One of my most popular posts ever was the one that made suggestions for giving to a loved one with dementia. Having had both parents suffer from this in different ways over many years, I know first hand how difficult it can be at gift giving time. Even the rustle of paper, or if it's too shiny, can be distressing. Or a box can be put on their lap and they do not know what to do with it anymore. Yet they do need things. And it can be hard on you, with a need to give or utilize the holidays as a time to bring joy and light into the daily struggle this can be. Hopefully some of these suggestions will help.
Universal Tablet Stand. If your loved one is relaxed enough to allow this frame on either side of them, this can be a great thing for face timing with family, enjoying seeing photos during your visit, or for overnight caregivers to help your loved one settle down and focus on a nice movie or music during those long otherwise restless nights. Can be used on the couch or in bed. Only $40 from The Grommet.
An induction range is best to eliminate burns but if you can't fully replace their stove, you can get the other unplugged or turned off and give them one or two portable induction cook plates. This will keep them safe and allow them - or more likely you or caregivers - a way to do it safely. $49 on AMAZON.
The switch that turns on the light when they walk in the room. Great for entranceways, bathrooms, storage rooms, basements. This is pricey, but can really be worth it in the right scenario. It's got a big name... the Leviton OSSMT-MDW Multi-Tech PIR/Ultrasonic Occupancy Sensor Decora Wall Switch. CLICK HERE to read all it's features and order for $64. TIP: As of publication, it's ON SALE for 20% off it you sign up for the mailing list.
A clock with the date, day and time in large print is really helpful. Best of all, it can be mounted on the wall or put on a surface. You may want to put one in every room. Comes in white or black frame. Google around - varies in price by about $5. This one was lower from Amazon at $48.99.
There are also talking clocks, but depending on your loved one, it might freak them out or be the best thing. Find it at SeniorCareShop.com for $99.
This is GREAT - and I think I offered it a few years ago - in case you don't click the link at the bottom to visit past posts here it is again. A lit from below night light that goes on their nightstand. half off now - $99 at SeniorCareShop.com.
TIP: Please read this very important article on what you can get them (really, yourself, and the caregivers) in terms of technology that can help with things such as getting up at night, walking off, overflowing sinks etc. It's great. Thank goodness technology is there to help because we can't be there every moment! DementiaChallengers.org. The entire site is a wealth of info!
The Advanced Style coloring book: If they can enjoy or be stimulated by coloring, this is fun - and keep up their motor skills. Why not have them coloring people that are their age -and stylish to boot? Best present will be if you color with them. $9 on AMAZON.N.
TIP: Pick up some fun crayons to go with them - Go for the Jumbo Crayons ones that are easier for less coordinated hands to hold. And get the 8 colors -- at this stage, less choice is less overwhelming. And be sure to collect them all when done and store safely. My mom would reach for them to put them in her mouth on occasion... no different than the safety tips for a toddler.
You can get washable large crayons for $1.99 at Target and 10 Jumbo non toxic from Playskool for a buck at Holler.
The Advanced Style coloring book: If they can enjoy or be stimulated by coloring, this is fun - and keep up their motor skills. Why not have them coloring people that are their age -and stylish to boot? Best present will be if you color with them. $9 on AMAZON.N.
TIP: Pick up some fun crayons to go with them - Go for the Jumbo Crayons ones that are easier for less coordinated hands to hold. And get the 8 colors -- at this stage, less choice is less overwhelming. And be sure to collect them all when done and store safely. My mom would reach for them to put them in her mouth on occasion... no different than the safety tips for a toddler.
You can get washable large crayons for $1.99 at Target and 10 Jumbo non toxic from Playskool for a buck at Holler.
Keeping their hands active and minds stimulated in the early to middle stages helps a lot with calming agitation and relieving boredom: Like this activity pillow for $54.00 from SeniorCareShop.com.
Or this one for $52.00 from SeniorCareshop. There are many out there e- and if you have time and can sew solidly, you can always make one yourself! They also come in "muffs" where their hand can go inside and the other hand can use ties and textured balls and such on the top of the muff. Google around for one you like.
