TINA GORMAN
Selecting the perfect gift for special relatives, friends, and neighbors can be challenging. This is 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 four major fires in the last couple of years involving seniors. Sadly, lives were lost. Does the older adult on your shopping list have updated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors? New smoke detectors should be installed every ten years and each level of a home should have a carbon monoxide detector. 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 physically swapping the old batteries with the new ones? Many older adults do not change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors because of the danger of getting up on a ladder to do so. A gift that says, “I want you to be safe,” is a precious one indeed.
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.
The senior on your shopping list might be delighted with a subscription to the Westfield News. Perusing the local newspaper is a favorite pastime for many older adults, even those who are computer literate. They enjoy discussing current events and issues that are unique to the city as well as viewing photographs of their grandchildren playing various sports. And for those who are interested in the progress of the new senior center, the Westfield News is an ideal source for reliable and up-to-date information on the project.
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. Flyers regarding membership 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 Tara LeBlanc 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 gas mileage is reimbursed. 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, 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, information, 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.
Tina Gorman
Executive Director
Westfield Council On Aging
