Shopping for holiday gifts for family members with Alzheimer’s can be tricky. You may be unsure about what they enjoy or what they’re capable of doing. When choosing a gift, think about their personality, their hobbies, their abilities and their favorite pastimes.
A few great gift suggestions for those with Alzheimer’s include:
A family calendar
Give your loved one a personalized calendar for your family. Include pictures of family member—grandchildren, children, nieces, nephews, cousins, anyone who is close with your loved one. In addition to photos, take the time to fill in any special dates like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and family reunions.
Comfortable clothing
Any clothing that you’re buying for a loved one with Alzheimer’s should be comfortable, easy to put on or take off and machine washable. Consider items like sweatshirts, sweatpants, pajamas, sweaters, slip-on shoes or a warm robe.
Music
Give your family member the gift of music this holiday season. Buy them a CD full of their favorite songs by their favorite singers. Music can help those with Alzheimer’s to remember times from their past marked by specific songs or groups.
Identification bracelets
This gift is especially great if your family member is prone to wandering from the house. Identification bracelets are available from many different providers and help to ensure that your loved one makes it home safely if they leave the house unattended.
Home adaptation equipment
You know your loved one better than anyone else. If they have problems in the bathroom, think about buying bathtub safety bars or non-slip bathmats. For those that get up in the middle of the night, consider motion detected nightlights. There are many home adaptation options, so it can be relatively easy to find something to fit your senior’s needs.
Entertainment
DVDs of movies, musicals or plays can be a great gift. Make a list of their favorites and pick them up as they’re available. You can also purchase tickets for a movie, play, sporting event or a fun day trip with friends and family.
Have you ever given a gift to a loved one with Alzheimer’s that has been a hit? We’d love to hear about it!