My BIL is in a NH half way across the country. We can't visit him. We get candy and gift cards for all his nurses each Christmas (they call and say we are the only family to do that). We send him cupcakes from his home area. He doesn't need/want clothes or books or crafts. He has been there for 8 years. He goes to the art and craft activities. We have offered to buy materials. He doesn't wear his dentures we got him. He does paint and I offered to buy art supplies.
He is in an electric wheel chair. I call and ask and he wants nothing. I feel bad. We send photos of our children. We are going to try to get to see him this coming year. Takes all day to get there and is not cheap. Once we are there we can take him out for the day. He has asked for us to visit. Not sure what else to do?
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.
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!
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.
I'm sure your generosity and caring over the years has been greatly appreciated by all. Safe travels and enjoy the time together.