Alzheimer’s Gift Guide

INTERNET’S BEST GUIDE FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA – 2020

Aside from offering you the best selection of games and activities for Alzheimer’s, we want to help you choose the right gift for your loved one during the holiday season and throughout the year.

Our research as well as our experience have allowed us to create the ultimate gift guide for Alzheimer’s and dementia. Use our knowledge to help choose the perfect gift, and avoid gift-giving pitfalls. For example – a family photograph is a great gift, especially if it is nicely framed and presented. However, a recent photograph might not be a good idea for someone who is in a later stage of Alzheimer’s disease… Read Holly’s story here.

Holidays are for sharing. Sharing love, sharing camaraderie, sharing memories. Holidays are for other things, too, but it’s the sharing that makes a holiday memorable. Even though a person with Alzheimer’s disease has trouble remembering recent events (it’s the nature of the disease – read more), many can still remember things that happened long ago. This quirk of the disease is a good place to start when thinking about the right gift.

The Gift of Independence

Consider giving something that will make daily activities easier. This might not seem as fun as a game, book of beautiful photographs, or a CD of favorite oldies, if it gets her or him through the day without the need for help, it will be greatly appreciated.

Alzheimer’s Gift Guide—Independence

The Gift of Activity

Everybody wants something to do. That’s why activities are so important. It is wonderful when you find something that your loved one enjoys. If she is not in some way engaged, she might fall prey to the “Four A’s of Alzheimer’s”: Anxiety, Aggression, Agitation, Apathy. Remember that as Alzheimer’s progresses, one loses the ability to make decisions and therefore will not be able to decide what to do. It’s up to you to provide activities that are enjoyable and appropriate for her.

Alzheimer’s Gift Guide—Activity

The Gift of Reminiscence

Reminiscence can be strong therapy for anyone with memory or cognitive disorders. Honor your mom’s life and accomplishments by providing her with an outlet to share her life story with you. Although it may be hard for her to hold a conversation about current events, she can likely talk about historical events from her day and tell intriguing stories about her life.

Alzheimer’s Gift Guide—Reminiscence

The Gift of The Senses

Sensory stimulation is necessary for the individual with dementia, and also can improve memory and cognition. Sensory gifts are a particularly good choice for people with severe dementia. Just remember that no matter how severe the disease or how far progressed, people still need and welcome this stimulation.

Alzheimer’s Gift Guide—Sensory Stimulation

The Gift of Comfort

Providing comfort to your loved one with Alzheimer’s is your most important job. Think of things that would bring pleasure and relaxation to their day. Physical comfort is just as important as emotional comfort.

Alzheimer’s Gift Guide—Nurture & Comfort

Gift Card

If you are looking for a gift for someone you know with dementia or who is providing care, but aren’t sure what they need, consider a GIFT CARD for Best Alzheimer’s Products. It can sometimes be difficult to select the perfect gift for someone with dementia, especially if you haven’t seen that person for a while. Dementia is progressive, and what might have been an appropriate activity a year, or even six months ago, might not be so appropriate now. The person who is closest, who provides daily care, is in the best position to select just the right gift.

ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS

Click on the pictures and links below for more ideas for enjoying the holidays and other special occasions.

GIFT IDEAS

Presenting the Gift

Once your choice is made you are ready for the next step – presenting the gift to him or to her. Some tips on presenting a gift to someone with Alzheimer’s.

Include Everyone

Suggestions for making your holiday season enjoyable for everyone.

When You Can’t Be There

Long Distance Gift Giving:Things to consider when buying a gift this season for someone you won’t be able to share it with personally.

Not Just Any Gift

What not to give: Some things just do not make good gifts.

Consider the Stage

It is important to consider the stage of disease progression when choosing a gift.

GIFT CHOICE BY STAGE

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

I just received a parcel of games, books and puzzles I ordered from you online. It only took a few days to get here which is pretty amazing. I think I wait longer than that for things to be delivered within my own country! But I digress, I wanted to say thank you very much. My mother is now going through the box, I’ve not seen her so animated in a while. She’s in the later stages of Alzheimer’s/Dementia and spends a lot of her time just sitting around not doing much and I’ve found it extremely difficult to find things that are suitable to keep her occupied and engaged. So much of what she used to be able to do and enjoy is now beyond her and although she tries, it just creates frustration for her. This cache of goodies looks like it’s going to be the solution, thank you Joanna Carter