Gift Giving Ideas for Adults Living with Memory Loss

Choosing the perfect gift for someone can be difficult, but add in the special needs of those living with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia and it can become next to impossible. We have compiled a list of suitable practical items and those that may help recall foud memories.

Practical Gifts:

1. Comfortable, oversized cotton clothing which is easy to put on, such as slippers with firm and non-slip bottoms
2. Comfortable tennis shoes – brands that have Velcro instead of shoe strings are the best for loved ones with vision issues
3. Exercise items - such as a soft sponge ball, make great gifts for persons living with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia
4. Book of short stories with large print words
5. Puzzles with large to extra-large sized pieces
6. Night lights that automatically turn on when it gets dark
7. Small afghans or quilts
8. Photo or memory phone
9. Cuddly stuffed animal
10. Homemade foods – especially favorite holiday cookies and snacks
11. Playing cards
12. Activity books – crosswords, strategy games, math games
13. Clock with large digital display
14. Hobby related gifts – yarn if they love to knit or a bird house if they enjoy building things

Gifts to Help Them Remember:

1. Scrapbook – include pictures of family, friends, places lived or visited, favorite foods, poetry, and the joys of the past (all labeled and perhaps with notes about the day the picture was taken).  The scrapbook can also be used to start conversations on your visits
2. Framed photographs or collages of your family 
3. Custom calendar with family photographs and special dates, such as birthdays, marked
4. CDs and other music from the era they grew up in - music has been proven to help increase brain activity

Things to Consider:

If your loved one is living in a long-term care environment, don't buy them expensive jewelry, clothes needing dry cleaning or complicated gifts. Instead, give the gift of your time. Plan an afternoon together, or a special outing. You'll find your time is the most cherished gift you can give.

For additional gift ideas, contact the Arden Courts Memory Care Community nearest you.

^Sources:

1. ^{Alzheimer’s Association - http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_holiday_gift_guide.asp}
2. ^{Alzheimer’s Association - http://www.alz.org/ri/in_my_community_14945.asp}
3. ^{Best Alzheimer’s Products - http://www.best-alzheimers-products.com/gifts-for-alzheimers.html}
4. ^{Home Helpers Senior Care Services Blog – http://www.homehelpersphilly.com/blog/bid/47001/Great-Gift-Ideas-for-People-With-Alzheimer-s}