The short answer: choose a small, sturdy arrangement that comes in its own vase, give the resident's full name, the home's name and the room number, and check first if there are any limits on flowers or plants. Good choices are low bouquets with a gentle scent, small plants that need little care, and cheerful colours that are easy to see. This guide explains how to choose and how to get your gift to the right room.
Check the home's rules first
Long-term care and retirement homes each have their own policies. Some ask families to avoid strongly scented flowers in shared rooms or dining areas, some limit plants on memory care floors, and an outbreak can limit what comes in for a while. A quick call to the nursing station or the front desk will settle it. It is also worth asking the family about allergies, and whether your relative shares a room.
What to send
A room in a care home usually has little free space, so think about where your gift will actually sit. A windowsill or a bedside table is often the only spot.
- A small bouquet in its own vase. The vase means staff or family do not need to search for a container. Our flowers and gifts under $60 include many designs of a good size.
- A stable shape. Choose a low, wide design over a tall one, since it is harder to knock over.
- A gentle scent. Roses, carnations, gerberas and alstroemeria are gentle choices. Some lilies can be strong in a small room, and their pollen can stain, so choose them with care.
- Clear, warm colours. Bright pink, yellow and orange are easy to see and lift a room. If your relative has trouble with their eyesight, strong colour matters more than fine detail.
- A plant that asks for little. Our plants and succulents include small designs that need very little water, which suits someone who can no longer manage much care. Check that the home is comfortable with plants, and leave a note for staff if they will be doing the watering.
What to leave out
A few things are best avoided. Skip anything with candles, since many homes do not allow them. Be careful with small decorative items that could be mistaken for food, particularly for someone with dementia. Heavy glass containers are also a poor fit for a resident who has limited strength in their hands. If you would like to send treats, ask about any dietary limits first. Our gift baskets are made to order and need at least one day's notice.
Getting the address right
Larger homes can have several floors or wings, and a clear address helps your flowers reach the right door. When you order, include:
- the resident's full name, as the home has it on record
- the full name and street address of the home
- the floor or wing and the room number, if you know them
- your own phone number, in case a detail needs checking
- your card message, signed with your full name, not only "love" or a family nickname
Timing your delivery
A delivery on an ordinary weekday can be as welcome as one on a birthday. Holidays and family occasions fill up with visitors, while the quiet weeks in between can feel long. Fresh flowers sent on an ordinary Tuesday give staff and visitors something to talk about too. Some families set a reminder to send something small every month or so.
Delivery on a weekday also makes it easier for staff to receive and bring up your gift. If you need flowers to arrive at a set time, for a birthday party in the common room for example, please call us at 905-677-9999 before you order.
What to write on the card
Every order includes a free handwritten card. Keep the message short and simple, with your name in full, so it is easy to read and easy for staff to read aloud. A few ideas:
- "Thinking of you and sending some colour for your room. With love from Sarah, your granddaughter."
- "Happy birthday, Mom. We will see you on Sunday. Love, David and family."
- "Just because. We love you and think of you every day."
For someone with memory loss, naming your relationship helps them place who the flowers are from, and gives staff something to mention when they bring them in.
If your relative is in hospital
Hospitals have rules of their own. Our guide to sending flowers to someone in hospital covers what to check. For someone recovering from an illness, our get well flowers are a good place to start.
Order directly from the florist
Every arrangement is hand-arranged in our Mississauga studio. We offer same-day delivery of fresh flowers across the GTA, delivery is free on orders over $50, and we email you as soon as your order has been delivered. See our delivery map and zones, or call our studio to talk it through.