Christmas gift ideas for someone elderly or someone with dementia.
The clock is ticking and now with less than 10 weeks until Christmas Day, do you need some help? This is the article featured in Devon Life last year, with a few tweaks and additions. I hope it helps?
What DO you buy someone elderly that has all they need? What would be a thoughtful present for someone with dementia to enjoy? I think this “Call to Mind” game is wonderful. Ideal for care homes and family homes too, no more need for a stunned silence ! The video explains all…
Indoor plants add a splash of colour, and seasonal bouquets can really make someone feel special. Ladies, appreciate smellies, the National Trust shops offer a lovely array of locally made artisan soaps and smells.
Gardening vouchers, book tokens or a magazine subscription are thoughtful ideas, for those who are able to make use of them.
Replace traditional walking sticks with one from Flexyfoot, fashionable, comfortable and safer, on uneven or icy ground. Available on-line and from selected stockists.
A promise of a meal out in the New Year is always a thoughtful gift, one to look forward with good food in good company always enjoyed.
For someone with dementia a photo book of memories, digital photo frame, or photo cushion are thoughtful ideas. Soft blankets made into dementia blankets (sew on buttons, ribbons, zips, jingle bells and Velcro) provide both comfort and warmth plus relief to agitated hands.
Adult colouring is huge at present and seen as both therapy and brain stimulating. For someone with dementia Aqua Paints are enjoyable and rewarding, I had fun testing them!
Music, music and more music! Buy an MP3 player and record all the music that someone with dementia likes. I have seen the magic of music for someone with dementia, from agitated to calm and toe tapping in a matter of notes. Big headphones are more comfortable and better with hearing aids.
Soft pyjamas are ideal for both men and women. Feeling nice and keeping them warm in bed. For someone in a care home you can never have too many pyjamas.
Socks! Who doesn’t appreciate a really nice pair of socks ? For anyone with swollen ankles Cosyfeet sell socks which fit comfortably, wash well and last. Slippers? Check your loved ones slippers, do they still fit well? Sloppy slippers are one of the main trip hazards leading to falls.
Make some of my FREE to make at home range of assistance items, now award-winning no less! Available items include cards, adhesive labels, and iron on transfers for clothing. What better gift than keeping someone with dementia safe or independent. Free yet priceless according to the feedback. Make them here.
I have a practical streak to me and think something that keeps someone safe is one of the most caring gifts for someone elderly.
A high visibility vest for mobility scooter users, carbon monoxide monitors, smoke alarms, a GPS tracker for someone with dementia, really useful ideas. One of my favourites is the electric one-handed can opener from Kenwood. Safe, easy can-opening. A one-cup water boiler makes brewing up safer too with no heavy kettles of boiling water to lift they are available from all major electrical retailers throughout Devon.
A trip to the local nail bar or visit from a nail technician will brighten anyone’s nails for the festive season – women mainly- but who knows? Choose something festive and fun and don’t forget the glitter.
Cook a Christmas meal for someone as a gift. I have been doing this with my husband, Paul, for five years, adding more and more people to our list. A delicious meal beats a ready meal on the Day and makes people feel thought of at what is for many a very lonely time of year.
This year via social media platforms we have launched “Operation Christmas Dinner” and managed to engage people all over the U.K. We are all going to cook Christmas meals for elderly people near them who wouldn’t have one otherwise.
Not difficult for most of us to do and there is still time for you to join us doing so. We cook on the 23rd and plate up in foil trays and deliver on the 24th. For more information contact me here. It’s the best gift we give over the Festive season.