If in mid to later stages, it's wonderful for them to to have a soft "pet" which brings as much comfort and happiness as live service animals with none of the work. Get one that is super soft, with a great face. While they do have purring cats and breathing napping puppies in beds, there are collars and batteries in their bellies that you want to avoid for mom or dad's wandering hands. Also -make sure you check the size - some of the ones out there are tiny - some too big. Pick a size that's huggable and that they can fall asleep with. This 12" (not a bean or rice filled) stuffed Lab is a great example, for $10 on Amazon. Google around for the breed that's right for them. I want one!!
These are EXCELLENT conversation cards that reconnect the generations and help older people to share their stories and happy memories. Use together to reminisce from the 1940's and 1950's. It's listed in British Pounds so order quickly to have by the holidays - but really, it sounds like a great thing to have for anytime they arrive. They have a way to click right to your paypal account. About $35-40 from ManyHappyReturns.org.
Handy Man Box $69.00 One of the rare gifts for men with Alzheimers, he will be busy with the different latches and shapes on this box... and may appreciate it more if he did woodwork, construction, repairs, etc.. once upon a time.CLICK HERE to read more and buy.
Craftastic Empower Poster Kit - A great little kit that looks like a simple art project but does BIG things to inspire esteem and bolster identity (and it ain't just for kids). Choose from a wide range of positive, descriptive words that describe and celebrate who you are and arrange them on brightly colored tissue and paper to decoupage. Only $11.99.
The senses are good to stimulate but in just the right way. Something soft and cozy as well as warm (but not hot) is a great win. Who would not want a new heated blanket to keep by the TV or put on the bed? This heated one from Sunbeam is reliable and reasonably priced. There are different colors. Red can be cheerful this time of year - but there is also the all-round pleasing blue quilted fleece for $34.99 ON AMAZON.
How about black and red plaid for the hunter or outdoorsman Dad for $42 on AMAZON. Google around for more.
This beautiful blanket comes in two hues of blue and a green all of which research says are calming. - and older bones get so cold, and also need extra padding, as do those with diabetes, and people who need to be turned to avoid bedsores. Twin to King, and $149-209 Google "LL Bean coupon codes" before you shop to see if there's anything out there you can apply.
My friends rave about this. Some live where it's warm weather year round -- Texas and California -- and others where it's quite cold. I guess it serves both. Taking the chill off on those cool nights in moderate climes, but working much better than an electric blanket or water bottle where it's really cold. Also good for back pain or joint aches and icy tootsies. And best thing is, apparently both sides are independently adjustable. That's a marriage saver. From COZYWINTERS.com from on sale $84- $169 and they say it's not too late to order and receive before X-mas. What's more -- I noticed they had a cooling AND heating pad for about $449 on sale. CLICK HERE for that one!
Sooth neck, head, shoulders and upper back with this warmer, also by Sunbeam for $49 on AMAZON.
How wonderful a heated foot bath can feel - may be a hit or miss for those in the latter stages but it's worth a try. Warm and relaxing, and good for stimulating circulation for those with diabetes (check with your doctor first). By Brookstone - $129 but on Sale for $99 on Amazon. but there are sure to be sales and other sites with the same for less. Like this ConAir for $30 but be sure to read the small print to see what makes for such a large discrepancy in price.
Their skin is very sensitive, so keep away from scratchy wools or major polyesters that will pill or become hot. Go for 100% cotton (which shrinks up not in and only in the first two washings if in HOT), or flax, which breathes, knits, fleece for warmth without cost or upkeep issues like cashmere had, Spandex for stretch pants, merino wool if wool at all, which dad would probably still like.
- Robes, wrinkle-free nighties or PJ's
- Track suits
- Undies and socks - which they wear close to their skin at all times.
- For women, bras that had thick straps that are padded, and front hooks are best
Here is a thin, easy to tie, organic cotton robe in pretty colors with one pocket - $46-58 from Bed Bath and Beyond. TIP: Don't forget to use their 20% off coupons, available for signing up to their mail list, getting catalogues or text messages.
