Choosing the right gift for an older mother or grandmother on Mother’s Day may seem a bit challenging. This is especially true if they live in a senior living community where space may be tight. To help you find a gift your senior loved one will truly enjoy, we’ve pulled together a few suggestions. We hope this Mother’s Day Gift Guide will give you some ideas!

Gifts from the Heart

Most older adults cherish time spent with family and friends. The best gift this Mother’s Day might be ones that honor that sentiment.

• Create a digital scrapbook or video of favorite family times
• A photo bouquet of family pictures
• Develop a family calendar with birthdays, anniversaries and family photos
• Make a coupon book they can trade in for help around the house, garden help, grocery shopping or other tasks
• Have the grandchildren give them computer tutoring lessons

Splurge Gifts for Mother’s Day

If your mother or older loved one rarely indulges in clothing or spa services, make that their gift this year. Ideas might include:

• Gift certificate for a massage, facial, manicure, or pedicure
• A custom gift basket with home spa items
• A gift card to a clothing store

Health and Fitness Gifts

Other gifts to consider are those that help your senior stay healthy and fit. Some suggestions to consider are:

• A pedometer or fitness tracker
• Senior exercise DVDs such as Chair Yoga or Tai Chi
• A fruit-of-the-month club membership
• Home delivered meals through local or national services such as Mom’s Meals or Home Bistro
• Senior friendly garden tools like the ones recommended by the Arthritis Foundation

Gifts to Encourage their Interests and Hobbies

Staying engaged with friends, family and community helps to maintain both physical and mental health as we grow older. Make that easier for your mother or grandmother to do by giving them gifts that support their hobbies and interests.

• Gift cards to a restaurant and movie theater
• Gift card to their favorite craft or hobby store
• A tablet device they can use for connecting on social media and email
• Membership to a senior center or local YMCA

Finally, don’t overlook the tried and true favorites. A bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates and brunch or dinner with the family may be just the gift an older loved one is hoping for this Mother’s Day.

<!–[CDATA[At Five Star Senior Living, we invite residents into our senior living communities not just to live with us, but to thrive with us.  Throwing a party can be a great way to fulfill the social dimension that encourages positive interactions with others in our Lifestyle360 Wellness Program.  From getting together to prepare fun foods & beverages, to making festive decorations, throwing a party is a fun way to create lasting memories!

Mummy Dogs

<!–[CDATA[Five Star Senior Living is pleased to announce the kick-off of our 2015 Five Star Culinary Institute in Indianapolis this month. The two and a half days culinary workshop will include an interactive demonstration by the Food Network’s Celebrity Chef Brad Miller.

The curriculum is designed to continue Five Star’s commitment to redefining senior dining. The program will include:

• Knife skills
• Art of soup and sauces
• Incorporating fresh vegetables
• Roasting and braising meats
• Creative buffet displays
• Plate presentation

The training will also feature new equipment, vendor demonstrations and a tour of a world class culinary school.

A Taste of Five Star Senior Living featuring Chef Brad Miller will take place on Tuesday, April 21st at The Form at the Crossing in Indianapolis. The event will feature:

• Action stations with chef demonstrations
• Chef Brad Miller’s signature recipes
• Five Star Senior Living Signature selections and beverages

To learn more, call The Forum at the Crossing at (317)-257-7406.

One reason Mother’s Day is such a special holiday is it’s a day almost everyone can take part in. Most people have a mother, know a mother, consider someone in their life to be like a mother or are a mother themselves.

A holiday as special as Mother’s Day deserves a special gift. Sure that special gift can be purchased at a store; in fact in 2015 the National Retail Federation estimated $18.6 billion would be spent on Mother’s Day that year. And there’s nothing wrong with getting a gift that can be unwrapped. But presents that tend to be more memorable are those that are experiences.

You can make this year’s Mother’s Day an unforgettable one by giving the mother and grandmother in your life an experience that they’ll carry with them forever.

