Stages Of Dementia: Holiday Gift Ideas For Each Stage

Gift Ideas for Every Stage Of Cognitive Decline

Anyone who has a loved one suffering from dementia might be all too familiar with the challenges surrounding cognitive decline. One of those challenges may be presented around the holidays when it comes time to find a gift that is appropriate for your loved one’s capabilities. If your gift list includes a senior relative with dementia, choosing a gift that is meaningful and useful can take a lot of thought. Symptoms of dementia can include loss of memory, declining physical condition, and reduced ability to accomplish daily tasks – so not just any gift will be practical. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide. This means that if you’re at a loss for dementia patient gift ideas, you’re probably not alone. Keep reading as we break down thoughtful holiday gift ideas for all stages of dementia. 

Stages Of Dementia 

Dementia is an umbrella term that describes loss of cognitive function most often associated with an age-related disease. The most notable condition that causes dementia symptoms is Alzheimer’s disease. While dementia is most often a progressive condition, there are various stages to describe its severity. Throughout the different stages of dementia, different challenges may be presented – as well as different opportunities for connection! Tailoring dementia patient gifts to suit these challenges and opportunities is key. 

Best Gifts For Early Stage Dementia 

In the early stages of dementia, symptoms may not be exceedingly apparent. Early dementia is usually met with mild memory lapses. Suitable early dementia patients’ gifts include items that may preserve memories or require mental stimulation. 

• Journal: A journal can be much more than paper and a pen to early dementia patients, it can be a healthy outlet for their thoughts. Consider journals that have prompts written inside the pages to stimulate their mind. If your loved one isn’t necessarily a writer, art supplies may provide a comparable outlet. 
• Photos: Whether you opt for a book-style photo album or a digital picture frame pre-filled with family photos, your loved one will surely appreciate the gesture. Photos can trigger memories in the early stages of dementia, which can lead to feelings of connectedness. 
• Voice-controlled home accessories: Smart light bulbs, voice-command music players, or other audio-responsive home devices can be helpful gifts for your loved one with dementia. Consider setting these devices up for them and teaching them how they can be useful. 

Best Gifts For Moderate Stage Dementia 

Moderate stage dementia can be more difficult to navigate as safety typically becomes more of a concern at this stage. However, moderate stage dementia patients still have an interest in many of the same things that they have always loved. Dementia patients’ gifts for this stage can be practical, sensory stimulating, or geared toward provoking a deeper connection. 

• Sensory items: Familiar scents and textures can help provoke memories while, in some cases, providing a calming activity. Scented dough, fidget blankets, aromatherapy diffusers, and other similar  
• Safety gear: GPS tracking devices, door and window alarms, a picture-dial telephone, stability bars for the restroom, and a medical ID bracelet could all help keep your senior loved one safe while they navigate moderate stage dementia. 
• Labeled photo album: Creating a photo album with tags for each photo can be a thoughtful DIY gift for moderate stage dementia patients. For example, a photo of the family dog could be labeled with “Fido, 4 years old, loves to swim, favorite food is turkey”. 

Best Gifts For Advanced Stage Dementia 

As their cognitive abilities are severely impaired, advanced stage dementia patients may benefit most from comfort items. 

• Weighted blanket: Weighted blankets trigger deep pressure stimulation, releasing the same hormones as a good hug. Weighted blankets have been proven to decrease anxiety and depression in dementia patients. 
• Life-like doll: Dolls that are designed to resemble a real baby can provide many benefits to patients in all stages of dementia. Social interaction, productivity, emotional connection, and independence can all be supported with caregiver role play. 
• Adaptive clothing: Adaptive clothing with mindfully placed Velcro or straps can be a comfortable gift for your loved one, as well as helpful to their senior care provider. Easy-to-remove clothing makes changes and hygiene practices easier and more comfortable. 

Conclusion

Always keep your loved one in mind when choosing a gift this holiday season. Just because their cognitive abilities are declining, doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t still have personal preferences or interests. Choosing something with a personalized touch can have a significant impact on the way the gift makes them feel, which can be the best gift of all. Dementia care is multifaceted, and individualized approaches should be considered when choosing the perfect dementia patients’ gifts. 

How we can help 

Something even better than a tangible gift for your senior loved one is the gift of ongoing senior care from a reputable senior care provider. If you are looking for an in-home senior care provider in the Bay Area, contact Serving Seniors Care today. Our experienced caregivers can facilitate a life of dignity and comfort for your loved one – and peace of mind for the whole family. At Serving Senior Care, we take pride in providing the best senior care for your loved ones, whatever level of care they may require. 

See what sets us apart 

Review our client testimonials, where our patients and their families convey their experiences and satisfaction with our senior care services in the Bay Area. You can also find additional reviews on Yelp.

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