed.
Has the senior on your list given up driving? The PVTA offers personalized, one-on-one “travel training” to older adults and individuals with mobility impairments. Participants learn how to safely and independently use the public bus system. Or you can purchase PVTA van tickets at the Senior Center for the Dial-A-Ride program.
Other practical gifts include gift cards to a local grocery store, gas station, restaurant, pharmacy, or a favorite barber or hairdresser. Give an early present and attend a local holiday concert or show together. Bring your loved one to the Senior Center and share lunch together or one of our many planned activities. Check our monthly newsletter, the Voice of Experience, for ideas. This would be an especially kind gesture if the person is hesitant to come to the Senior Center for the first time. There is no greater gift that you can give to someone, than the gift of your time.
You might also consider a present of “friendship.” The Friends of the Westfield Senior Center group is always looking for new members. The mission of the organization is to provide enhancements to the programs and activities of the Westfield Senior Center through fundraising, advocacy, and facility improvement. Membership dues are $10 per year for an individual, $20 per year for a family, and $100 for a lifetime individual membership. Friends of the Westfield Senior Center brochures, which include the membership form, are available at the Senior Center as well as on the Friends website, www.westfieldseniors.org. Anyone may join the Friends group. There are no age or residency restrictions. All that’s necessary is a sincere interest in providing a better quality of life for Westfield’s older adults.
Perhaps you would like to think way “outside of the box” and help many of the City’s older adults with your gift choices. A handmade gift certificate to your loved one might read, “You have inspired me to assist other older adults in Westfield by…” You can fill in the blank with one of the following suggestions.
The Westfield Senior Center’s “Sassy Stitchers” knit and crochet group is seeking yarn donations for their involvement with “Project Linus.” The mission of Project Linus is to provide a sense of security, warmth, and comfort to local children who are seriously ill or traumatized through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans. The Sassy Stitchers provide the labor with love, but they need brand new full skeins of washable yarn in child-friendly colors to continue their important work. More information can be obtained from Carol Shannon at the Senior Center.
Finally, what about volunteering to assist homebound elders in Westfield with grocery shopping, transportation to medical appointments, and/or friendly visiting? The purpose of the Westfield Council On Aging “Volunteer Companionship Program” is to help older adults maintain their independence and sense of well being. It takes only two hours per week and a small stipend is awarded. There is no charge to seniors for the service which is funded by the Westfield Community Development Block Grant program, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Highland Valley Elder Services, Sarah Gillett Services for the Elderly, and private donations. Fran Aguda can be contacted at the Senior Center for more information.
This holiday season as you shop for the seniors on your list, consider safety, practicality, socialization, and enhancing the lives of others as you make your choices. For ideas, suggestions, and more information, contact the Council On Aging/Senior Center at 562-6435.
