The Big Holiday Season has its eye on Allentown and the surrounding Lehigh Valley! While there are a multitude of holidays throughout the year, Thanksgiving and Christmas loom as the biggest attention-getters and times for family get-togethers. Christmas, especially, is synonymous with gift-giving. Of course, people also buy gifts at any time for loved ones because they love them or because they found something they think the recipient would enjoy.
Shopping for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia can be difficult because you may feel inadequate to discern what the person would like or can use, or you may think the person won’t recognize or understand the gift. Finding that “perfect gift” may take some extra thought and creativity, and memory-care experts have provided guidelines to give direction to your holiday shopping for that very special someone. You should always check with their healthcare provider or community staff, who can assess their abilities and address any safety concerns. You don’t want your loved one to feel left out, but you do want to be practical as well.
What types of gifts are appropriate for a dementia community resident?
As a general rule, the stage of dementia can determine the type of gift. For example, people with early-stage dementia are still relatively independent and rational, so mind-focused and memory-aid gifts are appropriate. Middle-to-late stage dementia patients have difficulty performing their daily activities and hobbies. They tend toward emotional distress, like confusion, frustration, agitation, and even aggressive behavior. Physical comfort gifts may prove to be most beneficial and appreciated.
Also, remember that space is limited in most residential rooms. Residents may also lose valuables on their own or otherwise. Expensive gifts could make residents feel anxious and even paranoid.
Here is a list of ideas that you can research to find the best gifts. The list is not exhaustive but may provide some direction. And, don’t forget to buy yourself something special, too! Happy shopping!
Gift suggestions for someone with early-stage dementia
Simple gifts that inspire the creative side of a loved one would be most welcome. Simple (and safe!) crafting materials, colored pencils, crayons, markers, and maybe paint-by-numbers kits, can bring out the artist in your loved one (with the proper encouragement, even if the “horsie” looks like an elephant!).
- Memory games and puzzles
- Simple board games
- Artistic tools and kits for painting, calligraphy, coloring, and sculpture. Therapy dough is a colorful, oil-infused, grown-up version of Play-Doh that can help your loved one unwind.
- Create a personal photo album or book featuring their favorite people, places, and pastimes. Reminiscing about these images can help spark pleasant memories and heartwarming bonds. If the person does not remember everything, don’t force them—move on.
- Although your loved one may not be able to attend a concert, you can create one with a simple music player that you or they can program.
Gift suggestions for someone with middle-to-late-stage dementia
Gifts that make their life easier, such as medicine reminders, interactive calendars, and even an Amazon Echo or similar device that responds to their voice, are appropriate.
Then there are the usual “comfort” items: stuffed toys, snacks, favorite foods that don’t require cooking, fuzzy hats or jammies—whatever is cozy!
- Adaptive clothing trades buttons and zippers for Velcro, magnets, and easy-access openings, making the act of dressing easier.
- Warm slippers with rubber grippers on the soles make cold feet warm and reduce the potential for falls.
- Stuffed animals are comforting and give your loved one something to care for. Look for the latest in robotic animals that can respond to the person’s voice and actions!
- Decorative pins, costume jewelry, and other stylish accessories add flair without concern for lost items. Keep in mind potential safety issues with small, sharp, or easily tangled articles.
- Scented items create an atmosphere of calm and pleasant memories. Find safe ways to add scents to their environment.
Because exercise benefits both body and mind, a gift that inspires physical activity makes a lot of sense. Anything from a new pair of sneakers to stretching exercise bands can keep them going. Even a fidget toy can provide simple exercise. Remember to consider the abilities of the recipient and their safety! Ask their memory care staff member before buying! South Mountain Memory Care’s daily routine includes a regimen of stretches or exercise, along with a wide variety of physical activities that promote strength and stimulation.
Remember, the best gift is always the gift of time! Talk, sing, draw, laugh, and dance together! Make new memories!
Whatever the cause or level of your or your loved one’s memory issues, South Mountain Memory Care, with our unique culture, “small house” model, and abundance of certified caregivers, offers you the peace of mind of knowing your loved one will be cared for as if they were our family—which they are!
South Mountain Memory Care is committed to providing individualized, compassionate care to support our residents in achieving a well-balanced lifestyle. We strive to allow our residents to remain independent while emphasizing safety. Our focus is to enrich their life—mind, body, and spirit—by bringing new initiatives into their day-to-day regimen while maintaining the activities they find comfort in. South Mountain Memory Care offers the peace of mind you deserve. When it comes to those you care so deeply about, we understand because we care, too.
