Holiday shopping and gift-giving can often be challenging, but even more so when shopping for a person living with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association suggests thoughtful and useful gifts for the 6 million people in the early, middle and late-stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The guide also includes ideas for the 11 million Americans who serve as unpaid caregivers.
Gifts for people living with Alzheimer’s in the early stages
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Post-it notes or an erasable white board to list reminders or the day’s activities.
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Gift cards for ride-sharing services or a favorite activity (golf, movie, restaurant) to help the person remain active.
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GPS trackers (bracelets, watches) or enrollment in a safe return program to keep the person safe.
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A “memory” calendar featuring family photos with space to add special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.
Gifts for people living with Alzheimer’s in the middle-to-late stages
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Playlists that include the person’s favorite artists or songs.
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Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to put on, remove and wash, such as sweat suits, slip-on shirts, non-slip socks, slip-on shoes, wrinkle-free nightgowns or a fluffy bathrobe.
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Framed photographs or a photo collage. Include names of people in the photos to help with identification.
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Soothing gifts that help with anxiety, like a handheld massage ball or a soft blanket.
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Adaptive dining equipment such as no-spill cups and plate guards to enable greater meal independence.
Gifts to keep the person living with Alzheimer’s engaged
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A memory phone that can store pictures with names and contact information of family and friends.
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Nightlights that activate automatically when it gets dark.
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An outing to a movie, play or concert, sporting event, museum or a family shopping trip.
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Engage your loved one in making homemade gifts, painting ornaments, decorating stockings or scrapbooking.
5 gifts for dementia caregivers
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The most important gift you can give a dementia caregiver is the gift of time. Just a 20-minute break each day can help lower a caregiver’s stress and help avoid burnout.
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Homemade coupons for cleaning the house, cooking a meal, mowing the lawn or shoveling the driveway.
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Gift cards for restaurants or meal delivery, laundry/dry cleaning services, lawn care and personal pampering such as massages and pedicures.
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Books. in addition to tackling the caregiver’s “must read” list, there are many books on caregiving and maintaining self-health.
For more tips on how families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias can safely enjoy time with family and friends during the holidays, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website.
There are 220,000 Ohioans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association “2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.” That number is expected to increase to 250,000 by 2025. One in three seniors dies with the disease.
Those concerned about themselves or a loved one can contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline to schedule a care consultation and be connected to local resources, guidance and support. To reach the Helpline, call 800.272.3900.
