Finding the right holiday gift for someone isn’t always easy. And finding the right holiday gifts for seniors with dementia can be even harder! Activities and hobbies that recently interested them may no longer have any appeal. So, what do you do?
Matching the Gift with the Loved One
During the early stages of dementia, it is suggested to focus on gifts that stimulate the mind, the use of their hands, and their senses. Therefore, the gifts Mom or Dad used to enjoy may be different from what appeals to them now.
We’ve outlined our favorite gifts for seniors with dementia, broken out by the stage of dementia:
Gifts for Seniors with Early-Stage Dementia
- Activity books, crossword puzzles, picture puzzles and games
- CDs or DVDs of movies and TV shows familiar to them
- Photo albums and a calendar of family occasions and celebrations
- Books, music, or nature DVDs
- A gift made by a grandchild
You can find memory picture phones and dial-free phones online – as well as phones that block unwanted calls. Reset Tips explains some of the best phones that assist seniors with dementia.
Gifts for Seniors with Middle-Stage Dementia
As dementia progresses, your gift-giving emphasis should still be on stimulating the mind and the body while providing comfort. The items above are still appropriate if they are simplified somewhat — word searches instead of crossword puzzles, for example. Also, consider the following:
- Erasable white boards
- Clocks that display the time, day and date
- Toiletries and products that pamper
- Crafts, toolbox kits, beading kits and latches boards
- Activity pillows (if your senior loved one is fidgety)
Gifts for Seniors with Late-Stage Dementia
As your loved one’s dementia continues to progress, consider the following gift ideas:
- Stuffed animals
- Weighted lap pad
- Special clothing that make dressing and undressing easier
- Music DVDs (music stimulates even in dementia’s late stages)
Final Thoughts
Because dementia progresses differently in each person, you will need to observe your loved one closely to understand what types of gifts they would enjoy most. What kind of stimulation do you believe Mom or Dad needs? What interests did they have in the past that perhaps can be re-kindled with the “right” gift?
If they used to be an avid reader, for example, bring a book, read it to them, and leave it with them in case it sparks their interest later. Talk to them about photos in their new photo album and encourage them to reminisce. Bring something as simple as baked cookies to stimulate their senses and connect them to memories.
The gift you hand to a loved one with dementia may not be what you are used to giving or what they are used to receiving–and that’s fine! Just remember that to them, the most important gift you bring will be your company — your physical presence, the sound of your voice, and your expression of devotion, concern and love.
Find more tips to keep this holiday season happy for you and your senior loved ones on our blog!
