If you’re caring for a loved one living with dementia or its variations, the good news is there has been an increase in the kinds of gifts in the market specifically designed with dementia-related needs in mind. Whether you’re looking for a stress-relieving and calming gift, one to inspire social interaction, or one intended to spur memories, here is a list of gift ideas for your loved ones.
Choosing A Gift
Choosing the right gift just takes a little more thought and creativity. There are a bunch of different aims you can consider to help you narrow down the search on what your loved one will appreciate.
- Gifts to keep the body active
If it’s a challenge to prepare your loved one to go outside or you want to make exercise easier for them, how about home exercise equipment like a recumbent bike? - Gifts that can double as reminiscence therapy
Something that involves memories and photos is another thoughtful gift idea for your loved one. Individuals with more severe dementia may not remember names and specific details, but the emotions that arise from certain faces stick with them. A photo book featuring joyful memories or their favorite travel destinations would be great. - Gifts that entertain
Light-hearted movies or music that reminds them of old times can be an excellent pick. If they’re a lifelong opera or music fan, consider gifting them tickets to online performances or even an MP3 player. - Gifts that can help express creativity
Coloring books for adults paired with colored pencils or markers, or even crafting materials can bring hours of fun to the day.
Gift Ideas for Your Loved Ones: Early to Moderate Stage Dementia
Here are a few excellent options for individuals living with an early to moderate stage of dementia:
- Coloring books with markers, crayons, or colored pencils
- Watercolor kit
- Large simple puzzles
- Aromatherapy scents, lotions, and bath soaps in their favorite scent
- Concert tickets to watch their favorite artists or performances
- Talking digital photo frame
- Larger print books that educate them about the disease or are of their interests
Gift Ideas for Your Loved Ones: Late to Severe Stage Dementia
If your loved one has more advanced, or late-stage dementia, here are a few gifts they may appreciate:
- Toy pets – gifting a real animal would be inappropriate, but a robotic cat that can purr, cuddle, and meow, or simply a stuffed animal would be great.
- Weighted blanket or duvet
- Comfortable adaptive clothing like open-back shirts for easier dressing or undressing
- Portable one-button music player to listen to their favorite tunes
- Home telephone with loved ones’ faces as buttons
- Talking photo album filled with faces and joyful memories
At the end of the day, simply being by your loved one’s side beats any other material gift. Providing your time and company doesn’t cost anything, is simple to do, and will surely be very appreciated.
Care For a Loved One with Rittenhouse Village At Valparaiso
If you’re caring for a loved one living with dementia and require assistance, do consider joining our exclusive senior living programs at Rittenhouse Village At Valparaiso. Our team can provide on-site medical and therapy services for clients with memory-related conditions, and help them maintain their cognitive abilities. Contact us today!
