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
Everything we know about our world comes through our senses. Studies show that sensory stimulation can improve memory and cognition in dementia patients. 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
- Playable Art Ball
- Aromatherapy
- Brainpaths
- Sharpen Your Senses
- Follow Your Nose
- Texture Match (game)
- Tangle Aromatherapy
- Bubbler Liquid Motion Art
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
©2013 Best Alzheimer’s Products® If you would like to reprint anything from Best Alzheimer’s Products® Gift Guide, please contact john@best-alzheimers-products.com
If your loved one is no longer with us consider making a donation in his or her name to an organization to support that organizations research and or care support. We suggest the Alzheimer’s Federation for the good work that they do.
ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS
Click on the pictures and links below for more ideas for enjoying the holidays and other special occasions.
GIFT IDEAS
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 in your holiday celebration
Suggestions for making your holiday season enjoyable for everyone.
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.
What not to give: Some things just do not make good gifts.
It is important to consider the stage of disease progression when choosing a gift.
GIFT CHOICE BY STAGE
Organizations & Affiliations
Purple Angel Ambassador
Dementia Friendly America