Gift Ideas for Those with Alzheimer’s

Below are some suggested gift items for those with Alzheimer’s. A lot of the suggestions are practical in nature, but will definitely come in handy.

• Erasable white boards for the most used rooms in the house (These work like a charm, especially on the refrigerator)
• Baskets or trays that can be labeled within cabinets or drawers
• A small diary or notebook
• A photo calendar prefilled with family birthdays and anniversaries
• Memory phone that can store up to eight pictures with the names and contact information of family and friends
• Automatic medication dispenser that can help your family member remember to take his/her medicine (this could become a challenge with those with late or moderate stage Alzheimer’s)
• Light sensor night lights
• Clock with the date and time in large type
• Favorite musical CDs or *CD with compilation of favorite tunes
• VHS/DVD collection of favorite movies
• Tickets to a movie, play, concert, sporting event, or museum

In addition to the items above, for those with moderate to late stage Alzheimer’s, memory problems are more severe. Gifts that assist with the day-to-day activities or provide sensory stimulation that may stir up happy memories from the past are great ideas.

• Easy to remove clothing i.e.: sweat pants or sweat shirts with zippers or large buttons, etc.
• Easy to wash clothing
• Favorite musical CDs or CD with compilation of favorite tunes. Studies have shown that music can increase stimulation and provide an opportunity to interact with family members.
• Labeled and framed photos or photo albums of family and friends
• Scented lotions
• Afghan or quilt
• Nice bathrobe in a favorite color
• Velcro shoes

I highly recommend staying away from high tech items. While they may seem like a good idea, it may cause more confusion and pain in the long run. Some elderly can be intimidated by computers and other electronic equipment, add Alzheimer’s to the mix and it could become a nightmare for you and a lot of emotional upheaval for those suffering with Alzheimer’s. I’ve seen it time and time again, clients brought to tears, anger, and frustration because they can’t remember what the high tech item is for, how to turn it on, how to turn it off, why it’s beeping/chiming/vibrating etc.
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