My 75 year old aunt lives a distance away. She is widowed and has no assets, only a very small monthly income. She qualified for medicaid this year and reportedly is on a waiting list for a space in a low-income senior apartment complex. I would like to send her a monthly or quarterly gift - a small amount to help her purchase basics. I do not want to send cash/check because I believe other family members that live with/near her will end up getting the money and my aunt will not spend it on herself. My idea is to send her gift cards, probably in the amount of $100 or so per month, for places such as supermarkets. This will limit the temptation to spend the money on non-frivolous things or non-deserving relatives. Does anyone foresee that gift cards would be traceable to her in terms of her medicaid or her qualification as "low income", or does anyone see another good option?
Cash may not be her greatest need -- especially if it might wind up in the hands of others.
It takes more thought and effort, but sending actual items might be more of a day-brightener for her. If she knits, sending the supplies to do a project would be awesome. If she reads and you know her taste, a box of books (used is OK) would be welcome. Maybe a jigsaw puzzle at a level she can do. Or have Harry and David send her a small box of pears. A tin of tea or coffee would be a delight.
As Pam suggests, ordering things sent directly to her avoids the greedy-relative syndrome and also brings a cheerful surprise to her door.
Also, in addition to items she needs or that give pleasure, simple greeting cards are a day-brightener. Sometimes enclose a snapshot or a cartoon or a crossword puzzle as a little extra. Print up a page of addressed labels of her address so it is easy to stick cards and postcards in the mail to her.
When she gets her subsidized apartment, send housewarming gifts like nice towels, a laundry basket, a bedspread.
Knowing her tastes and selecting items is harder than just sending cash or gift cards but it will be a very appreciated caring act.
Check to see If her low income housing has a driver or van service & if they do ask what stores they take the residents too & what schedule. I bet they do. Then go to the specific stores websites to see if they have gift card. If the store is an independent grocer, you may be able to set up an account for her possibly. If not at least this way you can get gift cards that she will use. I'd go for $25.00 value rather than 100. 100 that's a lot of groceries! maybe send each month in a card with a photo & maybe 2 - $25.00 gift cards. This may be easier for her to work with & for her to remember. If they go MIA its not enough to worry abt.