Not sure where to start or what to do?

Here are a few ideas to give that special woman in your life a memorable Mother’s Day.

Making Mother’s Day a Memorable Occasion

Find an activity you can do together.

Some of the best memories come from sitting around and talking. This could be done over tea. It’s an event that is age appropriate so all generations could take part. What’s great about a tea party is if an older relative can’t make it out to a tea house or restaurant, you can create one at home. Just get a mixture of tea, make a few tasty finger sandwiches and desserts and it’ll be just like you’re all out for high tea!

Create a memorable project.

If you want to give your senior loved ones something tangible and memorable, put on your arts and crafts hat. Don’t worry; you don’t have to be Michelangelo to create an artistic gift. You could put together a photo album that comprises family pictures from over the years.

If your mother or grandmother is a saver, see if she kept any of your old art projects from your childhood and put one in a nice frame. The key here is to gift her with something she can enjoy for years to come.

Plan a day out on the town.

Get your loved one out of the house for a day. Maybe to indulge in one of her favorite activities. We mentioned a tea party, but does she like wine? You could take her out for a wine tasting. If you have children you want to involve in the day, a trip to the movies or the theater to see a play are all good alternatives.

Depending on your budget, another idea “day out” could be to enjoy some pampering together. It might be a manicure or a pedicure or both!

Say, “Cheese!”

Another often appreciated gift is a new family photo. Try to round up your extended family to sit together for a new photo. It could even be done on the grounds or in the lobby of your senior loved one’s assisted living community.

The truth is your senior loved ones will like appreciate anything you do for them on Mother’s Day, especially if it means spending time together!

Old Glory is a symbol of our country’s heritage. For many older Americans who lived through World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, the American flag can trigger memories of pride, courage, determination, and even sadness. Every year, we celebrate the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777.

On June 14th, many Americans will be flying flags at their homes and businesses. If you will be one of them, there are some rules and etiquette for Old Glory you should know.

Etiquette & the American Flag

Honor the American flag by following these etiquette rules:

• Hang the flag where it will be kept clean.
• Always allow the flag to fall free, not fastened or tied back.
• The flag should be flown from sunrise to sunset. However, it may continue to be flown at night if there is lighting on or near it.
• Many flags are made of all-weather material so they can be flown during inclement weather. If not, they should be removed.
• If the flag is displayed in a window, the stars should face north.
• The flag may be hung against a wall when it is not flown from a staff. It should not be tucked or draped.
• Only in an emergency can the flag be flown upside down.
• Never use the flag for a decoration, instead use bunting with the blue on top.
• Don’t let the flag touch the ground.
• Never use the flag as clothing.
• When flags are displayed in a row, the U.S. flag should be placed on the viewer’s left.
• If flags of other nations are also being flown, all of the flags should be at the same height.
• When state and local flags are flown, the U.S. flag should be the highest one.
• Should the flag be placed over a street, the stars should face north or east.
• If the flag is carried in a procession or parade, all people should stand, face the flag, and place a hand over the heart. Men and boys should remove their hats.
• During any procession or parade, Veterans and military personnel should salute the flag. Saluting should also be done by police and fire personnel. Only the first U.S. flag passing requires this formality.
• If you are preparing a speaker’s platform, place the flag behind and above the speaker. It should be mounted on the right of the speaker.
• On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon, and then it is raised.

If taps are played during a Flag Day celebration, veterans and active-duty military personnel should salute the flag from the beginning to the end of the song. Any civilians present should place their right hand over their hearts.

Patriotic days are special times for seniors and family caregivers to build memories together and for the younger generation to learn more about the events that played a significant role in their country. You may want to play patriotic music for your loved ones or watch patriotic videos on Youtube.

Celebrating Independence at Five Star Senior Living in Indiana

At Five Star Senior Living Centers in Indiana, we also celebrate independence and freedom every day with our residents. We extend an open invitation to you and your loved one to visit the Indiana senior living nearest you to join us for any of our special events. Call to learn more today!

