Best Gifts for People with Dementia
When I was a Memory Care Director, families would often struggle and ask what types of gifts they could get their loved one for birthdays, anniversaries, or “just-because”. I would personally google terms such as “dementia gifts” or “activities for dementia” and would ofttimes be met with expensive activities or child-like products. While some of the expensive gifts, such as a baby doll or sensory blanket are great ideas for the middle to late stage dementia loved-ones, the child-like products can often cause your loved one to shy away from the activity and might even exclaim “That’s for a kid!”.
Even though your loved one has dementia, no matter the stage, it is important to not treat them like a child. Their short-term memory might be gone, but they still have long-term memories and are able to recognize when something is not for them. That is why I created meaningful and engaging activities that are not child-like and provide engaging and reminiscing opportunities for your loved one.
For a loved-one who is in the earlier stages of dementia and are still able to participate in cognitive activities, some gifts that might be perfect for them include:
Matching Games
Pattern Block Matching
Finish the Saying
Other activities that might be beneficial include simple word searches, basic coloring pages, and different trivia tailored to their interests and long-term memories. One thing I also love to do is to get to know the profession of your loved one. For example, if their career was as a teacher, you can put together student papers to grade or lesson plans to put together. One of our residents had a career as a handyman, and so our Director of Maintenance “employed” him to do simple jobs around the community. Another one of our residents was a teacher, and we actually had her lead different activities for other residents!
For a loved-one who is in the middle stages of dementia, we recommend the following gifts:
Matching Games
Picture Books
Famous Faces
Even if your loved one does not use the gift as “intended”, they can still use them to be engaged. For example, your loved one might receive the Cat Matching Game, and instead of playing the game as intended they might simply place the cards out on a table and organize them in different ways.
Some other activities for someone with middle-stage dementia can include “doing laundry” such as folding towels or sorting socks. Again, the goal of these activities is not the outcome, but rather keeping your loved one engaged in meaningful and adult-like activities. Another activity which might work for someone in middle-stage dementia is travel videos. Rick Steves was a favorite of ours! Art work is also another activity - but instead of using paint brushes provide them with a sponge or clothestip and cotton balls.
For late-stage dementia, we recommend the following gifts:
Picture Books
Famous Faces
USA Landmarks
Even if your loved-one is nonverbal, it is important to provide them with activities which engage them. They might not be able to vocalize their thoughts and feelings, but giving them the opportunity to enjoy beautiful pictures is a gift. Furthermore, music is key for late-stage dementia. Both calming music and music from their youth are important. I cannot tell you the amount of times I played “Blueberry Hill” or “You are My Sunshine” with my nonverbal or late-stage residents, and was consistently surprised by these residents starting to sing their favorites. Another great activity for late-stage dementia is sensory. This can be a sensory blanket or simply different fabrics for them to hold and touch (leather, sequins, silk).