With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day on the horizon, you might be wondering what sorts of gifts to buy loved ones who suffer from memory loss. Obviously, you want to find a gift that will bring them comfort and joy and avoid anything that might lead to frustration or confusion. In addition, you may wish to pinpoint a gift that will make their life a little easier. Ready to explore some gifts for people with dementia? Let’s get started!
Tips for Buying Gifts for Someone with Memory Loss
Before we dig in, let’s review a few general tips for gift shopping for someone with dementia:
- Take your loved one’s stage of dementia into account. Some gifts won’t be appropriate for someone in the later stages of dementia.
- When possible, choose a personalized gift that relates to your loved one’s interests or hobbies.
- Look for gifts that promote a sense of purpose, allow creative expression, and encourage stage-appropriate cognitive abilities.
- Avoid buying lots of gifts, as this can be overwhelming. Focus your attention on one or two gifts that you think your loved one will adore.
- Consider setting aside some quiet time for the gift-opening process. Limit the number of people watching to keep things calm and stress-free.
- Have reasonable expectations. If your loved one isn’t interested in the gift, that’s okay! Maybe they’ll find some joy in it later. Treasure the moment, and don’t place too much importance on the gift itself.
Gifts for People with Dementia
Keeping the tips above in mind, peruse our list of gift ideas. We hope they give you some inspiration!
- Audiobooks
- DVDs of classic movies, TV shows, or concerts
- A “coupon” for an outing experience (lunch at their favorite restaurant, a movie, a sporting event, a museum day, etc.)
- Sweet treats, such as homemade cookies or bread from their favorite bakery
- Coloring books
- Easy games like checkers and dominos
- Art supplies (such as watercolor paints or modeling clay)
- Digital clock with a large display and audio reminders
- Crossword puzzle books and jigsaw puzzles (for those in the early stage)
- Puzzle books specially designed for those with dementia (for those in a more advanced stage)
- Amazon Echo
- Birdfeeder with a bird identifier book
- Cozy items (fluffy bathrobe, soft blanket, socks, slippers)
- Weighted blanket or heated blanket
- Luxurious hand lotion or soap
- Essential oil diffuser
- Memory book
- Digital picture frame loaded with personal photos
- Framed photo
- Clothing
- Magazine subscription
- Coffee table books that suit their interests
- Stuffed animals or dolls
- Stress ball
- Fidget quilt or other comforting items to hold
- Simple books, such as Sunny Street Books, which are designed for those with memory loss
- Calendar
- Conversation cards that feature prompts to spark joyful conversation
- An MP3 player loaded with their favorite music
Above all, remember that age-old adage: It’s the thought that counts. Even if you explore gifts for people with dementia and try your best to find a gift that your loved one will adore, it’s possible that they’ll be having a bad day when you visit. In that case, keep your spirits up and try to cherish the time you have together. Your time and love are the most precious gifts you can give.
If you hope to retire in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, the Beach House could be the ideal place. Our friendly and compassionate staff members offer individualized care 24/7, ensuring the safety, security, and happiness of all residents. The Beach House provides assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Most importantly, we tailor these services to suit the unique needs of each resident. To learn more about our amenities or schedule a tour, please get in touch with us online or give us a call at 904-615-8076. We look forward to hearing from you!