A good friend requested for options for a Christmas present for her stepfather, who has Alzheimer’s illness. Because her stepfather’s skills have modified a lot up to now few years, she wasn’t positive what can be applicable. She additionally needed a present that may assist her mom, who’s her stepdad’s predominant caregiver.
A very good strategy is to discover a present that can attraction to the individual’s pursuits, however with an consciousness of how they’re altering on account of their illness, consultants say.
“Holidays and celebrations can be joyous, but for families with Alzheimer’s, these times can also be stressful,” mentioned Monica Moreno, senior director of care and assist on the Alzheimer’s Association.
It’s considerate and loving to incorporate somebody with dementia in vacation celebrations, however do not forget that as a result of the illness is progressive, you’ll want to discover presents that meet an individual the place they’re, she mentioned.
Shopping for presents for an individual with Alzheimer’s doesn’t should really feel overwhelming, mentioned Teepa Snow, an occupational therapist, advocate for folks residing with dementia and founding father of Positive Approach to Care, a corporation that goals to vary the tradition of dementia care. “What abilities do they still have and what have they lost? There are so many variables, and we may feel uncomfortable. Just start small and simple.”
When selecting a present, consider your beloved and the hobbies, pursuits and issues they loved up to now, and go from there.
Music
Make a number of playlists for various moods: songs for enjoyable, songs for getting energetic and songs from the previous days. If your beloved enjoys making music, a primary instrument like a bongo drum or a rainstick might be enjoyable, Snow mentioned. Get a couple of to allow them to play music with another person.
Scale the present to align with what they will take pleasure in, Moreno mentioned. “If they liked music, you wouldn’t get them a music book, but maybe you could get them some music by their favorite conductor.”
Food and drinks
A espresso lover may not be capable to make their favourite brew anymore, however on the spot espresso may be extra their pace. You can add a sturdy cup with a lid to allow them to drink the espresso with out worrying about spills.
There are a number of Advent calendars stuffed with candies, sweet, cheese and different goodies obtainable through the vacation season, giving a beloved one one thing small to open every day. A subscription to a month-to-month supply of a favourite factor — pickles, fruit, cookies, nuts — is a strategy to make the present final for a lot of months.
Clothing
Choose clothes in mushy materials that’s simple to placed on and take off. Think mittens as a substitute of gloves, pants with elastic waistbands, Velcro as a substitute of buttons. Err on the facet of a looser match slightly than tighter.
Photography
An individual who spent their life appreciating basic automobiles may take pleasure in a calendar with footage of retro automobiles to have a look at all yr. A world traveler may like a photograph guide of locations they visited or dreamed of going to. Decks of taking part in playing cards with photographs on them can be utilized for enjoying video games, and the photographs themselves can be entertaining.
Or put collectively a field of previous photographs and playing cards that your beloved can look by. It could or could not spark reminiscences, however it may be a consolation and a dialog starter.
Media
There are some tv companies are created particularly for folks with cognitive decline. Zinnia TV, Memory Lane TV and My Life TV are subscription companies which have easy movies that includes animals, infants, artwork and nature.
DIY presents
Keep issues easy. Instead of a bouquet of flowers, you may give only one flower. If a jigsaw puzzle is simply too complicated, reduce up the field of a favourite cereal into a number of items. Some folks take pleasure in sorting issues, so a container of nuts and bolts to mix and take aside could also be pleasing. Others could take pleasure in pairing child socks. Snow had one shopper who loved tinkering with an previous typewriter that wanted to be mounted.
Time
The finest present you may give is the present of time, Snow and Moreno each mentioned. If you give somebody music, sit with them and hearken to it collectively. Look by the picture guide, work on the puzzle, share a cup of espresso. Not solely is it good to spend time with your beloved, it provides their caregiver a break.
“That’s the greatest gift for caregivers,” Moreno mentioned. “It gives them a chance to take care of themselves.”
Alzheimer’s is an isolating illness, however there are assets for households who’re struggling. Caregivers can name 800-272-3900, 24 hours a day, seven days every week, with common questions and for care consultations. AlzConnected is a free on-line group, hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, for folks residing with dementia and their caregivers.
Now learn: Want some household enjoyable? Try new video games with a generational twist.
Source web site: www.marketwatch.com
