A few Great Gift Ideas for those with dementia

Super Gift Ideas for those with dementia / Alzheimer’s

Activities for elderly with dementia

My first title for this article was BEST Gift ideas for those with dementia/Alzheimer’s. But that didn’t feel appropriate to me because most folks I know who have Alzheimer’s are not difficult to please at all.

All you really need is activities for the elderly with dementia that make them happy. Many are simple things. My Mom loved crocheting, playing solitaire, Seek ‘n Find books, and her very special coloring book with Bible Stories.

Truthfully, the “Best” gift would be a sweet serenade from you, a date for lunch with you. Maybe a trip to the beauty salon for “The Works!” A gentle massage of each hand from a loving daughter.  I’ll never forget how excited my Mom was when the podiatrist came to the Group-Home to clip her toe nails.

Wow, did she ever feel special!  And, miraculously, she never forgot it and told everyone who would listen. We never did tell Mom that the Owner of the of the Group-Home paid for this service on a monthly basis for all residents.

Those with dementia want love and affection and kindness. After all that–  they might still like a few of these goodies too…

Plush Microfiber Robe – Soft, Warm, and Lightweight – Full LengthMore info

Elderly folks are easy to please. I can say that because that group includes me, and I know how I feel. The big things in life are family and good health and after that, everything else is floss.

A big thing for those who are ill is comfort. A big furry robe, or warm blanket on their feet. If you snuggle-up for a cuddle beside them, I know they’d love it.

But sometimes you have other things to do and need to keep them busy for awhile. The person with dementia can still do/and enjoy many activities.

My Mom loved TV. She couldn’t watch a movie or series-show on television that required remembering long segments, but she loved Bob Barker, Game shows and Old Sitcoms: “I love Lucy,” “Jackie Gleason,” and even “Jack Benny.”

If you’re loved one needs more activity than a television set, there’s always: Seek ‘n find books, puzzles, beads, counting coins, stacking pennies, folding clothes and many other things.

Some older folks can’t keep their hands still due to constant fidgeting. The toy manufacturers have caught-on to this idea and built fidget toys and puzzles by the 100’s. These are only a small few.

Grandma’s Cookies Jigsaw PuzzleMore infoBIDDEFORD Comfort Knit & Sherpa ELECTRIC KiING BLANKET- Dual Controls IvoryMore infoSet of 3! Tangle Jr. Original Fidget ToyMore infoWooden Puzzle FidgetMore infoSpecial Needs Sensory Activity Apron (Children & Adult Sizes)More info

And then we have the ladies who simply love baby dolls! (Which includes most women with Alzheimer’s dementia.) My Mom was certainly one of that group, and her mother too. I can remember when I was a little girl and visited my grandma’s house. Her bed was always full of dolls. My mom wasn’t quite as bad but as soon as her bed was made, her family of dolls were all in a row, reclining against the pillows like distant relatives.

Now they create these darling Newborn Baby Dolls! I wish I had known about them when my Mom was alive. She would have loved them like her own child! Yet, the “Real, life-like dolls” are more expensive than most. And a simple Little Girl’s Baby Doll will do just as well.

JC Toys La NewbornMore infoParadise Galleries Lifelike Realistic Weighted Baby Doll, Tall Dreams, 10 Piece Ensemble, 19-inch, Ages 3+More infoJC Toys La Newborn First Day- Real GirlMore infoBaby Doll: Little Peanut Baby Doll – 17More infoJC Toys La Newborn- Real Boy 18540More infoJC Toys La Newborn First Yawn- Real BoyMore info

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 These are baby dolls for children and more affordable than the  “Real Life baby dolls.” My Mom had a couple like these and carried them everywhere. She loved her baby dolls like her own children.

Newborn- Real GirlMy First Baby – 12 InchBaby Huggums Soft BodyNewborn- Real BoyHuggums Soft Body 12″JC Toys 20JC Toys 16Newborn Baby Doll

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