Dementia Wristband A Gift Idea For Caregivers
An Ultra-Thin Medical Alert ID bracelet holds a 2 GB flash drive for quick and easy identification.This stainless steel bracelet is light, slim and sleek. Its not the most cheerful gift idea for people with dementia or memory loss, but it would be extremely valuable for a caregiver. One of the worst fears for the families of people with Alzheimers disease is getting lost. An identifying bracelet can help them get home safely.
Along the same lines, a MedicAlert Safely Home bracelet works to help return lost or separated individuals safely to their families. If your person with dementia likes jewelry, she may not even realize the importance of this bracelet. Some Alzheimers wristbands are beautiful not like a hospital wristband! But if your loved one would be offended or hurt at receiving a Safely Home bracelet, then its definitely not one of the best gift ideas.
Gifts For A Loved One With Dementia Who Lives In A Nursing Home
Purchasing a gift for a person living in a nursing home is sometimes tricky. After all, your loved one may have limited space to display decorative items and store their possessions.
Here are a few gift ideas for someone with dementia who is located in an assisted living facility. Of course, please verify with the caregiver that the gift is safe for your loved one to use.
Misplacing Things: Object Locator And Beeping Key Finder
What is it? A digital tracker for small household items, useful for those in the early stages of dementia.
How can it help? Mislaying objects such as keys, purses, glasses cases and handbags is a common occurrence in the early stages of dementia when memory loss is mild, but noticeable enough to be able to cause great frustration. This tracker is a simple and affordable solution to this problem. Attaching one of the five colour-coded beepers to objects using Velcro or key rings allows the user to track their whereabouts by pressing the corresponding button on the gadgets remote control handset to sound an alarm. The wireless detection is a good range up to 50m with a battery life of 2-4 months, depending on the amount of use, offering a bit of low-key help in everyday living for those who feel that they need it.
Where to buy it:www.unforgettable.org
Don’t Miss: When Is Hospice Called In For Alzheimer’s
Music One Of The Best Gifts For People With Alzheimers Or Dementia
A Triple Charging FM Clock Radio and Lighting Dock with USB Charge and Play is an easy-to-use, helpful gift for people with early stage memory loss. The clock and timer can be set to go off at a certain time .
Music is a healthy and comforting gift for people with dementia or memory loss beloved old songs and hymns have powerful effects on the brain and body! A portable music box with a remote control will make life easier, especially if the sound and songs can be controlled from afar.
Also the Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Active Noise Cancelling can be a good gift for people who are easily distracted by noise. And, the headphones allow people to listen to music as loud or soft as they want, without disrupting those around them.
Sensory Toys And Activities For Seniors With Dementia
Sensory stimulation challenges the 5 senses in new ways in dementia patients and this can help spark old memories. Sensory activities and toys can help dementia patients recall positive emotions and memories.
Here are some of the sensory toys and products that dementia patients can enjoy:
- Stroking an animal
Don’t Miss: Is Dementia And Alzheimer’s The Same
Home Album Reminiscence Cards
Sit down and relax with your loved one over these reminiscence cards. They provide the perfect cue to take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing and smiling about memories and joys. Each pack contains 15 cards with pictures and conversation prompts designed to make you chat about the things you love. Itâs the ideal gift for promoting comfort and calm and nurturing your connection.
Suitable for people in the early stages of dementia.
Dont Miss: Can Alzheimers Be Diagnosed Before Death
Things For Dementia Patients To Do With Their Hands
Seniors with dementia or Alzheimers disease often show agitation or anxiety through fidgety hands. Here are lots of ideas to keep their hands busy, reduce frustration, and improve their over all well-being.
Seniors with dementia or Alzheimers disease may show agitation or anxiety through fidgety hands. Signs of this include rubbing or pulling at beddings or clothes, wringing hands, twisting fingers, rubbing hands together, and generally keeping their hands in motion.
Sometimes, they choose activities that are harmful, can cause injury, and decrease their overall quality of life. But, in this article, I hope to give you lots of ideas that improve their over-all well being.
Here’s What You’ll Learn:
Don’t Miss: What Causes Low Blood Pressure In Dementia Patients
Aids For Daily Living
When looking for gifts for patients with Alzheimers, it is best to choose gifts that will aid their activities in everyday life. Items that make their life easier and provide a sense of independence simultaneously. Gifts under ADLs can range from products that help patients remember to take their medicine to an item that can help them find objects. These gifts are safe and support the patient and the caregiver.
Spend Time Coloring With Your Loved One
The Happy Coloring: Easy Flowers Coloring Book for Adults is a collection of beautiful flower designs will captivate and excite both beginner and intermediate adults who loved to color as children. Coloring is a relaxing, calming way to reduce stress and anxiety for many people. Patients with dementia or Alzheimers disease tend to feel afraid, confused, and anxious. These feelings are scary, and a coloring book might be a bright and cheerful distraction. The designs in this coloring book are easy to color and still intricate enough to challenge creativity.
