Over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Buying a gift for them for the holidays is not difficult if you keep a few things in mind.
First you should know the persons likes and dislikes. Also important is knowing their strengths and weaknesses. In addition consider, when purchasing a gift for someone with dementia, keeping their mind and body active. Also think about a gift that will keep on giving long after Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza or other celebrated holidays are gone Keep in mind, also, that gift selections should change as Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, progress
Gifts that keep dementia persons' mind active
All stages, most interests
A book called Adorable Photographs of Our Baby-Meaningful Mind Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones and Involved Professionals is an ideal gift because just about everyone loves babies. This book uses baby photographs to engage those with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia in mind stimulating activities. Also it has great tips and resources for caregivers and health care workers.
A journal
Anytime is a good time to record happy events or moments in a dementias persons' life. Spend some time with them after you give this gift helping them to record memorable moments. Let them write as much as they can and you do the rest.
Then later these happenings can be shared.
A photo album
You or someone who has photographs of dementia persons can put them into an album. Make sure to label the photos so recall of them will be easier.
You may want to enlarge some of the photos for easier viewing.
As the dementia progresses, Alzheimer's individuals may think recent photos of them are of their mother or father. That is OK because this gives all a wonderful opportunity to talk about their parents.
Another gift dementia persons will fancy is a classic musical video or DVD. No matter what stage of dementia they are in they will enjoy watching something from the good old days and singing the songs played throughout the picture. Here are a few suggestions: Singin' in the Rain, Meet Me in St. Louis, or Shall We Dance
Next is a sing a long CD or audio cassette of their favorite songs. There is a series of these called, Old Time Favorites by Nancy Pitkin.
You may want to get a sing a long video where dementia persons can see and hear performers singing songs they love. Folks with Alzheimer's disease seem to enjoy music from their younger days. Many times dementia folks who are non-verbal will sing many of the words of an old favorite song of theirs. A good one is: Sing-Along with Phil Bernardi: Songs We Know and Love.
Give the gift of yourself. No matter how hard it is for you to visit persons with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, they will appreciate your company even though they may not be able to express it. Take them for a walk, sing some of your favorite songs together, or give them a hand massage. Just share some quality time together. All will feel better. Do remember to be upbeat animated and excited about visiting. No arguing, please. That is a lose, lose situation.
