Best Gifts for Dementia Patients - Christmas 2019
Wednesday, 11 September 2019
Watching a loved one struggle with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia can be difficult. Often times, it can seem like a challenging task just to pick a gift you think they would enjoy, but luckily, it doesn't have to be. The right gift for a loved one with dementia can stimulate their mind, help them reminisce, or simply make it easier for them to get through the day, and it's extremely rewarding when you know you've chosen a gift that will really make a difference.
Different Gifts for Different Stages
When choosing a gift for someone with dementia, it's important that you first consider the development of their condition. In the early stages, gifts for dementia patients can be similar to what you'd get anyone else, such as aids for daily living and fun, interactive games. As your loved one progresses into the later stages of dementia, sensory stimulation, reminiscence and engagement become more important, and activities that keep the mind working are key. Here, we'll suggest some of our top gifts for dementia patients, broken down by early, middle or late stage dementia.
Early Stage Dementia Gifts
In the early stages of dementia, gifts that make connections with loved ones easier and keep the mind working are great. Here are a few suggestions:
Amplicomms PowerTel M9500 Senior Smartphone Mobile Phone
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It's important for those with dementia to be able to stay in touch with loved ones, but modern phones are often much too complicated. The Amplicomms PowerTel M9500 Senior Smartphone Mobile Phone is designed to make modern technology accessible for the elderly, with a simplified interface and a large, bright screen. Hearing aid compatible with an extra-loud speaker, this easy-to-use phone even includes an SOS function, allowing authorities to be contacted even when mobile signal is lost.
Traditional Touring England Parlour Game
Practical and useful gifts for those with dementia can be great for helping with everyday life, but it's important to provide some fun and stimulation as well. The Traditional Touring England Parlour Game is designed to keep minds engaged and active, with fun and challenging tasks that encourage reminiscence. With a classic design and strategic use of English cities, players are subtly encouraged to reminisce about their lives while engaging their minds in a stimulating way.
Middle Stage Dementia Gifts
In the middle stage of dementia, the needs of the patient are similar to the first stage, with a slightly increased focus on sensory stimulation. Tactile activities start to become more important at this stage, as do simple memory aids with as little complication as possible.
PivoTell MK3 Automatic Pill Dispenser
While this isn't the most exciting of gifts, ensuring that your loved one is taking their medication on time is crucial, and anything to make that process simpler can be a lifesaver. The PivoTell MK3 Automatic Pill Dispenser reminds the user to take their medication at preset intervals, and includes 29 tray sections to store weeks' worth of tablets. When each alarm sounds, simply tip the tray to empty that compartments pills, and wait for the next alarm.
Active Minds Hobbies Link and Think Dementia Game
The use of games and other engaging activities becomes more and more important as dementia progresses, so anything that can get the patient to open up and express themselves is always a positive. The Active Minds Hobbies Link and Think Dementia Game does just that, stimulating conversation to allow players to open up and speak freely while engaging in tasks that encourage memory stimulation. Ideal for use in nursing homes, this game can be a useful tool for staff and patients alike.
Late Stage Dementia Gifts
As dementia progresses into its later stages, sensory stimulation becomes key. These stimuli could help to uncover lost memories, and can be tied to events that would otherwise be difficult to access.
Active Minds Tactile Sensory Snap Game
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While those with dementia may see some senses diminished, their sense of touch can often be heightened, making tactile sensory games an ideal way to provide stimulation. The Active Minds Tactile Sensory Snap Game is designed for this purpose, creating a fun and tactile game that challenges players to match tiles to images inside the box. Designed for one-on-one play, this game provides a truly excellent source of tactile sensory therapy.
Active Minds Orient Express Dementia Jigsaw Puzzle (13 Pieces)
Jigsaw puzzles are excellent for people of all ages and abilities, but their tactile nature makes them especially useful for those with dementia. The Active Minds Orient Express Dementia Jigsaw Puzzle (13 Pieces) is specially designed for those with mid to late stage dementia, providing a stimulating activity to encourage conversation and improve manual dexterity. The puzzle can be assembled within the frame on a printed backboard, allowing the difficulty level to be lowered if necessary.
For those who find this too easy, there is a 24 piece puzzle available.
Give the Best Gifts this Christmas
No matter the stage of your loved one's dementia, you always want to give the best gifts you can at Christmas. Whether your priority is making their life easier, safer or more fun, the gifts here will help to improve your loved one's quality of life and help to make the progression of their disease as slow and manageable as possible. If you'd like to take a look at all of the products we have to help those with dementia, you can browse our Dementia Support Section.
Do you have any questions about our products for those with dementia, or something to add? Share your thoughts below or find us on Facebook and Twitter!
Tags: Best Christmas Gifts, Christmas, Dementia, Great Gifts
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