Finding the perfect gift for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease isn’t always easy. Our guide to Christmas gifts for dementia patients can help make your search stress free this holiday season.
Consider The Different Stages Of Dementia Before Purchasing A Gift
The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that you first consider how progressive the disease is before purchasing a gift for your loved one.
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, for instance, a gift may not be very different from what you would have gifted to them pre-diagnosis. In the later stages of the disease, however, sensory stimulating gifts become more practical for the recipient. This is due to the fact that the stimulus could bring back some of your loved one’s treasured memories.
Here is our list of Alzheimer’s friendly gift ideas for your loved one.
The Early Stage Of Dementia – Gift Ideas
- Classic movies and television shows that your loved one used to watch
- Music that allows your loved one to reminisce. Perhaps buy them a record player which is easy to use and encourage others to give them vinyl versions of their favourite albums. Prices start from £31.99.
- Activity books such as a crossword puzzle book or a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. Check out Ravensburger’s large range of jigsaws and puzzles.
- A photo album or customised calendar that features special occasions and images of family members and friends. You can purchase a customised photo album from ASDA in-store or online. Prices start from £6.
- An easy-to-use mobile phone. Doro, an international mobile phone manufacturer makes phones with seniors in mind. Features include extra loud and clear sound, large separated keys and high visual contrast that make them easier to use than other phones. Store photos with the contact information and name of your loved one’s family and friends for them. Prices start from £25
- The Fitbit Charge 3 is considered by tech reviewers the best fitness tracker for seniors. It’s packed with useful features such as a heart rate monitor and step counter It stores 15+ goal based exercises, and tracks real-time pace and distance. The watch is also waterproof, has a 7+ day battery life and can also track your sleeping pattern. Prices start from £124
The Middle Stage Of Dementia – Gift Ideas
- A dementia clock helps people living with dementia keep track of the day, date and time, whilst meeting their complex needs. Dementia clocks can have a variety of functions to aid your loved one. Getting a radio-controlled dementia clock means they automatically set the correct time, including the spring and autumn changes. Prices start from £20.99.
- An automatic medication dispenser makes the process of your loved one taking crucial medication easier. The TabTime Medelert Pill Dispenser allows you to set 6 alarms per day and has a radio-controlled clock that changes time automatically. Prices start from £69.99.
- LED motion sensor night lights will automatically light for your one elderly loved one as soon as it gets dark. Prices start from £29.79.
- This intelligent cane can learn its user’s habits as well as detect unusual activities such as falls. If the Dring Smart Cane detects a fall you are immediately sent an alert via text, phone call or email. This allows you to get help quicker or check on your loved one when an accident occurs. Prices start from £29.99.
The Late Stage Of Dementia – Gift Ideas
In the later stages, mobility and cognitive abilities are vastly impaired. Sensory stimulating gifts are much appreciated by the recipients at this stage. Sensory stimulating gifts allow the gift receiver to recollect precious memories due to being exposed to certain smells, touch or sounds.
- Doll therapy involves offering dolls to adults who are living with dementia with the objective of improving their quality of life, offer comfort and encourage engagement. Doll therapy has shown to decrease anxiety and agitation, enhancing the ability to receive care, improving mood and much more. Empathy Doll – FindSignage is a well-established brand that has provided relief to many customers who are living with a form of dementia. Prices start from £59.99.
- Cosy clothes and accessories like shoes with Velcro ties and joggers that make dressing and undressing easier. This not only provides comfort for the person with dementia but also provides relief to family caregivers when they conduct personal care.
- A fluffy bathrobe or cosy blanket in their favourite colour.
- A mixtape filled with your loved one’s favourite music from their childhood or teenage years.
Christmas Gifts For Dementia Patients
Do you have any other gift ideas for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s that we haven’t mentioned in this article? Share your idea’s with us through our contacts page.