Holiday Gift Guide for People Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers
CHARLESTON, WV – November 28, 2023 – Holiday shopping and gift-giving can often be challenging, but even more so when shopping for a person living with dementia.
There are more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, and to help friends and family members make their shopping lists, the Alzheimer’s Association has released its 2023 Holiday Gift Guide, offering gift ideas for individuals living in the early, middle and late-stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The guide also includes ideas for the 11 million Americans who serve as unpaid caregivers.
Gifts for people living with Alzheimer’s – in the early stages
Post-it notes or an erasable white board to list reminders or the day’s activities.
Gift cards for ride-sharing services or a favorite activity (golf, movie, restaurant) to help the person remain active.
GPS trackers (bracelets, watches) or enrollment in a safe return program to keep the person safe.
A “memory” calendar featuring family photos with space to add special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.
Gifts for people living with Alzheimer’s – in the middle-to-late stages
Playlists that include the person’s favorite artists or songs.
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to put on, remove and wash, such as sweat suits, slip-on shirts, non-slip socks, slip-on shoes, wrinkle-free nightgowns or a fluffy bathrobe.
Framed photographs or a photo collage. Include names of people in the photos to help with identification.
Soothing gifts that help with anxiety, like a handheld massage ball or a soft blanket.
Adaptive dining equipment such as no-spill cups and plate guards that enable greater independence during meals.
Gifts to keep the person living with Alzheimer’s engaged
A memory phone that can store pictures with names and contact information of family and friends.
Nightlights that activate automatically when it gets dark.
An outing to a movie, play or concert, sporting event, museum or a family shopping trip.
Engage your loved one in making homemade gifts, painting ornaments, decorating stockings or scrapbooking.
5 gifts for dementia caregivers
The most important gift you can give a dementia caregiver is the gift of time. In fact, just a 20-minute break each day can help lower a caregiver’s stress and help avoid burnout.
Homemade coupons for cleaning the house, cooking a meal, mowing the lawn or shoveling the driveway.
Gift cards for restaurants or meal delivery, laundry/dry cleaning services, lawn care and personal pampering such as massages and pedicures.
Books – in addition to tackling the caregiver’s “must read” list, there are a number of books on caregiving and maintaining self-health.
For more tips on how families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias can safely enjoy time with family and friends during the holidays, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website.
There are approximately 39,000 West Virginia residents aged 65 and older who are living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association “2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.” That number is expected to increase to 44,000 by 2025. One in three seniors dies with the disease.
Those concerned about themselves or a loved one can contact the Alzheimer’s Association West Virginia Chapter at 304.343.2717 to schedule a care consultation and be connected to local resources. The Alzheimer’s Association’s Helpline can be reached 24/7 at 800.272.3900.