25 Best Gifts for Dementia Patients and Seniors
November 27, 2022//Last Updated September 24, 2023
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If you’re looking for the best gifts for dementia patients and seniors, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of some of the best gifts out there to make life a little bit easier for those living with dementia or aging parents. They may even help their caregiver out. From practical gift ideas to thoughtful options, we’ve got you covered!
25 Best Gifts for Dementia Patients and Seniors
- A Memory Box. A memory box is a perfect gift for a dementia patient. The box can be filled with items that are significant to the patient, such as photos, mementos, and keepsakes. This will help the patient to hold on to their memories and to keep them close at hand.
BUY A MEMORY BOX - Weighted Blanket. Weighted blankets are a great choice for dementia patients that struggle with restlessness or agitation. The gentle pressure of the blanket can help to soothe them and make them feel secure and relaxed. Choose one made from breathable materials and in an appropriate weight for your loved one.
BUY A WEIGHTED BLANKET - A Set of Personalized Stationery. Depending on the stage of dementia, a set of personalized stationery can be good gifts for dementia patients who still love to write letters. The stationery can be engraved with the patient’s name or initials and can be used to write letters to loved ones or to keep a journal. This will help the patient to stay connected to their loved ones and to express themselves through writing.
BUY PERSONALIZED STATIONERY NOTECARDS - Subscription to a Favorite Magazine. A subscription to a favorite magazine is a great gift for a dementia patient who enjoys reading. The magazine can be one that the patient has always enjoyed, or it can be one that covers topics of interest to the patient. This will help the patient to stay engaged and informed and will provide them with something to look forward to each month.
BUY READER’S DIGEST LARGE PRINT MAGAZINE - Fidget Blanket. A fidget blanket is a great gift for dementia patients who have difficulty calming down or focusing on tasks. The blanket can be made of soft material and filled with different activities, such as buttons, zippers, and flaps, that help to stimulate the patient’s senses. This will help the patient to stay busy and occupied for longer.
BUY A FIDGET BLANKET - An Audiobook. An audiobook is a great gift for dementia patients who love to read but may not be able to because of diminished vision or difficulty focusing. Most audiobooks can be used with headphones and cannot be erased, unlike a tape or recording.
BUY A BIBLE AUDIO BOOK - Craft Kits. A craft kit is a great gift for dementia patients who enjoy doing crafts. The kit can be customized to the patient’s skill level, with options ranging from simple jigsaw puzzles to painting, and yarn crafts. This will help the patient to stay sharp and engaged and will provide them with something to look forward to.
BUY A PAINT-BY-NUMBERS KIT - A Calendar. A calendar is a wonderful gift to give to dementia patients who have difficulty remembering dates or appointments. The calendar can be personalized with photos of family members, as well as important dates and events. This will help the patient to stay organized and on track and will provide them with a sense of security.
BUY A LARGE PRINT CALENDAR - A Puzzle Book. People with dementia often still love puzzles and games. The book can be filled with crosswords, word puzzles, math puzzles, and other activities that will help to keep the patient’s mind sharp. This will help the patient to stay engaged and to stay sharp. They come in different levels. Even a child’s level puzzle book would be a useful gift.
BUY A DEMENTIA PUZZLE WITH 16 LARGE PIECES - A Family Tree Chart. A family tree chart is a great gift for dementia patients who have difficulty remembering their family members. The chart can be personalized with photos of the patient’s loved ones as well as important dates, such as birthdays and anniversaries. This will help the patient to stay connected to their family and help them identify who is who.
BUY A FAMILY TREE CHART WITH JOURNAL - A Photo Album. This is a wonderful gift for dementia patients who love looking at photographs. The album can be filled with photos of the person’s family members, friends, and pets. This will help the patient to feel connected to their loved ones both present and in the past.
BUY HARDCOVER PHOTO ALBUM - A Digital Photo Frame. A digital photo frame makes an engaging gift for dementia patients who love looking at photos but aren’t able to turn pages of a photo album. The frame can be preloaded with photos of the patient’s family members, friends, and pets. This will help to stimulate their mind and bring them joy. It can also be set up to automatically cycle through the photos.
BUY TOUCH SCREEN PHOTO FRAME - Puzzle Games as a Gift for People with Dementia. Puzzles are a great gift for dementia patients. They can help to stimulate the brain and provide the patient with an activity that is both challenging and rewarding. The puzzles can be simple jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, or more 3D puzzles. They will help to keep the patient engaged and occupied for longer periods of time, and will provide them with a sense of accomplishment when they complete the puzzle. Puzzles are also great for helping to stimulate the patient’s memory and cognitive skills. They can help to keep the brain active and engaged and help protect against a further decline in mental functioning. The puzzles can be tailored to the patient’s individual interests or skill level.
