Everyone enjoys having a daily routine. Whether that means making a cup of tea every morning or going for a 5K run after lunch, routines help to keep us productive and motivated throughout the day.
However, patients struggling with dementia find it difficult to perform even the simplest of tasks, which can make it difficult for them to continue their daily habits and routines. This can often lead to feelings of helplessness, loneliness, and even depression.
Luckily, it is possible to help and make 2022 a better year for your loved ones!
If you’re looking for a way to brighten up your loved one, here are our top 8 gifts for people who suffer from dementia.
1. Washable Underwear
It goes without saying that dementia comes with its challenges.
For many people, the task of simply going to the toilet can become a struggle that can leave their loved ones feeling insecure, embarrassed, and afraid of public situations.
You could make their life a little easier by giving them some washable underwear. This underwear is designed to mask any accidents whilst remaining comfortable and discrete.
Your loved one will no longer need to worry about the embarrassment that can come with incontinence.
2. Calendar
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A simple yet highly practical gift for anyone with dementia is a calendar that can be used to write down important dates and events. The best kind of calendars is those that are fun, brightly colored, and easy to read from.
Personalized photo calendars are also a great option that is sure to put a smile on your loved one’s face.
Calendars are a great way to help your loved one remember daily tasks and special occasions.
3. Bathroom Essentials
Bath accessories are a brilliant way to give your relatives a relaxing yet suitable gift that will keep your loved ones feeling and looking good.
Consider a variety of bathing accessories according to what your relative needs and would prefer.
Always consider their needs, what they’d benefit from most but most importantly what they’d enjoy!
Having the appropriate bathing accessory will brighten your loved one’s day and help contribute to relieving the stress or anxiety they may feel when it comes to their daily wash.
4. Puzzle Books
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The best way to strengthen the mind is to do regular mind games and activities. Puzzle books make a great stocking filler for people with dementia that can be brought on a budget!
Popular options include crosswords, dot-to-dots, and color by numbers. This gift can be even better if the puzzle is themed around a hobby or interest that your relative enjoys.
5. Memory Games
Another great way to keep your loved one’s minds going is to give them a fun memory game.
Helping Hands Home Care finds that brain games designed to improve your memory and mental health can be very simple yet extremely effective for people fighting the symptoms of dementia.
There are plenty of novelty and themed games on the market that will remind your loved ones of their favorite hobby, TV show, or even their favorite holiday.
6. Radio
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People with dementia often feel lonely during the daytime when relatives and friends may be at work and are unable to visit.
A great way to help is to buy them a radio so that they can listen to their favorite music when no one is around to talk to.
Not only will this help the days go quicker but the act of singing along to songs will help to strengthen memory and improve their mood.
7. Easy to use mobile phones
Modern smartphones can be incredibly daunting for people with dementia to navigate. Whilst you may be able to easily make calls, send texts, and scroll through Facebook, your loved one may not be able to figure this out!
To ensure that your loved one can contact you easily, you could buy them a dementia-friendly mobile phone.
These phones are designed with simplicity in mind and have large buttons that make it easy to know how to use the device.
8. Reminder Clock
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Reminder clocks do exactly what they say on the tin!
These brilliant devices will display a message to your loved ones each day that will remind them to do daily tasks. You could remind your relatives to drink water, feed their cats, or visit their doctor.
These clocks ensure that your loved one will never miss an important appointment or daily task.
We hope these gift ideas will give you some ideas as to how you can make your loved one’s life a little easier!
About The Author:
Charlotte Murphy is a freelance writer focused on the healthcare industry, having been a volunteer with the elderly since her school days. In her spare time, she enjoys painting and walking her cocker spaniel, Ringo.
