Trying to find a gift for someone who has dementia can be hard. I know that the things my mother used to love are no longer relevant in her life these days. Gone are the subscription to quilting magazines, embroidery patterns, and all of those crafty things she used to love to do. The sewing machine that was the center of her life for 50 years hasn’t been uncovered since the quilt she made last year. It sits in the spare room collecting dust.
I have a few ideas for some things that are special only to her, but I thought that maybe if I were struggling so hard to think of things to get for her then someone else may be as well. I thought I would do a little research for some of the top gifts for someone who suffers from dementia.
What a wonderful list Rena!
Thanks Nancy! I hope it helps.
These are absolutely wonderful ideas. Bless you, Rena, for coming up with them.
Thanks so much Carol. I appreciate your kind words.
Im sad so so many of us need this guide.
But we do.
So thank you very much
<3
So very true Carla! Thanks.
It’s a very thoughtful list, Rena. Thank you. It can be so hard at the holidays when a loved one has changed. I remember one Christmas buying my grandma a doll. She slept with it every night.
That’s true Mithra! Things that we would think of as silly are usually what they love the most. Mom has several dolls and stuffed animals that she loves very much.
These are great ideas. A soft throw is also good just to feel all cozy.
Great idea Haralee! I hope people find what they need!
What an awesome idea — I never would have thought of that. How thoughtful of you to do the research and share that for people who must struggle with what to gift their loved ones who have dementia.
Thanks so much Carol. It gets harder and harder every year.
Thank you for this!! I would’ve had no idea what to get as a gift. My dear friends mother in law has just been moved nearer and she has dementia. Now I know what to suggest for my girlfriend to get her!
Thanks so much Jennifer! I am so happy to help.
Oh, these really get the wheels turning for ideas for my Mom with Parkinson’s. The radio ideas for instance. She can reach over and turn hers on anymore or even push a button. I love that lift and play music radio idea. I wonder if it can be set to a specific station. I need to find her an easier remote for her TV, too. Thanks for these resources!
I am so happy to help Julie. I was looking at the same thing.
What a sweet list! I’m sure there are lots of people who will appreciate it.
Thank you Rabia!
Great ideas, Rena. We just returned from visiting with my in-laws in FL where my FIL is suffering with dementia. He sleeps all day and doesn’t read the paper like he used to. We’ll do whatever we can to help!
That’s so hard Cathy! I am going to PM you.
Wonderful! Every one!
Thank Diane! I’m finding out that there are other diseases besides Alzheimer’s that these would be ideal for.
All great ideas for sure. I love the socks..everyone loves them! What a thoughtful and wonderful list!
Thanks Carolann! I love those socks too and have actually already ordered a pair for her and I both.
I love these ideas, Rena. I even want to check out that “word searches” for me.
I am glad that you like them. Karen! I loe word searches too and mom is crazy about them. That’s all she really has left that she enjoys.
Thanks for this, Rena. My mother received a battery operated dog. It moved it’s head. I disliked the thing intensely, but she thought it was real and extended some love to it. You have to accept and realize the worth of such a gift.
So very true Beth. Mom loves things like that as well. Hope you have a happy holiday!
Wonderful list. Nothing is infantilizing.
Amazon has an amazing product called Amazon Echo–it’s in the shape of a cylinder and has 6 speakers. It will play any music on Amazon Prime, any of your itunes library, give the weather, time, and they’re constantly upgrading it as it’s really a voice activated computer.
The sound quality is amazing and you can move it from room to room. Does need an electric outlet and I bought the remote as its almost impossible to get the sound exactly the way you like it without it.
Once you download the initial set up into your smartphone (takes a minute) you only have to say “Alexa play….” or whatever
Hi Rena,
I would love for you to check out the products I have designed specifically for people with dementia at www.mind-start.com. Thanks for getting the word out about appropriate gift ideas to those who need it.
What a thoughtful post, Rena. I’m sharing because I’m sure it will help many!
love the ideas Rena but I think I’d skip Pete the Repeat Parrot – one person repeating themselves endlessly is more than I can handle (let alone a parrot echoing them along the way!)
Great list Rena. A no stress alarm clock sounds good for everyone!
What a delightful blog. I too, took care of my Mom who had Alzheimer’s. She passed in 1998. That was one of the hardest things I ever had to go through because my Mom was my best friend. I am so glad that you are able to treasure your special moments with your Mom as they will sustain you for many years.
My Mom’s favorite thing as she progressed through her illness was a “tickle me Ernie” doll. She treated it like a real baby. A few years later while working in the hospital I took a couple of bath towels, a small roll of gauze and fashioned them into a makeshift doll for one of my patients who also had dementia. She loved that doll so much and took it with her when she moved to the next level of care.
The ladies never seem to lose their maternal instinct and are comforted by being able to cuddle with and comfort their “baby”. I also witnessed another lady be able to sing along to an old hymn long after she had lost her ability to talk meaningfully.
So I can say with some authority that you have provided a good list here. Thank you.
Glenda
Thank you so much Glenda! I’m so sorry that it took me so long to answer your comment. We had a death in our family the day before you left your wonderful comment. I think of my own mother the same way. I’m always saying, “your my bestest friend”. Its a little joke between us. Something my daughter used to say to us when she was really little. We hare four generations of women now and its beautiful to watch them all interact with each other. Thank you once again.
great ideas a year ago, still great!
Everything you do, Rena, is full of love and giving. This is a wonderful post.
This is so very kind and thoughtful. Happy holidays to you and yours!
Oh, I just love the voice command alarm. I wonder though if it responds to some common curse words. Like when all you want to do is stay in bed and it does the annoying beep, beep, beep… Wishing you and your loved ones Merry and healthy Christmas! Sending you lots of love! xx Abby
Great suggestions.The parrot is a hoot but may want to do bodily harm to it once the novelty wears off!
Thank you for this wonderful list of ideas! Been planning to send my mom gifts along with her other friends in an elderly home care services in Chicago. Keep up the great work!! 🙂
That is very thoughtful. What can I say… That might help them regain their memory.
Great ideas! I love the activity blanket.Thanks for sharing the wonderful idea. 🙂
Wow!
Really great ideas!
thank you so much!
Thank you Rena!
You are really great ! ❤ ❤ ❤ From you, a special inspiration who is suffering from Dementia . I love and respect your ideas!
I am sharing important info who are suffering from dementia diseases:
Stem cells therapy – the key treatment mode used in Swiss Medica clinic – is based on the insertion of new adult stem cells into mutilated tissue. Many specialists are sure that this method has the potential to alleviate the suffering of patients with Dementia. Stem cells have the unique ability to self-renew; they stimulate subsequent generating of certain tissues and the whole body.
Wow! These are the wonderful ideas.. Thanks for sharing 🙂