Holiday gift ideas for someone in a NH?

Good morning, tgengine,

If he is able to operate a wheelchair he is probably able to operate a DVD or CD player. My father only has minimal use of his hands but loves listening to CD’s and watching videos. I suppose, due to his dementia, he’ll watch the same video over and over before moving on to the next. I got him the entire JAG series for Christmas. I know he won’t be able to figure out how to watch them in order, but he won’t care. Clothes are also a great gift. Make sure they are labeled with his name before sending. Maybe ask the staff for some suggestions.

Your brother-in-law is blessed to have you. Your BIL who lives so far from relatives and gets no visitors is precisely why I make an effort to visit a few minutes with all the residents close by my parents when I come to see them. I agree with the other posters. Your presence on your visit will be the best gift of all. Continue to do what you are doing long distance.

What about a boxed set of Bob Newhart CDs/DVDs? (Oh crikey, we are still allowed to find Bob Newhart funny aren't we? - I daren't check). Hope I'm not being too literal minded, just suggesting something that might add joy. It would to me.

Sent him some cupcakes from home to him, the kind he likes which are hard to get where we are and him as well.
Sent his nurses some small gift cards and candy, you would think we sent them big items. Apparently we are the only family to send something to the nurses, they always call us to say thank you. Just sent him another 3 boxes as a friend picked some up when they are in the area. The shipping was more than the cupcakes!

My wife is not a close as she could be with him, too much water under the bridge. She talks to him twice a year when I remind her. He left home when she was 18 so hes never been around her much and he was a lot of trouble at home. I am the one that calls weekly and checks on him and sets up the cards and gifts. Not sure she would want that. He is not in anyway computer literate. I am sure the NH can hook something up. He talks for about 3 minutes when we do call. I call weekly and chat with the nurses and once in a while him.
I will call this week since I have to mail out the packages next week. Ill ask the nurses to see what he needs. He will tell me he needs nothing.
Besides t shirts and other necessities not sure what to do for him.

How about an Alexa, so you can video chat with him throughout the year? This way you could visit "face to face" any time you want. It's not quite the same as being together physically, but it's close enough, and the benefit would be being able to "see" each other any time you want!

The rub is he is 1800 miles away and I have my father living with me. I have to fly him to his sisters or mine so I have a house standing when I get back. Plus I have to fly 2 of us there.... Figure will cost a cool couple thousand...... Not cheap. When we will visit wont be until April at the earliest due to work schedules.

Was going to say the same as Annie, your presence is the present.
I'm sure your generosity and caring over the years has been greatly appreciated by all. Safe travels and enjoy the time together.

the visit is what he wants. The most precious gift? the Time spent together. Plan a well spent day. See if there are any activities nearby he may enjoy. Sing or listen to Christmas carols together. Bring something nice to eat-and leave behind: a treat., Bring pictures to share and stories to tell. You are the gift and your time is all he needs. I hope you have a good time together