Each year most of us have one person with whom we struggle to find the perfect gift. At one point in our lives that person might be the family member known to be picky, or who has expensive taste while we are on a limited budget.
But eventually that person is the family member who is downsizing. Not only do they have everything they need, they have too much. Some of the downsizing even makes its way to your house.
Add a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or another dementia, and shopping just got that much harder. Often they loved family member with dementia no longer reads or golfs or knits or cooks. The same safe and comfortable clothes are worn over and over.
So how do you find the right gift for this person that you care for?
Well, The Alzheimer’s Store has great and meaningful options that could not only be a perfect way to say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukah” but may keep your loved one safe or make the life of the family caregiver easier.
Some items are surprising. Like baby dolls. A baby doll for an 85 year old? But listen to these testimonies from the store website:
My mother is in an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s. Her doll is her constant companion. In my mother’s mind, the doll is a living being. She cuddles it, talks to it, and exhibits less fearfulness at night when she sleeps with the doll. The familiar occupation of caring for “Little Debbie” seems to remind my mother of her role as an adult. The reduced level of agitation, and even more importantly, the comfort and happiness “Little Debbie” has brought my mother only makes me sad that I did not get her a doll sooner.” Jill – Caregiver for her Mother
And another comment: just received our doll…Lee…a short time ago. My husband’s eyes lit up, as they have not, for a long time. I put her in his arms where he cuddled her for a while, and then seemed to be sleeping. I tried to take the doll away and he grabbed her back to rock and “love” her. We have named her NAI AN. I had been afraid that he would scoff at such a gift, but, happily, and, somewhat sadly, I was wrong. He loves it. Regards, Marcia C.
These dolls are therapy for the family member with mid to late stage Alzheimer’s. According to the Alzheimer’s Association caring for the doll helps to bring about feelings of being useful again and the emotions that go with nurturing bring a sense of calm and contentment.
Or how about a mural that looks like a book shelf. It goes on the back of a door. Why you ask?
Well, 60% of those with Alzheimer’s or another dementia will wander and of those who wander, if not found in the first 24 hours, up to half will suffer a serious injury or death. Because dementia and Alzheimer’s cause brain tissue death, there is confusion about time and place. Many who wander are trying to get home or to a place that is familiar. They may not see their present location as home even if they have lived there for months. This wandering can cause family caregivers much worry and a sense of being unable to take their eyes off of their loved one.
So, if unable to find the door, the likelihood of wandering is greatly reduced. And this will help to eliminate the sense of frustration for the family caregiver who may at times feel as though they need or want to lock their loved one in. Since this can be unsafe, a room with shelves of books for a door is just the gift.
Other items include a handyman’s box with latches and clasps for manipulation. A weighted teddy bear that can be warmed or cooled in order to provide relief to achy joints while being soft and cuddly. A large clock that states the day clearly, a memory phone that holds 9 pictures so that your loved one can call you by simply pushing the button with your picture.
There are puzzle books with topics on Reminiscing through the 20th Century, A Walk in the Garden, and Hymns with pictures. All of the topics are relevant and provide opportunities for sharing and conversation.
As I browse through The Alzheimer’s Store online site there are numerous perfect gifts in a large price range. There really is no reason to be stuck for gifts for the one you love, even when that loved one may no longer know the season for giving is here.
As I looked through the store I chose my doll and if one day I am faced with the diagnosis of Alzheimer;s or another dementia, I will take Baby Casey.
For more ideas go to The Alzheimer’s Store at http://www.alzstore.com/