Birthday’s, anniversaries,
Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or any other holiday, important moments are often
commemorated with a gift. Finding the right gift for those you love can be a
complex task, especially when your loved one is memory impaired. We have a set
of guidelines and gift ideas to help you give thoughtful gifts appropriate for
their memory stage.
When thinking of what to
gift, consider giving gifts that include the five senses or brain stimulation. “Sensory
gifts are a particularly good choice for people with severe [memory impairment].
Just remember that no matter how severe the disease or how far progressed,
people still need and welcome this stimulation.”
These are a few ways our
senses can work to trigger memories:
Smell – A familiar scent can
trigger the memory of a happy moment
Sight – Photos or videos of
familiar places or moments can trigger emotions from that time
Sound – Familiar songs or
voices can help a person recall a time where they enjoyed that sound
Touch – Familiar fabrics or
textures can provide a comforting feeling or inspire related memories
Taste – The flavor of
familiar fruits, vegetables, meats, spices, etc. can trigger memories linked to
sharing these items.
Multi sensory gifts can be
used as a loving and healthy way to help memory impaired parents recall
memories. Below are four creative gifts you can create for your loved one to
engage their senses:
Early Memory Loss Stage
Photo Book
A photo book
can be a wonderful way to share fond memories with your loved one and show how
much you care. This gift can be considered equal parts therapeutic and
enjoyable. In a recent article from dailycaring.com photos are an excellent way
to reminisce. When creating the photo book “[p]hotos of family, friends, and
important life events are always good choices.” http://dailycaring.com/4-ways-reminiscence-therapy-for-dementia-brings-joy-to-seniors/
Custom Calendar
A custom
calendar “that features special family occasions and family photos,” can help
your loved one remember birthday’s, anniversaries or other fond memories and
occasions according to Alzheimers.net writer Caitlin Burm. https://www.alzheimers.net/5-29-15-gift-ideas-for-alzheimers-and-dementia/
Middle to Late Memory Loss Stage
Memory Box
A memory box
holds a compilation of items that your loved one holds dear from photos of
great moments to postcards or a personal item. “When a senior who has
Alzheimer’s opens a memory box, it can stir thoughts of happy moments in life
and give that person something to talk about” as well as “link loved ones to
their identity, with keepsakes emphasizing an overall holiday, person or theme
that lifts the senior’s spirit,” writes Jennifer Wegerer in 5 Reasons to Make a Memory Box for
Alzheimer’s. https://www.alzheimers.net/2014-02-06/memory-boxes-for-patients/
A Themed Basket
Create a
sensory themed basket with simple enjoyable items like socks, a blanket or a
bath robe in your loved one’s favorite color. Include a framed photo or photo
collage and “insert the names of the people in the photo,” recommends the
Alzheimer’s Association. You can even include scented lotion or a favorite
snack as long as it aligns with care instructions from their primary medical care
provider.
You don’t have to have a
special occasion to share a gift with a loved one. A gift large or small can
brighten any day. Keep in mind multi sensory stimulation is great for memory
impaired parents and can positively impact memory and cognition.
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Sources
http://dailycaring.com/4-ways-reminiscence-therapy-for-dementia-brings-joy-to-seniors/
https://www.alzheimers.net/5-29-15-gift-ideas-for-alzheimers-and-dementia/
https://www.alzheimers.net/2014-02-06/memory-boxes-for-patients/
https://store.best-alzheimers-products.com/root-catalog/alzheimers-dementia-gift-ideas.html/alzheimers-gift-guide.html
https://www.alzheimers.net/2014-01-23/sensory-stimulation-alzheimers-patients/
https://www.best-alzheimers-products.com/sensory-stimulation-for-alzheimers.html
https://www.best-alzheimers-products.com/visual-stimulation.html
https://myageingparent.com/health/mental-health/gifts-to-buy-for-someone-with-dementia/