The Alzheimer’s Association has created a list of useful, safe gifts for people with advanced Alzheimer’s.
identification bracelet, such as the one offered through MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return®.
comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing
audiotapes of favorite music or books
videos of favorite movies, animals, sports team or travel destination
subscriptions to magazines that reflect hobbies, such as a gardening or cars
warm blankets or quilts
photo albums
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When we are looking for gifts for advanced Alzheimer’s – There are a lot of loved ones who are in care facilities. My mother is one in the dementia wing, and i have spent so much time with her over the years and observing other residents. Pretty much the whole list given above does not apply.
Residents have lost the concept of mine/yours – they wander into others rooms and take things. So – don’t give anything of value – it disappears quickly. Magazines are good to carry around or tear up – not to read. “Favorite” anything is gone from memory.
Things don’t count anymore. What does count is your continued presence: hugs, “I love you,” get them up for a walk – outside whenever possible. Remind them (just for the tone of voice and love that comes out) of all the good times, all they accomplished in their lives, what a wonderful person they are to you.
My mother smiles at these times, and I know we “connect” on some level.
Comment by Judy Stabler - December 9, 2008 7:51 pm
While these ideas are conscientious, it is important to note that when a person is in an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s, videos and tapes and audios are only useful if there is someone to operate the players for them. The use of remote controls and electronic devices is often very confusing or impossible for people with advanced Alzheimer’s.
The same goes for magazine – unless they are mainly visually stimulating, offering an advanced patient reading material doesn’t make sense. In this case, I’d good picture books, preferably those that lend to a positive emotional climate. Photo albums are great IF they contain the photos already.
I also would caution the offering of comfort food gifts, such as a box of chocolates. The recipient may find themselves overindulging. Avoid anything too perishable, lest it be ignored, and end up attracting pests. I have a horror story or two about this as well. One patient I knew received a package of fruit that she wasn’t immediately interested. She set it in a cabinet, and ended up forgetting it, only to end up with a nasty ant and odor problem from the rotting forgotten fruit.
Comment by omagine - December 22, 2008 6:45 am