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Long Distance Care (page 2)

Did you know that even an inactivated cellular phone could be used to make a 911 call? Make sure your loved one not only has a cellular phone but that they keep it charged and with them at all times (they can place charger by their bed for recharging nightly while still keeping it within reach). If he doesn’t have a cellular phone, there are recycling programs that receive donated cellular phones, recondition them and then provide them to those in need (http://www.usedcellphones.com/index.cfm among others). You may also find used cellular phones at your local thrift stores, flea markets or garage sales. Another option is providing your loved one with a portable panic button such as Mobile 911 offered by ADT (visit www.adt.com or call (877) 259-8439 for further information).

Taking measures to keep your elderly loved one safe across miles is critical but so is showing them you care thru phone calls, letters, gifts and visits when possible. Cheerpax.com offers affordable care packages intended for those who cannot easily leave their home.

You could choose a selection of baskets for this theme; today we will use a large pasta bowl as our “basket” or a large cooking pot. Our basket needs to be large enough to hold goodies that we are going to purchase so that we can then turn this into a Professional Looking “Gift Basket”. If neither of these ideas appeals to you, let your imagination take over and choose something that fits into your theme selection.

Next take yourself down to local supermarket or deli who specialize in gourmet foods. Set yourself a budget as to what you want to spend and then go about buying non-perishable items to fill basket. Speak to shop attendant to ensure that items you are purchasing fit into your theme. Buy different colors and types of pasta to give variety of color and shape to your basket.

Next take yourself to a department store or kitchenware shop and purchase some really great utensils to go with other items that you have purchased. You could also add an “Easy Step by Step Guide” if they need cooking help, or send them to a “Cooking Lesson” for something extra.

Once you have gathered these items, it is time to begin to assemble your gift basket.

Depending upon type of basket you have chosen you may need to fill bottom of basket with some shredded paper, as this will give basket height. Place items in basket to give a layered effect. Layering items at different heights in basket makes overall design more pleasing to eye.

Use small pieces of tape to hold items in place. Next wrap clear cellophane around outside of basket and tie top with wired ribbon or curling ribbon to match color scheme of your gift.

To finish off our basket make a gift tag and tuck a small item into ribbon around basket to give a professional look.

Congratulations – you’ve done it…. “A Present For Person Who Has Everything” – A Gift Basket!