A set of Coloring Pencils for Adult Coloring Books is a great add-on gift for someone with memory loss or dementia. Make sure you get pencil crayons that dont need to be pushed down on I once made the mistake of buying cheap coloring pencils, and they didnt give good color. If you pair these two gifts with time spent coloring with your loved one, youll make it priceless and unforgettable .
If youre taking care of a family member with dementia, read Caring for Elderly Parents? How to Get More Energy.
Recommended Reading: Did Joe Cocker Have Lewy Body Dementia
Christmas Gift Ideas For People With Dementiablog
Not sure what to buy for somebody who is living with dementia? Read our guide to the best Christmas gifts in our online shop.
When you buy a Christmas gift from our online shop, youre helping to make a difference to the lives of people living with dementia.
100% of profits from our online shop go towards our work supporting people affected by dementia. So, whether youre buying for somebody living with the condition or other family and friends, your purchase can support all those who need our help.
Read our top present ideas below, and buy a gift with a difference this Christmas
Weighted Calming Mermaid Cushion
Research shows that weighted blankets and lap pads can reduce agitation in people with neurological conditions, promoting a sense of calm and contentment. We love this new take on it, combining the popular mermaid sequin cushions with the weighted lap pad idea. Make your own, check out this how to blog here!
You May Like: How To Get A Dementia Patient To Wear Depends
Innovative Technology Gifts That Keep Them Connected
1) Amazon Echo Show Alexa voice assistant with video callingThe Amazon Echo Show is an Alexa personal voice assistant with a video screen. Its similar to the Echo or Echo Dot, with the addition of a video screen.
To make video calls without your older adult needing to take action to accept the call, use the Echos drop in feature.
There are three types of these devices at different price points based on screen size, camera quality, and release date:
- $35 Echo Show 5 5.5 inch smart display with Alexa and 2 MP camera makes video calling easy and is great for watching videos or TV shows too
- $70 Echo Show 8 8 inch HD smart display with Alexa and 13 MP camera makes video calls and watching videos/TV even more enjoyable
- $170 Echo Show 15 15.6 full HD smart display and 5 MP camera with Alexa lets you make video calls, stream music and books, and watch videos, movies, and TV shows
2) $50 Alexa voice assistant with voice callingThis hands-free, voice-controlled device has a spherical design with rich sound, smart home hub, and Alexa.
It makes voice calls, plays music, gives weather reports, reads the news, answers questions, tells jokes, reads audiobooks, checks sports scores, and more.
3) $25 Alexa voice assistant with voice callingThe Echo Dot has vibrant sound and the Alexa voice assistant in a compact smart speaker.
4) From $219 ViewClix Smart FrameThese smart picture frames display digital photos in a 10.1-inch screen size or 15.6-inch screen size .
The Ultimate In Comfort
What better gift to give an elderly loved one who sits for long periods of time, than the ultimate in comfort a Seating Matters chair. One of the Seating Matters chairs can give your loved one has the utmost comfort each and every day. Our chairs can help to reduce pressure injuries so you can rest assured knowing that your loved one is at a much lower risk of developing any nasty pressure ulcers. The chairs are customized to fit the dimensions of the patient, hugging them so they are completely comfortable and safe, reducing the risk of accidental falls. They will also support the posture and ensure they can remain as functional and independent as possible. Check out the full range here.
Read Also: What Help With Arthritis Pain
Read Also: What Drugs Can Cause Symptoms Of Dementia
Products For People With Dementia That Give Calm And Comfort
1. Sound reductionNoisy environments like stores or restaurants can cause sensory overload for someone with dementia.
Wearing earplugs or ear protection to muffle the sounds can help them stay calm and enjoy an outing.
These $10 earplugs and these $15 ear protectors are inexpensive and have great customer feedback.
2. Comforting stuffed animalsAn effective, drug-free way to calm and soothe someone with dementia is to give them a soft toy they can cuddle and interact with.
People who can no longer have pets may feel especially comforted by a stuffed animal that looks like a former pet.
Here are a few soft and cuddly cats and dogs:
3. Aromatherapy diffusersHaving dementia is stressful and can cause anxiety, anger, and other symptoms that decrease quality of life.
Using aromatherapy is a simple way to create a calm and relaxing environment.
Ultrasonic diffusers are great, but we also like this simple, small ceramic flower diffuser because it looks nice, has no moving parts to maintain, and doesnt need to be plugged in.
Add some relaxing lavender essential oil or other essential oil scents to create a soothing environment.
4. $19 Jumbo large print 2021 wall calendarAnother way to help someone with dementia keep track of time is to have a calendar thats easy to see and understand.
This one is 17 x 22 inches when hanging and has plenty of space for making notes about appointments or special events.
