Homemade gifts for nursing home patients?

Question:

Homemade gifts for nursing home patients?

I like to volunteer at the local nursing home but since I'm only 16 I can't do much except visit with the patients. (which I love to do) Some of them like to be read to but others just like to talk and I was wanting to bring them all a small gift this coming weekend. Does anyone have any idea of gifts to make them? I'm a crafter so I have like every craft supply available. Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Wow - You are the kind of person we need in nursing homes! I work as a diversional therapist in nursing homes and the best gift you give is your company. A wonderful thing to do is share your craft -maybe make cards with the person for a special day or help them to make small gift items they can give to others - it doesn't have to be big or expensive- recycle what you have. Helping them to write a card to a friend and then posting it for them is also great. A lot of elderly people enjoy games -card or puzzle or board and one of the favourite treats where I work is a handmassage. I gently rinse their hands in warm water and pat dry, then use a nice lotion GENTLY massage their hands. You want to be very gentle as their skins can tear and often their bones are sore but both ladies and gentlemen enjoy this very much. Starting groups is also fun -we started a "Woolie Club" which knits and crochets together once a week - I take in some biscuits for tea(check dietary requirements) and we make items for charity. This helps to pass time but also makes people feel usefull. One group I know of has started to make designer bags which they sell to buy more craft items! It takes a bit more time and effort to actually make things WITH someone but it is amazing how much this means to them.Hope this gets you started