Or go for a thicker robe just remember it needs to be easy to slip on and not have too long a tie to trip on. I would go for terry cloth but stay away from velour, waffle robes (too thin) or fleece (unless they are frail and get really cold where they live). Cotton, Flax, Bamboo or microfiber are great.
For those with diabetes or circulation problems, these Compression socks are great. There are a zillion out there so you can just google. However, this is a nice article to breeze through just to get up on the basics before choosing- from WebMD.
Here's a great way to make all their lace up shoes slip ons - while staying snug so they will not trip over laces or turn an ankle in their worn but favorite shoes. Best part? It eliminates the need for them to stress because they've forgotten how to tie their laces! Small durable elastic bands that snap in your lace ups. In all sorts of cheery color combos - or just navy, black, white, or gray. ON SALE for $15.99 while supplies last at HICKIES.
Another option is to get slip ons with velcro. You want them to get into the shoes easily, but you do need to secure the shoes (no flip flops, or slide style slippers without backs to secure the heel) as it's too easy for them to slip and fall even from bed to bathroom, or lose one while walking halls, depending on how far along they are. You also want to keep them able to put their shoes on and take them off independently for as long as possible - and these suggestions aid that.
LED light slippers. Perfect for illuminating those late night trips out of bed. This should only be given to someone completely stable and in early stages. There are no backs on these slippers so it's important that THAT aspect will not create a fall. Putting it here just in case this is for you. $40. Find it HERE.
If she's not sensitive to scent, perhaps a lightly fragrant lotion - if only for her hands or face - will brighten her day, like sun coming in the window. One nice one: Evelyn Rose lotion, $28 from the high quality and reliable Crabtree and Evelyn. Contains shea butter and evening primrose, almond and coconut oils, formulated without mineral oil, parabens, phthalates or propylene glycol.
My personal favorite is Origins Night-a-Mins cream. I use it night and day because it's so pure and because it's lightly citrus scented - like oranges. People comment on it all the time if I have just put it on after washing my face. She can wear it on hands, neck, elbows... whatever works. It's oil free and stocked with vitamins and minerals, but if you read all the reviews, people always mention the lovely scent, like I do. And I am terribly allergic, so very sensitive to scents, and go fragrance-free 99% of the time. This is something so light and delicious I can enjoy it! $44 for 1.7 oz jar, at Macy's. TIP: it's $37.40 if you use the code FRIEND. I'm stocking up right now!
How about for him? If he was a guy who worked with his hands, chances are they may tend to get cracked in winter. O'Keefe's healthy hands lotion may be for him. You can find it at most drugstores in the green tube or jar for about $6. It's on Amazon, at Target, etc.
But this may be more needed: If he or she are also diabetic, they need to be careful about foot care: O'Keefe's makes Healthy Feet, a highly effective moisturizer for severely dry feet crack and split. The absolutely odorless, concentrated formula naturally hydrates the skin, adjusting the pH balance and helping to retain moisture. It's non greasy and hypo allergenic, specifically listing that it's safe for diabetics. It takes just a few days to see a visible difference! $6.69 for 2.6 ox at Target.
MUSIC: this is an easy way to bring people back and elevate their mood. Since those with Dementia tend to remember their earlier years best as things develop, burning or giving CDs' of their 20-30's might be best, or soundtracks from their favorite movies, or musical plays - like Oklahoma, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Sound of Music, Easter Parade, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Singing in the Rain, A Star is Born, etc... If you need to jog your memory, visit flickchart.com and plug in the era you'd like for the musical movies you are looking for. I would stay away from anything that sounds ominous, even if it were a favorite, like Phantom of the Opera.
This is a wonder CD - for $24 ON AMAZON. You can find Volume 2 also ON AMAZON. The same company makes the m for cello, flute, guitar, beethoven etc... They can all be found by scrolling down on this link. I have personally only listened to these two classical CD's I am recommending.
Black and white movies from the old days are great on DVD... DVD players and monitors are so affordable these days, and more straightforward than streaming movies on cable or DISH.
If you have more specific needs, there are many things you can get for your loved on through sites like EasierLiving.com, Alz.org and the excellent Dementia Challengers.org.
Find ALL past posts on gifts for older folks, home bound or those with dementia HERE.
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