Christmas gifts for people with dementia
Shopping for Christmas gifts for a person with dementia shouldn’t be difficult. There are lots of gifts out there for them, but you should consider the stages of the condition your loved-one has when buying.
Early stage gifts
If they are in the early stages, then you may give them gifts that you would have given before they were diagnosed.
Items such as activity books, crossword puzzles and strategy games are great for someone in the earlier stages of the condition as they can help keep the mind active.
Middle stage gifts
If the loved-one you are buying gifts for is in the middle stages of the condition, they might need assistance remembering certain things. Practical gifts can be a big help for them.
A clock with the date and time in a large font can help remind them what day it is. Automatic night lights are also a great idea as they can help your loved-one tell if it is day or night-time.
Late stage gifts
For someone in the later stages of dementia, sensory gifts are a great idea. Items such as a fluffy bathrobe or a soft blanket can also help bring comfort to the person.
Comfortable clothing with easy to use fastenings and Velcro are also a great idea if they have difficulty dressing or undressing.
CDs, musical-based items and photo albums always make great gifts for all stages of the condition, as they help stimulate memories and potential conversation. These are wonderful gifts to give, as they benefit not only the person with dementia but their friends and family too. It can be a great comfort to see a loved-one with the condition remember certain moments thanks to seeing a photo or hearing a certain song.
Last year we put together a list of our favourite practical dementia-friendly Christmas gifts, check it out here for more ideas.