Gift-giving for loved ones with dementia can be a thoughtful and heartwarming way to show your care and support – whether it’s the holiday season or not. However, we know that finding the perfect gift can be difficult. Keep in mind that the perfect gift is one that brings joy and comfort, is enjoyable, and creates positive moments – despite the challenges posed by memory impairment.
To help you find a gift for your loved one this holiday season, we’re sharing some ideas for those with dementia, according to the stage of memory loss they may be facing.
Gifts for People in the Early Stages of Dementia
Memory Books
Personalized memory books with photographs, mementos and captions can help them reminisce and feel a sense of comfort.
Games
Memory games, board games and puzzles can stimulate cognitive function and provide a fun yet manageable challenge for those with memory loss.
Fidget Blankets and Sensory Items
Not only are they cozy, but fidget blankets with various textures, buttons and zippers keep restless hands busy. Try purchasing one of these and even some sensory stimulation items.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils with soothing scents help create a calming environment and reduce agitation. These oils can be used in many ways, including in diffusers or during relaxing hand massages.
Weighted Blankets
These provide a sense of security and help calm stress and anxiety. Weighted blankets can also prepare the body for rest at night by calming the heartrate and breathing.
Books and Audiobooks
Purchase your loved one some large-print books that are easy to read. Or consider buying some audiobooks on topics that your loved one enjoys. Listening to stories can be just as fun and engaging as reading a print book.
Seasonal Crafts
Whether it’s a bouquet for the holiday table, a homemade ornament for the tree, or a wreath for the front door, gift your loved one the supplies for this activity and then find time to craft together.
Gifts for Those in Middle-Stage Dementia
Adaptive Clothing
Buy specially designed adaptive clothing or simply comfortable clothing with easy closures for dressing and undressing.
Customized Jigsaw Puzzles
Find a family photo and have it made into a jigsaw puzzle for your loved one. Or get a few photos of your loved one’s favorite places and have a couple of custom puzzles made! This is a fun way to keep your loved one engaged while connecting with them.
Indoor Plants
Caring for plants can bring a sense of responsibility and a connection to nature. Consider buying your loved one an easy-to-care-for indoor plant or two for them to nurture and enjoy.
Art Items
Was art your loved one’s hobby? A great gift idea is to purchase a basket and fill it with items like paint, clay, coloring books for adults, coloring materials and paper. This can allow them to express themselves creatively while releasing negative emotions.
Orientation Clocks
Buy your loved one a clock that clearly lists the date, day of the week, and time to help them with time awareness.
Exercise Bands
Give your loved one an opportunity to get a little exercise indoors. Exercise bands provide a simple, low-impact exercise that enhances physical activity. You can find simple fitness routines for you and your loved one to follow together online.
Gifts for People in Late-Stage Dementia
Music Devices and Playlists
Get your loved one a music player and load it with their favorite songs and music playlists. Remember to add songs that were significant during their lifetime.
Visual Aids
Picture books with large, clear images can help them to communicate without words, lessening frustration for you and helping them feel understood.
Massage Oils or Lotion for a Hand Massage
Hand massages can be soothing for seniors with memory loss, and massage oils/lotions make the experience even more enjoyable.
Stuffed Animals or Dolls
Animals or dolls can provide comfort, a sense of purpose, and security. Your loved one may instinctively care for dolls as babies and stuffed animals as pets.
A Note About Dementia-Friendly Gifts
Not all of these gifts will be suited to all people living with dementia, as symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia may vary from person to person. Along the same lines, some of these activities can be suited to all stages of dementia, like puzzles, crafts and more. Make sure to tailor these gifts and activities to your loved one’s specific needs, abilities and preferences.
Discover the Gift of Peace of Mind
For many families, the best gift is knowing your loved one is compassionately cared for. If you’re looking for additional care for a family member with dementia, BridgesⓇ by EPOCH is here to help. Give us a call and learn more about our enriching memory care communities today.
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.