The holiday season is a time for spreading joy, making memories, and sharing thoughtful gifts with loved ones. For families with loved ones living with dementia, selecting the perfect gift can be challenging. Certain items may even be inappropriate for individuals living in a residential care community such as an assisted living or nursing home. At Rockingham County, we’re here to support you in making this holiday season special for the seniors with dementia in your life.
Here’s our holiday gift-giving guide with tips, tricks, and suggestions to help you choose presents that are safe, meaningful, and practical for seniors with dementia.
Tips for Gifts to Seniors With Dementia
- Consider practicality – Ensure items are easy to use and maintain in a senior living setting.
- Choose appropriate clothing – Not all clothing is suitable for seniors with dementia; avoid anything with buttons or clasps, and bulky items like wool sweaters.
- Check with staff – Confirm what’s allowed and what might already be provided.
- Prioritize sentimentality – Consider gifts that spark connection over those with a monetary value.
What Not to Bring To Seniors With Dementia
When selecting gifts for seniors living in residential care facilities, avoid items that may pose concerns such as:
- Hazardous Items: Candles, sharp objects, or fragile decorations.
- Food Unsuitable for Diets: High-sugar treats, perishable goods, or choking hazards like hard candy.
- Trip Hazards: Bulky furniture, rugs, or non-approved footwear.
- Valuable Gifts: Expensive jewelry, complex electronics, or easily lost items.
10 Gift Ideas For Seniors With Dementia
- Keep it Cozy
- Memories Matter
- Joy in Music
- Tasty Treats
- Self-Care
- Comfort Companions
- Entertainment
- Connection and Creativity
- Sensory Experiences
- Gift of Time
1. Keep it Cozy
Help your loved ones stay cozy this winter with gifts like fleece blankets, soft robes, or non-slip socks. These items not only provide comfort but are also practical year-round.
2. Memories Matter
Heartfelt gifts not only add a touch of home to a residents’ space, but also help provide them with opportunities to reminisce. Consider framing a favorite family photo or creating a scrapbook. If your loved one’s senior living community offers resident memory boxes you could also use this time to update it with new keepsakes.
3. Joy in Music
Music is a great tool to help seniors with dementia spark joy. A resident might appreciate a portable radio or music player preloaded with their favorite songs.
4. Tasty Treats
Holiday treats are always a hit! Just be sure to check in with nursing staff to ensure any food items you purchase are appropriate for a residents’ diet!
5. Self-Care
Spa days are common activities in senior living communities. Consider gifting soothing gifts like gentle lotions, lip balms, or mild skincare products to enhance your loved one’s next day of pampering.
6. Comfort Companions
For residents who seek companionship, an item they are sure to appreciate is a lifelike robotic or weighted pet like these ones from Eugeria. Similarly, a weighted lap pad or blanket can help mitigate feelings of anxiety and loneliness.
7. Entertainment and Engagement
Dementia-friendly large-print books, puzzles, or coloring sets are a wonderful way to stimulate brain activity for seniors with dementia. You can find a variety of options on marketplaces like Amazon or Relish.
8. Connection and Creativity
Crafts can help with dexterity and bring about a sense of accomplishment. Gifts like dementia-friendly painting kits or activity books are sure to promote opportunities for joy and creativity.
9. Sensory Activities
A great way to engage with seniors with late stage dementia is through sensory activities. Aromatherapy, textured toys, and sound machines can help stimulate the senses and promote relaxation.
10. Gift of Time
Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to focus on finding the perfect present. But sometimes, the most meaningful gift you can give doesn’t come in a box — it’s the gift of your time.
For senior living residents, the moments shared with loved ones are truly priceless. Whether it’s a visit filled with laughter, a quiet conversation, or simply being present, your time can bring joy, connection, and warmth that no store-bought gift can match.