BUY PUZZLE BRAIN GAMES - Stuffed Animals. As reality fades for dementia patients, stuffed animals can be a source of comfort. These furry friends can provide the patient with a sense of security and companionship that they may have difficulty finding elsewhere. Stuffed animals come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and can be personalized with their name or initials for an extra special touch. This is one of the best gifts for dementia patients!
BUY A REALISTIC AND LIFELIKE INTERACTIVE STUFFED PUPPY - A Music Player. A music player is a great gift for dementia patients who love to listen to music. The player can be loaded with their favorite songs or soothing classical tunes, which will help to bring them comfort and joy. Playing music has a calming effect on the patient, and it also helps to stimulate their memory by activating different parts of the brain.
BUY ONE-TOUCH MUSIC PLAYER WITH NOSTALGIC HITS INCLUDED - A Baby Doll. Baby dolls can be therapeutic for dementia patients. It can help soothe and calm them. It can also help to bring back memories of their own children or grandchildren when they were young. The baby doll can be personalized with a name and photos of the patient’s family members.
BUY REBORN BABY DOLL – LIFELIKE - Clock with Large Display of Date, Time, and Time of Day. A clock with a large display is an ideal gift for dementia patients. The large, easy-to-read face helps them to stay on track and can help to reduce stress by removing the need for the patient to try to figure out what time it is. It will also help them keep track of meals and other events that occur throughout the day.
BUY LARGE DIGITAL CLOCK WITH DATE, DAY OF WEEK, AND TIME OF DAY - A Personalized Mug with their Name and Favorite Photo. A personalized mug is a great gift for dementia patients. It can be customized with the patient’s name and a favorite photo of a family member or pet. The mug will serve as a reminder of the people they love each time they take a sip from it. It also doubles as a great conversation starter when they have visits from relatives or friends.
BUY MUG WITH PERSONALIZED PHOTO AND TEXT - A Basket of Snacks and Treats. Sometimes people with dementia develop strong cravings for snacks, especially sweets. Putting together a basket of their favorite treats is a great way to show them you care. Include items like chocolates, cookies, and other snacks that are easy for the patient to eat. The basket can also be personalized with messages or photos of their loved ones.
BUY GOURMET CANDY GIFT BASKET - Slippers or Non-slip Socks. Since people with dementia are prone to lose their balance or falling, non-slip slippers or socks make a great gift. They can help them stay safe and comfortable, while also helping to prevent falls. They come in a variety of colors, designs, and sizes so you can choose the perfect ones for your loved one!
BUY MEMORY FOAM SLIPPERS - A Pet Bed or Toy if they have a Furry Friend. Pets are often a big comfort for those with dementia. A gift for the pet is a great idea. It could be a pet bed, toy or treats. It will help to create a sense of comfort and security for the patient, knowing that their beloved pet is taken care of as well.
BUY ORTHOPEDIC DOG BED - Scented Lotion. Scented lotion can help dementia patients to relax and feel comfortable. Pick a scent that is calming or uplifting, such as lavender or lemon. This will provide an added bit of comfort for the patient throughout their day.
BUY PROBIOTIC SHEA BUTTER LOTION - Stress or Sensory Ball. A stress or sensory ball is a great gift for dementia patients. The tactile sensation can help to reduce agitation and anxiety, while also providing a way for the patient to focus their energy. They come in a variety of colors and textures so you can choose one that best suits your loved one’s needs!
BUY HAND THERAPY STRESS BALLS - Comfy Clothes. Comfortable and loose-fitting clothes are often a great choice for dementia patients. The clothing should be easy to put on, as well as moisture-wicking and breathable. Choose items that they can wear easily throughout the day and that make them feel good!
BUY ADAPTIVE SWEATER FOR DEMENTIA PATIENTS - Your Time. Dementia can be a very lonely experience for the patient. Give the ultimate gift of your time by visiting and spending quality time with them. You could take them out to lunch, go for a walk together, or just sit and talk. Showing that someone cares and is willing to spend time with them will mean much more than any material gift.
These gifts for dementia patients and seniors are sure to bring a smile to the face of any dementia patient. No matter what you choose, it’s important to remember that your time and presence mean more than anything else. Showing them love and care is the best way to show your support and love.