Dads are notoriously tricky to buy gifts for. And when they get older, it can become even harder to nail down a good gift idea. As Father’s Day rolls around, don’t fret—there are lots of great ways to celebrate your number one guy. And spoiler alert: not one of them includes a giftwrapped tie!

Father’s Day Gifts for the Older Dads in Your Life

Gifts for the Sports Lover

Your dad or granddad might not be running the bases or taking a jump shot, but they may still enjoy getting outdoors or even catching a game. Here are a few Father’s Day gift ideas for the sports guy in your life:

• Game Day: Buy tickets to his favorite sporting event. Make sure to get an extra ticket for yourself and tag along with your senior loved one.
• Sports Magazines: Sign him up for Sports Illustrated or ESPN magazine to get all the updates on his favorite teams and players.
• Tablet Device and Sports Games: If you really want to splurge, gift your senior family member a new tablet device and help them load a few easy-to-place sports games.

Father’s Day Gifts from the Heart

Keep memories at hands-reach by giving your father or grandfather an easy way to look back on special moments. Gather up old photos, notes, and other trinkets to showcase.

• Use family photos to create a customized calendar. Include important dates and birthdays in each month.
• Preload a digital photo frame with his favorite pictures. It will be great piece that he can display in his home or assisted living apartment. And you can easily update the photos after special occasions!
• Order your senior loved one a subscription to My Grandbox. Every month, he’ll get a box full of his favorite snacks, gifts, and notes from family members sent right to his house.

These are gifts he will love for himself and for showing off to his guests!

Gifts to Make Life Easier

As the senior men in your life grow older, they might need a little extra help completing everyday tasks. A gift that makes life easier will be appreciated.

• Switch out your loved one’s electronics for senior-friendly versions. For example, a phone that allows you to store photos next to speed dial numbers or an alarm clock with large print numbers.
• Gift an older loved one with a magnifying glass for reading the newspaper, putting together puzzles or reading letters from you!
• A gift card for a housekeeping service or a private duty aide that will help him buy groceries, prepare meals or do some spring cleaning is also a good idea to consider.
• Spend time helping your older loved one set up his computer with programs like Skype or Facebook. These platforms can help him keep in touch with friends and family members who live far away.

Time is the Most Precious Father’s Day Gift

Create a coupon book of ideas that involve spending time with you. No, this does not mean making him a coupon book like the ones you would give when you were twelve and didn’t have any cash. Instead, create vouchers for activities you can do together such as:

• Enjoy breakfast at his favorite restaurant or diner.
• Having you act as his personal chef to make dinner a few times a month.
• A monthly date to go for a walk in the park or enjoy a night out at the movies.
• Take a day trip to his childhood home or favorite museum. Pack a lunch or make plans to stop at a fun place along the way.

No matter what you decide, your dad or granddad is sure to love it because it came from you!

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<!–[CDATA[Celebrating Father’s Day can mean different things at different times in a man’s life. For older fathers, who are also often grandfathers, celebrating Father’s Day can take on a deeper meaning.  And your gift should reflect that. Rather than giving a material gift, like a new tie or a book, consider giving your father a meaningful experience instead.
 
If you’re looking for great gifts for older dads here in the Hoosier state, there are many options to choose from, for every type of dad.
 
For the Music-Loving Dad
 
Summer is a popular time for bands and musicians to go out on tour. Buying your Dad tickets to see his favorite musical act is a thoughtful gift, especially if you get an extra ticket so that you can join him!
 
For the Foodie Father
 
Does Dad love to eat? Plan a family meal featuring a menu made just for him! If you need some inspiration, check out our videos of the recipes and cooking tips that Chef Brad Miller uses to create the Five Star dining experience.
 
For the Dad Who Loves Sports
If Dad is a fan of the Indiana Pacers or the Indianapolis Colts, see if you can find tickets to games for next season. If your Dad happens to have grandchildren who are old enough to attend a game with him, get some extra tickets so they can come along. The experience will be memorable for everyone and Dad will be proud to share one of his favorite activities with those that he loves.
 
