We have some ideas for last-minute Christmas gifts for seniors. Here's the thing: we think your mother/father/grandparent would mostly like to hear from you. A regular message is better than candy -- even better than flowers.

We've made recommendations for gifts in the past. Some of those have come from our own experience with family members. Others are reports from clients about what has worked well.

But our best ideas are more about regular contact than new stuff. Not that stuff won't be appreciated.

We also have some ideas about the best ways to visit with your aging family member. Consider the limitations they might have in vision or hearing. Give some thought to going to their place rather than bringing them to large family gatherings. But don't skip getting together with them just because it can be challenging.

Of course, in pandemic times you also have to be concerned with safety. It may be easier to maintain distance in a series of smaller visits to your elderly relative's home or apartment. Spreading the visits out, and keeping them small, might be safer and more generous.

Christmas gifts for seniors can be difficult, no doubt. Didn't you give slippers last year? How much candy do they need. But there's no limit to the amount of loving contact they can use.