Here are some sweet, lifelike dolls:
Middle Stage Of Dementia And Alzheimers Disease
The middle stage of dementia is often referred to as the pre-cognitive stage because people at this point in their life can still perform simple tasks independently but still have trouble with memory. During this stage, the biggest challenge for caregivers is that your loved ones are more on edge than normal and often become more agitated when approached by strangers.
Its important to help them cope with stress from all these changes, and that requires a little more care and support from you. But there are still several things we can do for our loved ones during this stage so that they can live a fulfilling and happy life. A good way to do that is to get a gift for dementia patients to make their lives easier and give them a new way to communicate with you.
Gift Ideas for the Middle Stage of Alzheimers Disease
1. Large Photo Picture Board or Writing Slate Board
This is particularly great for caregivers taking care of an older adult with Alzheimers disease in the middle stage who may otherwise have serious issues communicating with them. With a writing board, you can write out all the answers to questions your loved one may want to ask. It will help them communicate better, and its also an excellent way for you to encourage interaction and communication in those who are usually unable to do so.
2. Automatic Medication Dispenser
3. Large Digital Clock
4. Adult Coloring Books or Painting Books
Don’t Miss: What Percentage Of People Get Dementia
How Do You Make A Dementia Patient Happy
If a person with dementia gets suitable surroundings, they can lead productive, satisfying, and most importantly, happy lives for many years after the initial diagnosis. The happier they are the less likely they are to get angry or start exhibiting worrisome behavior. Here are some effective tips for making a dementia patient happy:
- Providing emotional support and a relaxed environment
- Helping the person feel safe and comfortable
- Spending time talking to them and relaxing with them
- Adding fun activities
- Adding meaningful activities
Other Ways To Bring Comfort To A Dementia Patient
You may feel odd visiting someone without bringing a gift, but your loved one would probably appreciate your company more than any item you bring.
Introduce yourself each time you visit. In fact, you may need to tell your loved one who you are throughout the visit.
Do as much as you can to keep your loved one as tranquil as possible. Dont draw any unnecessary attention to the fact that they dont accurately remember something or someone. Never argue with a dementia patient.
Many Alzheimers patients continually repeat stories. Be patient. Respond when appropriate. Telling your loved one that you have heard this story thousands of times does not help the situation.
Talk soothingly to your loved one. Its incredibly hard watching a loved one struggle with memory issues. If youre a full-time caregiver, look for Alzheimers daycare centers in your area and practice self-care whenever possible.
Categories:
Read Also: What Is The Difference Between Old Age Forgetfulness And Dementia
The 9 Best Gifts For People With Dementia Of 2022
Our picks include Skylight’s Calendar and West & Willow’s custom pet portrait
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproducts. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Holiday shopping for your loved ones can be extremely difficult, especially if your friend or family member suffers from the memory disorder dementia. However, according to Carolyn Fredericks, MD, a Yale Medicine neurologist specializing in memory disorders, choosing the right gift just takes a little more thought and creativity.
Labels And Signs Can Help Someone Get Around
Labels and signs on cupboards and doors can be helpful, such as a toilet sign on the bathroom or toilet door. Signs should be:
- have words and an appropriate picture that contrast with the background
- placed slightly lower than normal as older people tend to look downwards
It may also help to put photos on cupboards and drawers to show what’s inside them. For example, you could put a photo of cups on the cupboard that contains these.
Alternatively, see-through cupboard doors can be a great help to someone with dementia, as they can then see what’s inside.
Recommended Reading: Does Smelling Farts Help With Dementia
Suggested Gifts For Alzheimers Disease And Other Dementia By Need Or Interest
Another thing to consider when choosing a gift for Alzheimers is the type of stimulation you think is most needed. What type of gift will your loved one most enjoy. Does she or he enjoy watching television? We dont recommend television usually, especially given what normal programming is, but we have given a lot of thought to alternative television. We have a great selection of Nature DVDs that are interesting and beautiful to watch but dont involve a plot or even narration. And they are very relaxing for those on both sides of the care-partner relationship. Or try our Video Respite DVDs that actually involve your loved one in conversation, singing, and reminiscence.
Speaking of reminiscing, what could be better than helping mom or dad, grandpa or grandma, or even your spouse who has dementia remember some of those good-old-times. Track down old photographs and create a scrapbook or a memory book. Take walks down memory lane and record those conversations. Not only will you be creating something that you can enjoy with your loved one over and over again, you will be creating a legacy that will be a part of your family for generations to come. Read more about reminiscence therapy and find products for reminiscing.
Whats The Right Christmas Present Or Holiday Gift For Someone Living With Alzheimers Or Dementia Being Patients Editors Round Up A List Of Expert
There are plenty of gifts designed specifically for people living with dementia that can be helpful, calming or stress-relieving, whether theyre intended to spur memories, inspire social interaction, or provide comfort and anxiety relief. Here are some of Being Patients favorite gift ideas for people with dementia during the holiday season.
Read Also: How Long Does Someone With Dementia Usually Live