“Senate health care bill could hit senior San Diegans hard”
Read more: http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-12-21/health-fitness/senate-health-bill-could-hit-senior-san-diegans-hard##ixzz0blIACDO6
At the very top of Santa’s “Naughty or Nice” List in the “Nice” category are the caregivers who take care of aging parents or other relatives all year long. They deserve something extra special in their stockings.The current recession has added plenty of stress to “the sandwich generation,” baby boomers caring for kids, parents, relatives and themselves at the same time. It includes people ranging from their mid-30s to 60 and over who will sacrifice more for their parents, even if it’s at the expense of their children.
What they desire most of all is a gift that will relieve a little of the burden they’ve willingly taken on to make the life of a senior they love more comfortable. According to a recent study by the marketing firm Communispace:
One in four caregivers liked the idea of airline discount offers on multiple trips to the same location, making regular visits to out of town parents easier, or making kids’ flights to see Grandma and Grandpa less expensive.
Calling all major airlines, technology providers and home care services: are you listening? Over 20 million Americans belong to the caregiver generation taking care of aging relatives and young children at the same time. They are feeling stretched, overwhelmed, and under-supported. Let’s provide products and services these folks desire and deserve. We can play Santa not just at Christmastime, but all year long.
While seniors who have the means generally buy what they need and want for themselves, others just do without. It still leaves family members and friends with the dilemma of what to give as gifts to their elders as a sign of love and respect.
In a survey conducted by a Salem, Oregon senior center, the leading preference was gift certificates for favorite restaurants. Other types of gift certificates were also popular, such as for events and travel, such as airline vouchers, or even credit toward a cruise. The third choice was cash. Food gifts were welcome as long as the giver takes into account the recipient’s preferences and dietary needs. Also suggested were donations to a favorite charity.
![MPPH01766J0000[1]](http://atyourhomefamilycare.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/MPPH01766J00001.jpg "Seniors Want Your Presence for the Holidays, Not Your Presents")
But by a huge margin, seniors wished for time with children and grandchildren. Family photos were mentioned by nearly every person responding. When asked about holiday festivities, more than twice as many seniors responding would choose a large family dinner with plenty of noise and children over a smaller dinner with individuals or small groups. Some also suggested certificates for the kind of “work projects” they found difficult from children and grandchildren.
Isn’t it becoming clear here? Seniors don’t really want your presents. They want your presence. They want company, conversation, and to feel a part of the extended family. They want to know their grandchildren better. There is truly nothing more precious and valuable than someone’s time.
So instead of going to the mall, get in the car or on an airplane and make a visit part of your holiday giving. Or send that ticket to your aging relatives and treat them to a trip to your home for the holidays. Create special memories and don’t forget to take plenty of photos that can go home with your relatives.
Oh and the gifts hardly ever cited: clothing or health and beauty products. Everyone who’s ever been guilty of giving a robe and slippers or a bottle of perfume, raise your hand!