With the holidays approaching, you’re probably thinking about what gifts to give everyone on your list. For people whose holiday shopping list includes an older adult with dementia, choosing the right gift can be difficult. You want to get something they’ll like, but you don’t want the gift to be confusing or useless. Lucky for you, we’ve got gift ideas especially for people with dementia that can help you choose the perfect gift.
Helper Items
People who are in the early stages of dementia may appreciate receiving practical items that will help them maintain their independence. Some items to consider are:
- A phone that stores the pictures and contact information of important people.
- A personalized calendar made with family photos. Try including a caption with each picture that names the people in the photos. To make the gift even more useful, write in the birthdays of family members and friends as well as other important dates.
- Things to jot reminders on, like sticky notes, magnetic notepads for the fridge, or an erasable white board.
- Clocks with large, easy to read numbers. There are even clocks on the market that can be adapted to meet changing needs. They can be simplified to just tell the day of the week.
Gifts of Entertainment
It’s important for people with dementia to stay involved in things they enjoy and with friends and family. Gifts that entertain can help them do that. Here are some ideas:
- Tickets to go to a sporting event with you.
- A night out with dinner and a movie.
- DVDs of favorite movies or a subscription to a streaming service.
- Supplies for a crafting hobby.
Games that spark conversations. There are even games made especially for people who have dementia designed to engage family members in conversations.
Comfort Items
For people in the later stages of dementia, items that bring comfort can be meaningful. Some things that may bring comfort are:
- Soft, snuggly stuffed animals. You might even consider a comfort pet in the form of a robotic stuffed animal designed to simulate a real cat or dog. These comfort pets were designed to calm anxiety and agitation in people with dementia.
- Comfortable, easy to put on clothing.
- Warm, fuzzy blankets or afghans.
One other gift to consider giving a loved one with dementia is an elder care provider. Hiring an elder care provider can improve quality of life for someone with dementia by giving them someone to help with daily tasks, like cooking, cleaning, and laundry. An elder care provider can also help them stay socially engaged by assisting them with getting ready to go places and taking them where they need to go. In addition, an elder care provider can help keep them safe by ensuring they don’t wander, leave appliances turned on, or make decisions that can lead to injury.
Sources
https://www.alz.org/documents/midlandschapter/holiday_tips_for_caregivers_booklet_web-11.pdf
https://www.unforgettable.org/blog/top-gifts-for-someone-with-dementia/
https://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_holiday_gift_guide.asp
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care services in Gretna, NE, please contact the caring staff at Seniors Helping Seniors® Greater Omaha at (402) 215-0308 today.