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Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Elderly Moms in Assisted Living in 2023

9 minute readLast updated August 29, 2023
Written by Mary Salatino

If you have a mother who lives in an assisted living community, you may be struggling to find a way to show her just how special she is. Your mom may be facing health complications or feeling isolated while living in an assisted living community, so you might feel stuck because you can’t celebrate Mother’s Day like you used to. Fortunately, even with some practical limitations, there are several gift options that can still make any Mother’s Day memorable for your aging mom.

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10 Mother’s Day gift ideas for elderly moms

In senior living, your mother probably has a smaller amount of space to work with, so you may want to avoid any gifts that will take up a lot of room. Although you may feel like your options are limited, there are still plenty of gifts out there she’s sure to love. We’ve carefully curated this idea list of Mother’s Day gifts for elderly loved ones that’ll surely help you consider new options.

1. A digital picture frame

If your mom’s assisted living residence is lacking personal touches, images of fond memories with friends and family can be just the right gift to make her place feel like home. If mom has a limited amount of space, a digital picture frame is a great choice as you can upload many images to the frame while making the most of the available space. This is an excellent Mother’s Day gift for older moms because you can upload pictures she may not have seen in a while or even transfer full photo albums from weddings, vacations, and more to a slideshow that’s ready to be seen daily.

2. A nice day out

Most moms of any age cherish any time spent with their family, so taking your mom on an outing may just be one of the best gifts she could get. Think about activities your mom loves to do — particularly any that she may have had a hard time doing since moving into assisted living — and plan a day filled with pastimes she’ll love. You could treat her to a delicious meal at her favorite restaurant, take her to see a movie, or book a spa appointment together.

One thing to keep in mind is that Mother’s Day gifts for elderly moms don’t have to be extravagant. Sometimes making an effort to spend time with her can be enough. You can find doable activities that mean the most to her and include it in your day out together.

3. A tablet

For many seniors that are initially resistant to technology, a tablet turns out to be the easiest type of device to start with. The larger screens on tablets are easier to read than a phone, and they’re easier to carry around than computers. Tablets can conveniently connect to Wi-Fi or be added to a data plan. Pre-load the tablet with apps and games you think mom will like.

You can also download Skype or your preferred video-calling app to provide her an easy way to digitally connect with her children and grandchildren on a regular basis. A tablet can be a gift that keeps on giving, as it can allow her to watch videos, play games, read, and more.

4. An activity tracker

Wearable activity trackers like a FitBit or an Apple Watch can be a good incentive for older adults who are trying to form healthy habits by becoming more active and tracking their progress as they go. If you think your mom would like to have some extra encouragement to go on more walks, or you feel she just might be inspired to try a workout class at the assisted living facility with a little nudge, an activity tracker could be a good fit.

5. A monthly subscription

Monthly subscriptions are great ways to continue gifting your mom throughout the year. There are plenty of different types of subscription boxes to choose from. If your mom is someone who really likes coffee or tea, consider signing her up for a subscription box that sends a regularly updated variety.

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Another option to consider is a floral service subscription as bouquets are always nice to receive, whether they mark a special occasion or not. These subscriptions can help you ensure your mom has a touch of nature close by to enjoy throughout the entire year.

For a lot of seniors, reading becomes more challenging as their eyesight slowly worsens through the years. But that doesn’t mean your mom shouldn’t continue seeking out the books she loves. An Audible subscription provides an audiobook of her choice each month.

There are many subscription services out there, so consider what things your mom may enjoy throughout the year and sign her up. Be sure to inquire about mail delivery services at your mom’s assisted living community to help ensure that she receives her gifts.

6. A self-care basket

Who doesn’t like to do a little comfy self-care in their own home? With a self-care gift basket, your mom can spend time relaxing and pampering herself in the comfort of her own assisted living space. If it’s harder to get out and about, a self-care basket is a great gift for homebound mothers.

Put a self-care gift basket together for mom by getting a plush or sleek set of pajamas, candles with scents that remind her of home, the luxury versions of her go-to beauty supplies, an oversized throw blanket, or other items you think she may enjoy. If you’re not familiar with your mom’s favorite beauty brands or scents, do some sleuthing next time you visit to see if you can pin down her likes.

7. Small appliances to make life easier

Small appliances can be a great way to add extra amenities to mom’s place and make life more accessible for her. If your mom’s assisted living residence doesn’t have a kitchen or stovetop, then making her preferred coffee or tea could be tricky. An electric kettle takes care of that problem. It includes its own source of heat, so all she has to do is plug it in and turn it on to get the water to just the right temperature.

Another appliance that might make mom’s life easier is a battery-operated jar opener. This is great for moms with arthritis or poor grip strength. Thinking about different tasks mom could use help with around the house can help you think of the best options for her. If you’re considering an appliance as a Mother’s Day gift for your elderly mom, be sure it’s safe for her to use and not against the rules of her assisted living community.

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8. Homemade decorations

Anything that gives the room more character or serves as a reminder for loved ones can make your mom’s stay in assisted living feel that much more comfortable and meaningful. So, think about crafts or other creative decorations you or the grandkids can make to spruce up the space and provide your mom with colorful keepsakes of the family she loves. Little handmade creations she knows you put love into sometimes make the best elderly Mother’s Day gifts.

9. A warming or massage pillow

Persistent aches and pains can cause seniors to crave more and more relief with each passing year. A warming pillow or a massage pillow can add comfort to your mom’s life while adhering to her new home’s style. These kinds of gifts are particularly handy because they fit in all kinds of nooks — behind the neck or lower back, alongside a hip, between the knees, etc. — and can be used while seated or lying down. If your mom has chronic pain, be sure to consult with her doctors before buying her any new pain remedy gadgets, as it may do her more harm than good.

10. Mobility accessories

Don’t allow mobility issues to stop your mom from moving around her suite comfortably. With accessories like an able tray, mom can get up and down more easily. These trays can attach to a sofa or recliner, and with the additional handle, they can provide balance and support when standing up or sitting down. The attached tray can hold an iPad, a drink, or a remote control, making these the perfect home accessory for the mobility challenged.

There are even mobile accessories to help mom with outdoor activities like gardening. If your mom’s assisted living community has a resident garden, a garden kneeler can help her tend to her favorite plants without the hassle of straining to get up and down. The lightweight, foldable seat is easy to take from apartment to garden, and it has an attachment on the side to hold gardening tools. Mobility accessories like these allow mom to stay active indoors and out.

Whether your mom just moved into assisted living or has been living there for years, you don’t have to feel as if there are only a few gift options available for her. With these elderly Mother’s Day gift recommendations, life in assisted living can become even more comfortable and exciting for your mom. Whether you give her something personal like a sentimental gift, something practical for everyday life, or something as simple as your time, there are plenty of options for Mother’s Day gifts for older moms.

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10 Mother’s Day gift ideas for elderly moms

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Meet the Author
Mary Salatino

Mary Salatino is a former copywriter at A Place for Mom. She has worked as a freelance journalist and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in magazine editing from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she wrote and edited for several city publications.

Edited by

Jordan Kimbrell

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