Gifts for People with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease

With the holidays just around the corner, you may be wondering what you can get for your loved ones who suffer from memory loss. Finding gifts for dementia patients or gifts for Alzheimer’s patients can be difficult, but it’s not impossible with a little help from these gift giving ideas. Depending on the stage of dementia your loved one has, you’ll want to consider different gifts.

Early Stages of Dementia or Alzheimer’s

Crossword puzzles, activity books, or other books that contain strategy games can be a great gift. They can give your loved one something to do and even help stimulate their mind. Other good gifts include classic movies or TV shows that they once loved on DVD or a streaming service.

Finally, a memory phone can be a useful gift as well. Memory phones combine photos and contract information of loved ones and friends.

Middle Stages of Dementia or Alzheimer’s

Gifts for Alzheimer’s patients in the middle stages of the disease can benefit from gifts that include a clock with large print that shows not only the time but also the date or automatic nightlights, so when it gets dark there is light available for them even before they turn on the lights.

Craft kits that remind them of earlier days are great Alzheimer’s gifts as long as they are not too complicated to complete.

Finally, practical gifts for seniors with dementia include an automatic dispenser for medications. This can help ensure they get all of their medications at the right time without mixing any of them up.

Later Stages of Dementia or Alzheimer’s

When your loved one is in the later stages of the disease, you can still find dementia gifts that will suit their needs and put a smile on their face. At this stage it is all about comfort. Gifts for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia can include a super soft blanket or bathrobe in a color they really like or clothes that allow them to be comfortable such as sweats.

Think about clothing that can make getting dressed and undressed easier for your loved one.

Also, a stuffed animal or doll can give them some comfort as well as CDs that have songs from their childhood.

On the more practical side, a location-tracking device can give you some peace of mind in case your loved one gets lost or wanders away.

Additional gifts might include:

• Pre-stamped note cards and envelops
• Family video
• Digital photo frame
• Housecleaning services
• Slippers

Having dementia can make a person feel isolated and no longer part of the family. As a caregiver, it can seem difficult to find ways to include your loved one in family activities. By finding some of the right types of gifts for your loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s, you can give the greatest gift of all—showing them that you care and that they are still a valued member of your family.