‘Tis the season for giving! The time is here to start holiday shopping, braving the crowded stores and evaluating shipping dates – all in the pursuit of finding the perfect gifts for loved ones. As you make your list, and check it twice, you may find yourself considering whether or not you’ve chosen the right gifts. This is especially true if your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of memory loss.
Whether you’re still searching for the perfect gift to bring joy for seasons to come, or you want to add to their pile of presents, we’re here to help. Unwrap some of these great gift ideas below.
Making Spirits Bright with Festive Gifts for Seniors with Memory Loss
No matter whether your loved one with dementia is a crafter, a board game master, or simply needs to find some solutions to make their day-to-day life easier, you’ll find ideas to meet their needs in any stage of dementia progression.
Clothing
Dementia-friendly clothing can help people living with dementia maintain their independence for as long as possible. Consider purchasing your loved one some of these easy-to-use items.
- Clothing with velcro closures
- Stretchy pants
- Snap-closure jackets
- Non-slip shoes
- Soft, cozy clothes
Electronics
Technology can be difficult to master, even for the most tech-savvy seniors. To make life easier for you and your loved one, try out some of these smart solutions.
- Digital picture frames you can add pictures to periodically
- Music boxes and music players with simple buttons
- Simple television remotes with only a few necessary buttons
- A large-print clock displaying date and time
- Smart devices to keep track of reminders
- Phones with photo dialing and GPS trackers
Hands-On Activities
Does cold weather bring with it a case of cabin fever? Get creative with your gifts to fill the rest of the season with fun. An added bonus: Some of these gifts can improve hand-eye coordination in a person with dementia, making these activities a win all the way around.
- Busy boards
- Simple adult coloring books
- Paint-with-water books
- Bristle blocks
- Fidget toys
Fun and Games
A little fun is always a good thing. These presents will be sure to bring some joy, laughter, and maybe even some friendly competition.
- Conversation games
- Puzzles
- Brain and word games
- DIY photo puzzles and matching games
- Large-print or easy-to-read books
- Photo books
Comfort Items
There’s nothing better than items that soothe and calm the soul. For those with dementia, these items can help to calm, redirect, or provide a sense of purpose.
- Stuffed animals or interactive stuffed pets
- Weighted blankets
- Therapy dolls
- Plants
- Photo blankets
Make Your Gift Personal
Some of the best gifts for people with dementia are those that are personalized and created with love. Even better: Everyone in the family can get involved. No matter whether your loved one is in the early stages or the later stages of dementia, these gifts are sure to be a big hit both now and in the future.
- A scrapbook with cherished memories
- Personalized photo books and photo albums
- A personalized CD
- A storybook with your loved one as the main character
- Memory boxes
Discover the Gift of a Move to Bridges® by EPOCH
If your family member living with Alzheimer’s or dementia would enjoy a new lifestyle, we’re here to help, too. With communities in various locations, older adults and their families find our lifestyle to be one of the best gifts of all.
Each day, our residents experience an engaging lifestyle, social interaction, enriching programs, opportunities to pursue passions, and new ways to connect with what brings them joy. Families delight in the peace of mind of knowing their loved one’s needs are being met in a caring, purposefully designed environment, reducing stress and making the holiday season even better.
Visit the community nearest you to learn more and see how our lifestyle can be the gift that keeps on giving, both for people with dementia and for you.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Bridges® by EPOCH memory care communities have been developed from the ground up to anticipate, meet and exceed the needs of our residents and their families. Our team of remarkable people, the exceptional care and services we offer, and the purposeful design of our buildings all combine to create the most rewarding, secure and nurturing lifestyle possible for our residents.
Bridges® by EPOCH communities are located in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, in the following towns: Norwalk, CT; Stamford, CT; Trumbull, CT; Andover, MA; Hingham, MA; Lexington, MA; Mashpee, MA; Pembroke, MA; Sudbury, MA; Westford, MA; Westwood, MA; and Nashua, NH.