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Top Holiday Gifts for Loved Ones with Dementia

Alissa Sauer
By Alissa SauerDecember 21, 2015

Is there someone with dementia on your holiday shopping list? Learn more about the top holiday gifts for loved ones with dementia and which ones they can benefit from.

The holidays can be a tough time for people with dementia and their caregivers. Routines are easily disrupted, out-of-town guests can create unnecessary tension, and the abundance of unhealthy foods can tempt even the most disciplined. All of these factors work together to potentially cause a stressful environment for caregivers and those with dementia. However, one thing that does not have to be stressful is shopping for someone with dementia.

15 Gifts for Someone with Dementia

Start by thinking about what your loved ones enjoy doing. For many people in the early stages of dementia they can still continue their favorite activities and actually doing so may be good for them. For others in later stages their favorite activities may be out of the question but photos, reminder messages, and other calming activities could be great gifts.

Here is a list of gifts for someone with dementia. These gifts fall in a variety of price points and some can serve to help your loved one be more independent for longer.

  1. A small diary or notebook. Help your loved one remember certain events through journaling or writing poetry in a small diary or notebook.
  2. A calendar. Keep important dates that have already been noted as well as family photos in a calendar.
  3. Clocks. Find a clock specifically designed to ease anxiety for people living with dementia.
  4. Something comfortable. Look for something easy to put on and remove, like: velcro shoes, wrinkle free shirts, robes and large banded socks.
  5. A CD or MP3 player. Be sure to load the devices with their favorite songs.
  6. Post-it notes or a white board. These can help serve as reminder messages for seniors with dementia.
  7. Framed photographs or a photo collage. Pictures of family and friends in a framed photograph or photo collage would be a great gift for a loved one.
  8. Favorite movies or television showsWhether a single movie or a set, favorite movies or television shows are sure to provide you and a senior in your life entertainment and enjoyment.
  9. Automatic night lights. A useful gift to help a loved one get around without incident at night.
  10. Bird feeders with bird food. These can provide an easy way to entertain or relax those in more advanced stages of dementia activity.
  11. Your time. This is a great gift for both caregivers and people with dementia. Playing games, cooking a meal, cleaning, or a trip to the nail salon with a loved one are all great ways to show that you care for them.
  12. A memory phone. One that shows names, photos and contact information of friends and family.
  13. An item to promote sensory stimulation. Such as a soft blanket, a luxurious bathrobe or lotions.
  14. Reminiscence books. To help stimulate conversation and invoke memory.
  15. Jigsaw puzzles. That are less challenging and have larger pieces.

What gift have you given someone with dementia that they enjoyed? Share your story about a favorite gift for a loved one in the comments below.

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Alissa Sauer
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Alissa Sauer

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