Hi everyone,
I have a parent with alzheimer's who is in a memory care facility, I am wondering about Christmas gift ideas?
The parent has pretty advanced Alzheimer's. Their comprehension is quite far gone so anything involving cerebral faculties will be of no use. They can walk and move but cannot really talk properly anymore or understand more than very basic words. They also have limited hand use functioning. They don't seem to be able to grasp things or do a lot with their hands.
So I think its really for something which is very much a sensory experience. That may provide a nice experience for their sense. Any ideas on a type of gift? What do other people on here do for their Alzheimer's family members?
Many thanks
We would also get her smaller, cute and fuzzy or soft stuffed animals that she liked to hold and look at. She could not hold a fork etc., but she could grab the stuffed animals.
My mom was an artist and loves colour. Sometimes I give her "picture" books to look at with lots of "big" pictures and colours that she stares at for a while. I don't give her photographs because they seem to confuse her as she doesn't realize she's as old as she is or who I am etc. But pictures of paintings she would have liked, flowers, simple "nice" stuff.
Just my two cents (smile) hope that helps.
I read "Someone I Used to Know" written by Wendy Mitchell who had early Alzheimer's and she said that one of the best presents she received is a digital clock that has date, time, day of the week, a.m. vs. p.m. I know that sometimes, people with dementia may wake up (esp. now when it gets darker earlier in the winter) from a nap and be confused if it's day vs. night.
Hearing - favorite music recordings on a tape recorder, radio, books of short stories on tape
Smell - cologne or perfume. scented body lotion 9which also involves touch), flowers for ladies, something scented - sachets, pomander balls, scented cards on string ... - to tuck into drawers or closet to scent their clothing
Touch - emollient rich lotions, fuzzy throws or sweaters, plush animals, house slippers
Taste - small treats that include their favorite flavors: fruit, cookies, shelf stable cheese and crackers (if sodium is not a problem), cupcake
All the pictures were of people that she dearly loved.
I started this calendar gift tradition when she still lived in her own home, and it continued through her days in long term care. Even though I am not technologically savvy, it was an easy gift to make. I just brought the photos I wanted to use to a FedEx Print and Ship store and they made the calendar for me.
Best wishes from someone who has been in your situation.
sandwichedboomer.com
i forget what they are called but I’d google sensory aprons and go from there.
With holiday shopping, you run the risk of transmitting illnesses to your loved one, not limited to COVID but also the flu. Memory care facilities are particularly high risk because COVID and flu can be caught by the workers--and typical fever and other symptoms do not show up days after getting infected while shedding viruses at their worst.