For A Game-Night Enthusiast
 
Many popular board games now sell special editions that improve upon the original. Whether your Dad loves to play cards, Backgammon, Monopoly, or Trivial Pursuit, you can buy him his favorite game. Then host a special family game night in honor of your Dad.
 
For the Father Who Travels
 
Giving the gift of travel can create long-lasting happy memories for the whole family. Whether your family decides to chip in for a big trip, like a cruise or something easier like a weekend camping, planning a time to be together as a family can have a big impact. Your Dad will not only appreciate the chance to break free from his daily routine, but will also love the special time together with his family.
 
For A Dad Who Wants to Get Fit
 
Taking care of your body is an important part to staying healthy as you age. And most seniors are aware of how important exercise is to living a longer, healthier life. The fitness classes at the Five Star Senior Living communities in Indiana are some of our most popular daily activities. Consider giving your Dad a gift that makes staying fit easier like a fitness tracker or a membership to a senior-friendly health club.
 
The bottom line is there are plenty of meaningful ways to show your Dad that you love him on Father’s Day. He’s bound to appreciate the extra thought that you put into his gift!

<!–[CDATA[You might have preconceived notions about what life is like as a senior living resident. Believe it or not, life in a retirement community is far more exciting than think!

It starts with all of our senior living communities in Indiana adopting our Lifestyle360 Program, a holistic approach to community living. As a Five Star senior living resident, you have access to activities and amenities that help support the five pillars of wellness and health: Intellectual, Social, Physical, Emotional and Spiritual.

Still don’t believe it?

See for yourself what a day in the life of a Five Star senior living resident is really like…

Rise and Shine

No matter what time you wake up in the morning, there are plenty of options for socializing or quiet time, depending on your preferences. For instance, if you enjoy peace and quiet in the morning, you can start your day with coffee in your private kitchen before heading out to join friends for breakfast and lively conversation in the dining room.

AM Activities

Get your day started off right with a little physical activity! You can work off your breakfast with a walk around the grounds, join a Chair Pilates class to help you stay flexible and relaxed, or even participate in an aquatic therapy class if you prefer to exercise in water. Senior wellness is an important aspect of senior living communities.

Lunch Break

All that physical fitness can work up your appetite, which means it’s time to take a lunch break. You can choose items off of a lunch menu designed by our Five Star Executive Chefs, who have created signature recipes that incorporate local food trends into each community dining room.

Afternoon to Enjoy

Feeling recharged after lunch, you’ll have the afternoon free to focus on life enrichment for older adults with activities like reading a book in the Library or playing cards in the Game Room. If you’d prefer to add a little culture to your life, you can sign up for a shopping trip or special outing and use Five Star transportation to get there.

If you’re in the mood for some primping instead, you can visit the on-site beauty parlor/barber shop for a haircut, mani/pedi or even some spa services! You’ll look–and feel–like a whole new person when you walk out.

Who’s Coming to Dinner

Invite your grandchildren to join you for dinner! They’ll be able to choose delicious items off the menu, like lentil soup, Chicken Madeira and sides of rice pilaf and steamed broccoli. If you still have room for dessert, you can try the lemon meringue pie (or fresh fruit if you’re concerned about your sugar intake). There’s no doubt that your grandkids will be impressed with the restaurant-style dining and quality of food!

Movie Night

There’s no need to make the trek out to the movie theatre because being a senior living resident at Five Star gives you access to movie nights. Complete with roomy, comfortable chairs, movie nights at Five Star will make you wonder how you ever watched movies any other way.

Becoming a resident at Five Star Senior Living means making a commitment to senior wellness and life enrichment. Our commitment to your future is our promise that your senior years will be engaging, fulfilling, and comfortable.

So what are you waiting for? Call the community nearest you to schedule a visit today!