Choosing the right gift for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be challenging, but also incredibly meaningful—especially if you can bring it during a visit. Whether you’re looking to provide comfort, stimulation, or simply a bit of joy, there are plenty of thoughtful gifts that can make a difference in your loved one’s life.
Gifts for seniors with Alzheimer’s normally fall into one of three categories:
- Comfort and practicality gifts, designed to make everyday living easier and more comfortable
- Stimulation and engagement gifts, to keep your loved one’s mind active
- Memory and familiarity gifts, to give your loved one an opportunity to reflect on the best moments of their life
- Sensory gifts, to provide some variety and novelty in your loved one’s environment
Comfort and Practicality
Like any disability, Alzheimer’s comes with its share of challenges, large and small. Gifts that make an aspect of everyday living easier can have an outsized impact on your loved one’s quality of life.
Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets can provide a sense of security and calm, which is especially helpful for individuals with Alzheimer’s. The gentle pressure of a weighted blanket can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Comfortable Clothing
Look for clothing that is easy to put on and take off. Adaptive clothing with Velcro or magnetic closures can make dressing simpler and more comfortable for your loved one.
Memory Foam Slippers
Soft, cushioned slippers can provide comfort and stability. Opt for non-slip soles to ensure safety around the house.
Stimulation and Engagement
It has long been established that staying mentally active can help delay the effects of Alzheimer’s in seniors. Stimulation and engagement gifts can provide your loved one with opportunities to keep their mind active.
Puzzles & Games
Choose puzzles and games designed for cognitive stimulation. Large-piece jigsaw puzzles, simple board games, or memory games can be both fun and beneficial for maintaining mental activity.
Coloring Books & Art Supplies
Art can be a wonderful way for Alzheimer’s patients to express themselves. Adult coloring books, watercolor paints, and drawing supplies can provide hours of creative engagement.
Music & Audio Books
Music has been shown to have a powerful effect on individuals with Alzheimer’s. Create a playlist of their favorite songs or provide a subscription to an audio book service to keep them entertained and engaged.
Memory & Familiarity
Memory and familiarity gifts can help your loved one stay connected with the moments that mean the most to them.
Photo Albums and Digital Frames
Fill a photo album with pictures of family, friends, and significant life events. Digital photo frames can also be a great way to display a rotating selection of cherished memories. Some digital photo albums can even be updated remotely, letting you give your loved one a pleasant surprise, like a customized image greeting on their birthday!
Personalized Items
Items like customized blankets, pillows, or mugs with family photos or special messages can offer comfort and familiarity.
Memory Journals
Encourage your loved one to write down their memories and thoughts. A memory journal can be a beautiful way to preserve their personal history and experiences.
Sensory Gifts
Sensory gifts can have many practical benefits for seniors with Alzheimer’s. In addition to helping to soothe your loved one, there’s evidence that sensory stimulation like aromatherapy, light therapy, and music therapy might provide some of the same benefits for Alzheimer’s patients as cognitive exercises.
Aromatherapy Diffusers
Essential oils like lavender and chamomile are known for their calming effects. An aromatherapy diffuser can help create a soothing environment.
Fidget Blankets
Also known as sensory blankets, these items are designed with various textures and attachments to keep hands busy and minds focused. They can be particularly soothing for those who experience restlessness.
Scented Soaps and Wearable Fragrances
For a scented option your loved one can take with them, you can try giving them a scented soap, perfume, cologne, or aftershave. Scented soaps can make bathing times more comfortable,
Soft Toys and Stuffed Animals
A cuddly stuffed animal or soft toy can provide comfort and companionship, especially for those in the later stages of Alzheimer’s.
Special Requests
This might seem like an obvious suggestion, but sometimes people get caught up in what the “right” gift is without considering what the recipient actually wants. If your loved one asks for a specific item, and it’s something they can reasonably have, that item would make a great gift!
Does your loved one have a sweet tooth? Get them their favourite brand of chocolate (diabetic-friendly, if needed). If they like a specific blend of tea, bring a box along when you visit. If there’s a place they’ve always wanted to go, order them a souvenir, like a shirt or a coffee mug.
Your Presence Is a Present
Oftentimes, the opportunity to spend time with loved ones is more valuable than any object you could bring with you. If your loved one is able, maybe you could take them shopping instead of simply bringing them a gift, allowing you to share an experience instead of just an item. It also has the benefits of giving them an engaging, independent activity with opportunities to make their own decisions.
If your loved one isn’t able to go on outings, take the opportunity to just be with them. You might chat about your day, listen to music together, or share a meal. What you do is less important than having a chance to do it together.
The Perfect Gift
Finding the perfect gift for someone with Alzheimer’s requires thoughtfulness and empathy. By considering their needs and preferences, you can choose gifts that bring joy, comfort, and engagement. Remember, the most valuable gift you can give is your time and attention. Spending quality time together, listening, and sharing moments of connection are irreplaceable treasures for both of you.
For more personalized suggestions or assistance in choosing the right gift, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Your love and support mean the world to your loved one, and Inspired Living at Tampa is here to help you every step of the way.
