It is that time of year when gift ideas are at the top of everyone’s mind. We aim for gifts to be as personal, thoughtful, and useful as much as possible – And this is no simple task.
Those key components of gift giving are still important to keep in mind when purchasing something for a loved one with dementia. There are plenty of items that seniors can enjoy no matter which stage of dementia they may be presently experiencing, and we have compiled a list of purposeful ideas below to help you in your search this holiday season!
Gifts for those experiencing the symptoms of the Early Stages:
When a loved one has just begun their dementia journey, they will still enjoy the “traditional gifts” that you would think to give just about anyone. Things like mittens or hats, gift cards if they’re still driving around, or yummy Christmas treats. At this stage, they may have noticed some changes in their own thinking abilities, but it has not affected their daily functioning yet.
There are gifts that are particularly useful or meaningful for someone who is at this stage. See below three purposeful gifts for those experiencing the symptoms of early stages of dementia.
- Display Digital Clock: This is a great way for them to get all their information in one place – to start their day in the right direction. From weather, date, time, all of it is right there when they wake up. This is a gift that would really benefit any senior with or without dementia.
- A Custom Puzzle: A good gift that duels as an activity. It will brighten their day seeing a photo of their family or friends all the while putting their brain to work.
- Tickets for a Trip: This doesn’t have to be anything far or long, but possibly a day trip to the aquarium and out to lunch, taking photos and making memories will make them feel appreciated and get them out and about while it is still safe to do so. (Note: When someone is within the earlier stages it is still a good idea to do most of the planning. But it is important to give them a couple of options throughout the experience, so they feel like they’re participating.)
Gifts for those experiencing the symptoms of the Moderate Stages:
As someone’s symptoms progress their abilities change. So, it is important to keep that in mind when picking out a thoughtful gift for a loved one within the moderate stages of dementia. You can still personalize a gift to be something very special for this person but understand that some things they used to like, hobbies, activities, crafts, will have to be tailored more to what their current strengths are. See a couple of ideas below!
- Make a Blanket Together: Pick up some fleece fabric that they would like and together make a tied blanket. Make sure you have watched the “how-to” video prior, to setup your senior for success. Make it as easy as possible for them and help them finish the project so they can bring it home with them feeling accomplished and warm!
- An Easy-to-Use Photo Phone: This is a great way for easier connections. If your loved one is used to chatting on the phone every day with a certain few people, this can simplify that task. If they want to go cordless the RAZZ Cell Phone is a great alternative to an iPhone limiting the options (blocking scam calls) and making it easier for them to operate.
- Photo Album: This is always going to be a top tier gift. People love to reminisce and look at old photos. Add photos of their home, cars, trips they went on when they were younger and of course family and friends. Labeling names and dates also could help them as they become more forgetful.
Gifts for those experiencing the symptoms of the Late Stage:
As a loved one is living with the symptoms of late stages of dementia their abilities have very much changed. They may not be as mobile, and can have a hard time expressing themselves, verbally and/or physically. The bittersweet take-away during this stage is that they still experience emotions. Here are a few ideas for gifts that can offer your loved one with symptoms of late-stage dementia comfort and contentment this season:
- Animated Pet or Baby Doll: If your family member or friend loved animals or taking care of their children, this could be a great gift that gives them a ‘sense of purpose’ and feeling of love. A lot of the times seniors with advanced memory impairment revert to childlike activities or things they used to do in their early adulthood. Caregiving or looking after an animal can be very heartwarming for some.
- Coloring Book: Many people love art, and although they may not be able to paint or draw how they used to, this can still be a great activity for their creative outlet. It is important not to play by the rules, let your loved one go outside the lines, use different, unrealistic colors; if it is making them happy, that’s all that matters!
- Create a Sensory Box: Seniors just like anyone else like to use their senses. Creating a box full of personal and meaningful items that encourage them to use their senses will keep them engaged and excited.
One thing to keep in mind is that dementia affects everyone differently, and each person’s likes and dislikes can change as they age and progress through their diagnosis. So, although we recommend it, it may be best to tweak it a little for your loved one.
You know them best! And if possible, quality time is the best gift of all. Happy Holidays from us at Wentworth Senior Living, we hope you have a nice, joyful season.