As Christmas approaches, a lot of us will be thinking about gift giving. But for our loved ones with dementia, we may struggle to know what may or may not be appropriate for them due to their sensitive needs. If not properly considered, many gifts may pose safety risks, infantilise or require skills that a person with dementia no longer has, such as a complex game with many rules. It is important that we give gifts that make the person feel seen whilst still maintaining their dignity. To help with your search, we’ve put together a list of gift ideas for people with dementia that they can appreciate.
Gardening Gifts
A simple gardening kit can make a great gift for someone with dementia who enjoys gardening, or is open to being introduced to it. The act of gardening keeps the mind active and can alleviate stress whilst improving fine and gross motor skills. In addition, nurturing a plant encourages a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which may improve the confidence and sense of identity for a person with dementia. Related gifts could include: seeds, houseplants, flowers or gardening tools designed with accessibility in mind.
Puzzles/Games
Puzzles, board, and card games are another great gift for keeping the mind active and strengthening short-term memory, whilst allowing for bonding time with others. They are often shared activities that can be done with caregivers and family, which can improve their communication. This could be: jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, playing cards, bingo, or snakes and ladders.
Dementia Clocks/Watches
For those experiencing memory loss, clocks and watches designed specifically for dementia can help them keep track of the day. Dementia-friendly clocks and watches will have easy to read displays and simplified functions, and some can even announce the time, for those who struggle to read it. Clocks are also useful in reminding the person when to take medication. This is a gift that’ll grant the person more independence and autonomy, reducing anxiety and confusion.
Memory Scrapbook
A scrapbook is a good way to document and remember fond memories, especially in later stages as their memory worsens. It can include pictures, important locations, religious beliefs and practices, childhood memories, and personal hobbies. It’s also a good way for their carers to get to know them on an individual level if they choose to share it, as they can point to pictures to spark conversation.
To create a scrapbook, consider reaching out to their family and friends for content or interviewing them about their lives. Involve the person as much as possible in the creation of a memory scrapbook, but if they are unable to do so, you can do it for them. If a scrapbook isn’t ideal, there are many formats a memory log can be executed in, such as a video journal or a memory box.
Motion Sensitive Lights
Disturbed sleep is a common occurrence for people with dementia. Getting up disoriented in the middle of the night when it’s dark is an open invitation for bumps and injuries. Motion-sensitive lights can help to reduce these injuries, as they turn on with the person’s movements.
Cuddly Toys/Dolls
Cuddly toys, animals or lifelike dolls can be beneficial for people in the later stages of dementia. They can provide feelings of comfort or relaxation and give the person something to ‘care for’.
One of the best things about gift giving is knowing that it will be of value to the person receiving the gift, and the thought goes a long way. For more dementia-friendly gift ideas, charities such as Dementia UK and the Alzheimer’s Society shop have plenty of ideas for the festive season. For more dementia and care tips, visit our blog page.