Social isolation and loneliness are not new issues for seniors living in the community or care facilities. Both are exacerbated with physical distancing precautions, which decreases or eliminates community gatherings and face-to-face connections with outside visitors. Snail mail will not solve the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness. However, cards for seniors are one accessible way to connect from a distance with a caring message.

Tips for Sensory-Friendly Card Design:

When designing cards for seniors with sensory differences, there are a few strategies that can increase accessibility while engaging a multi-sensory experience.

Visual

• Use BIG and BOLD lettering that is more accessible to an individual with low vision.
• Outline images with BOLD lines by tracing around the edges with a black marker.
• Design cards with simple/plain backgrounds behind pictures and words (no cluttered backgrounds).
• Create high color contrast. For example, use black, dark blue, or red text on a white or tan background.
• Choose matte over glossy finish to decrease visual glare.
• Consider a pop-up card design for increased visual engagement. Click here for step-by-step instructions to make your own pop-up cards!

Tactile

• Create BOLD, raised edges by tracing around images or borders with squeeze glue, glitter glue, or puffy paint.
• Attach materials that promote tactile exploration. For example, ribbons, foam stickers, 3D stamps, buttons, and scrapbook decor.
• Although it looks pretty, avoid glitter that can be overstimulating as it is difficult to clean off hands everything!

Auditory

• Attach materials that make subtle (yet attention-grabbing) sounds when touched, such as tissue paper, foil paper, or small bells.
• If sending a card that plays music when opened, select music with a lower sound level that will not startle the recipient.

Olfactory

• If sending a card to a partner who cannot be with you physically, attach a cotton round sprayed with a calming smell from home, such as your cologne or perfume.
• Use scented paper with smells that are meaningful and calming for the recipient. For example, if the recipient loves flowers or gardening, consider rose-scented paper. Artificial fragrances can be overstimulating, so here’s a recipe for DIY Homemade Scented Paper using natural materials if you’re feeling extra crafty!

Movement

• Add familiar song lyrics that encourage movement. For example, “If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands!”
• Include messages that encourage movement. For example, “Give yourself a big bear hug and know you are loved!”
• Mail a hug with this creative idea from Evolving Motherhood.

Feelings & Emotions

Create a card that supports reminiscing with the goal of eliciting a positive emotional memory:

• Use a vintage card design: 1920s – 1940s Christmas Cards, 1950’s Christmas Cards, or Vintage Tea Cards, for example.
• Include a picture of a favorite seasonal tradition, hobby, or event.

Inclusive Message Ideas:

Do you need a place to mail or email your card?

Option 1:

I gather cards throughout the year and distribute them to local skilled nursing facilities with the goal of reaching socially-isolated residents who live on the memory care units. Send me your cards by mail or email and I will take care of everything else from there. Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your day to bring a smile to someone else’s face!

Please contact me for mailing details:

While making your cards for seniors, tag us on social media @SensoryForDementia and use the hashtag #CareMessages to show us your sensory-friendly designs!

Option 2:

Rachel Bennett created a nursing home card project called Caring By Card in loving memory of her mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2008. Rachel says, “This project is about spreading awareness & spreading kindness”. Check out her website to learn more about the way she is decreasing social isolation and loneliness in her own community!

While making your cards for Caring By Card, tag @NursingHomeCardProject on social media and use the hashtag #NursingHomeCardProject to show your support!

Disclaimer: Although I am an occupational therapist and the information compiled is based on years of training and clinical experience, this is NOT a place for skilled therapeutic intervention.  The ideas presented on this website and in products are for informational/educational purposes only and are not medical advice.

A website does not replace an individualized plan of care developed as the result of assessment, clinical observation, and collaboration between therapist, client, and care partner(s). If you are concerned about the cognitive, sensory, or functional abilities of yourself or someone you know, then you should talk with your physician or your therapist.