Gifts to Give Those with Dementia
Finding Christmas gifts for those with dementia has never been easier with so many options available online. There are even online gift stores that cater to the needs of those who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
A quick Google search of “gifts for people with dementia” will help you find the perfect gift for your loved one. Here are some of our favorites and where to find them.
Games that Facilitate Conversation
Interactive games that spur conversation are a fantastic way to connect with your loved one. Games that are the best gifts for someone living with dementia don’t have complicated rules, don’t have winners or losers, and don’t have right or wrong answers – instead, they focus on providing a chance to connect and share. We like this game at the Alzheimer’s Store. With 192 cards, up to six players can play the game.
Comfort Items that Soothe
Weighted blankets are helpful for anyone who suffers from anxiety, and they can be especially calming gifts for people with dementia. When purchasing a weighted blanket, look for one with a machine-washable cover and one that is about 8-12% of the person’s weight. This weighted blanket at Target comes in two different weights and has temperature-balancing technology that either warms or cools the users depending on the surrounding temperature.
Items that Pamper Your Loved One
Scented soaps and lotions are good gifts for people with dementia. You can choose a calming scent like lavender or a scent that might bring back a childhood memory. Lemon-scented soaps could evoke memories of lemonade on a porch with family, or it might remind a person of their mother’s rose garden. This beautifully handcrafted soap gift package is lavender-scented to cultivate a sense of calm.
Fidget Pads or Pillows that Entertain
One of our favorite gifts for those living with dementia has a homemade flair. Fidget pads or pillows are designed with a number of small activities like lacing or folding that will keep hands and minds busy and help alleviate anxiety. With a variety of activities that can be performed repetitively, they are typically colorful and fun.
Make your own or check sites like Etsy to find an array of handmade pillows and lap pads like this one. They come in a variety of colorful prints and activities so make sure to browse a little so you can find the perfect one for your loved one.
Large Print Clocks that Keep Dementia Patients Up-To-Date
Keeping track of the day and time can be incredibly comforting for a dementia patient who may have trouble keeping track of time. This large print clock displays both the time and the day. You can also find options that only have the day of the week. This one is a bestseller on Amazon and offers a clear and bright display.
We hope these ideas for gifts for people with dementia will help you make this holiday a special one for your loved one.
Make the Holiday Season Less Stressful for You and More Fun for Your Loved One
If you’re feeling overwhelmed as the holidays are approaching, Menno Haven would like to help. Our ElderDay Program is a structured social setting where your loved one is cared for and cared about while you take care of errands, work or take some time for yourself.
Trained activity staff, nurses, and personal care assistants provide supervision with fun and engaging activities, meet personal care needs, administer medications, and monitor other health conditions.
ElderDay, which is part of a full range of services at our senior living communities in Pennsylvania, can provide you with the support you need to continue being a loving and energized caregiver to your special loved one. Contact us today to schedule a visit and see if ElderDay is right for you.