The most wonderful time of the year is nearly here! Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? We know that as the days tick by, the stress surrounding holiday gift-gathering can rise, especially if you’re shopping for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We’re here to help make it easier with some top gift ideas for your loved one that will not only make the season even brighter but will also make your holiday a success!
“The right gifts can make all the difference for your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease,” says Addie Ricci, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk, a memory care assisted living community in Norwalk, CT.
“People living with dementia may benefit from a range of gifts that are tailored to their needs, interests or abilities,” Addie states. “From the early stages of Alzheimer’s to the later stages, finding a great gift can be made easier by doing some simple research or taking your loved one’s wishes into account!”
If you’re looking for the right Alzheimer’s gifts for someone with dementia in your life, we’re here to help with expert advice. Discover what you need to know to give the best gifts this season.
What To Consider When Gift-Giving
When planning gifts for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, be sure to consider which stage they are in and whether or not your gift idea will be easy to use, well-liked and effective. Try these tips, and be sure to share them with family members.
- Consider your loved one’s old hobbies and passions.
- Think about their career achievements.
- Consider their abilities and needed adaptations.
- Purchase or make something that’s appropriate for their stage of dementia.
- Consider gift items that can help maintain their independence, if possible.
It’s also important to manage your expectations. Gift-giving and exchanging at the time your loved one is at their best is important. Make sure they are well-rested, their needs are met and that they are in a calm, quiet environment. It may be necessary to plan opening gifts for a different time or revisit it later.
Gifts for People with Dementia
Ready to start shopping for a person with dementia? Check out some of these top gifts for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.
- Puzzles and Games. Many seniors love a challenge, and this is no different for those with memory loss; however, it may be important to adapt the difficulty based on their stage of memory loss. Try large-print puzzles, puzzle books, simple board games, crosswords and matching games.
- Artistic Outlets. Pursuing a creative outlet can allow for self-expression, provide a way to decrease frustration, agitation and negative behaviors, and enhance feelings of accomplishment. Consider purchasing coloring books, a watercolor painting set, items for sculpting or a different creative activity.
- Comfort Items. Many older adults with dementia have specific comfort items they enjoy. Weighted blankets, stuffed animals and therapy dolls can be great options for them.
- Sensory Items. Sensory stimulation is important for those with memory loss. Whether you model with clay, enjoy the feeling of water beads, play with fidget toys or even textured blocks, these items can be a great way to be creative.
- Photo Albums, Videos and Books. A personalized gift can be a great way to show your loved one with memory loss that you care. Gift a photo album of everyone they love, make a personalized book that features them as the main character, consider making a video compilation of fun family events, redevelop old films from their childhood or create a recipe book of all their favorite foods.
The best part of these personalized gifts is that they can be the perfect thing to brighten your loved one’s mood, enhance their days and potentially bring up old memories that can help them feel connected to who they once were in the moment they are in right now.
- Whether your loved one would enjoy something as simple as a day clock with large print and subtle light, or they’d love a way to connect with family and friends, don’t discount some fun technology. Music players can also be extremely effective in helping them enjoy music therapy!
- Items To Enhance Independence. Does your loved one enjoy doing things on their own? If so, purchase items such as velcro shoes, clothing that’s easy to put on and take off, and even tracking bracelets if your loved one likes to go outdoors. This can be helpful in the event of wandering or even getting lost.
- Quality Time. One of the best things you can do for your loved one with memory loss is to spend time with them! Whether you simply visit for a little while, help to care for them at home or reminisce with them, this quality time can make you both happier.
This holiday season, you can take your holiday gift-giving one step further by focusing on the caregivers in your life, too. If you’re wondering how you can honor your loved one’s caregiver, consider these tips. Want some extra support? Reach out to us for more resources to help you find the perfect gift for those with Alzheimer’s and their caregiver.
Expert, Life-Enriching Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community promotes a wellness-focused lifestyle that emphasizes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized, ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a positive impact on the lives of our residents.
Inspiring Programs for All Stages
Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk’s services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide personalized attention and programming for residents in every stage of memory loss.
Purposeful Community Design
Within a beautiful residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides everything residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Soft colors, directional cues and aromatherapy create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel at home.
Bridges® by EPOCH is New England’s largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.
Contact us today to learn more.