Best Gifts for Loved Ones Moving into a Nursing Home

Finding the best gifts for loved ones moving into a nursing home or assisted living can be challenging, especially when you want something both practical and deeply personal. Whether you're searching for thoughtful gifts for seniors in care homes, meaningful gift ideas for parents entering assisted living, or the best gifts for family members transitioning to long-term care, the right gift can offer comfort, connection, and a sense of home. For those with memory loss, especially, a personalised memory book can be a powerful way to preserve their story and spark meaningful moments with carers and visitors alike.

1. Personalised Memory Book

A custom photo book for the elderly with memory loss is one of the most valuable and heartfelt gifts you can give. Designed specifically for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s, these dementia photo books help trigger memories, spark conversation, and strengthen emotional bonds with caregivers and family.

Include labeled photos of family members, pets, favourite places, and important milestones. The pages are clear, uncluttered, and thoughtfully arranged to make them easy to understand and enjoy.

A personalised memory book for the elderly also serves as a tool for staff and carers to get to know the person behind the diagnosis—a small but powerful way to preserve identity and dignity. At My Family Pages, we take your physical photos and digitise them to create a stunning, high-quality book that tells your loved one’s story.

💛 You can create one easily through My Family Pages, where your loved one's story is beautifully printed and preserved.

2. Comfort Items from Home

A familiar blanket, favourite pillow, or soft robe can provide warmth and a sense of security in a new environment. Choose textures they love and colours that feel like home.

3. Digital Frame with Rotating Photos

A digital frame loaded with family photos can be a great gift, especially for rooms with limited space. Keep the images up to date and include captions for context.

4. Custom Calendar or Wall Art

Large-print calendars featuring family birthdays, holidays, and notes are helpful dementia care tools for families. Personalised wall art like family trees or framed names and faces also help maintain orientation and familiarity.

5. Music or Audiobooks

Music has strong links to memory. Create playlists of their favourite songs or gift an easy-to-use music player. Audiobooks and stories from their youth can also be soothing and engaging.

6. Essential Oils or Comfort Scents

Aromatherapy is often used in dementia care to reduce anxiety and improve mood. Choose calming scents like lavender or familiar scents like baking, flowers, or fresh laundry.

7. Simple Activities and Keepsakes

Large-piece puzzles, textured books, or memory games designed for cognitive support make excellent dementia-friendly gifts. Handwritten letters, grandchildren’s drawings, or preserved recipes also make wonderful, deeply personal additions to their space.

Photo Books to Spark Memories & Connection

Whether your loved one is adjusting to a new home, navigating memory loss, or simply in need of a reminder of how loved they are, a life story book for dementia can become one of the most treasured items in their room. We take physical photographs and keepsakes and professionally digitise them to preserve and present them beautifully.