25 Gift Ideas For Your Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s and Dementia

With the festive season just around the corner, many of us are getting excited to share memories, delicious food, and the experience of exchanging gifts with our loved ones. However, if someone dear to you lives with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you may feel a little unsure of what gifts are appropriate or meaningful for them. 

The holiday season can be difficult for those of us with family members or friends living with an illness or disability. Fortunately, the range of gift options is wider than ever, with ideas to spark joy in any of your loved ones this festive season. 

We’ll explore what Alzheimer’s disease and dementia entail and some key things to remember when interacting with loved ones with these conditions before diving into some fantastic gift ideas to brighten their day this Christmas. Let’s get into it!

People with alzheimer’s and dementia in Australia

Before we explore the gift and holiday celebration ideas, it is important to understand what dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are and how they affect individuals living with these conditions. 

While Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease are often used interchangeably, they actually have very different meanings. Dementia is a general term for any condition that produces specific symptoms like memory loss, reasoning, and other thinking and cognitive abilities. 

Dementia is not a specific disease – it is a syndrome that is used to describe a wide range of symptoms. There are many different types of dementia that can be caused by different things. 

Alzheimer’s is a specific disease that causes dementia symptoms. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia and also the most common cause. Alzheimer’s disrupts the ability of neurons in the brain to work normally and communicate with each other. 

People with Alzheimer’s have decreased amounts of important chemicals in the brain, including acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and somatostatin. This makes it harder for the brain to function normally and exchange messages with other organs.

Dementia Australia has recently released a useful dementia guide available in three formats. You can listen to it as an audiobook, download it as a digital file or order a printed copy. The Dementia Guide provides useful information about the impact of dementia, treatment and support options, and effective management strategies you can use at home.

Symptoms of dementia

The signs and symptoms of dementia vary between individuals. The signs can also change depending on whether the dementia is in its early (mild), middle (moderate), or late (severe) stage. Some common signs and symptoms include the following:

• Forgetfulness
• Losing belongings often
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Inability to keep track of time
• Forgetting recent or major events
• Forgetting names and other important information (addresses, phone numbers)
• Requiring assistance with personal care
• Behavioural and personality changes
• Communication changes
• Withdrawal from social situations when overwhelmed
• Gradual loss of physical abilities
• Confusion
• Mood changes such as depression
• Speaking and swallowing difficulty (only in late stages).

If you have elderly loved ones at home that are beginning to display these symptoms, monitor their behaviours and actions, and take note of the subtle signs. If these behaviours progress, consult a doctor immediately.

What causes alzheimer’s and dementia?

Dementia can have many causes, including genetics, lifestyle, age, and health status. Age is one of the biggest predictors of dementia, but it can also affect younger people due to genetic predisposition, traumatic brain injury (TBI), vascular disorders, poor blood flow to the brain, or other conditions like Parkinson’s. 

Alzheimer’s is caused by a build of amyloids and tau, two proteins in and around the brain cells which are responsible for memory, communicating with other cells, and other cognitive functions. 

Who is affected by dementia and alzheimer’s disease?

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that between 386,200 and 472,000 Australians are living with some type of dementia, including those with Alzheimer’s disease. This equates to around 15 people being diagnosed with dementia for every 1,000 Australians. Dementia is more common in older people, affecting around 83 people in every 1,000 Australians aged over 65. Women are more likely than men to experience dementia, with around two-thirds of all people with dementia identifying as women. 

With the population ageing in Australia and globally, dementia prevalence is predicted to double by 2058. Unfortunately, dementia is also a leading contributor to deaths in Australia, accounting for 14,500 deaths (9.6% of all deaths) in Australia in 2020. Dementia is the second most common cause of death in Australia and is the single biggest cause of death for Australian women.

Celebrating Christmas with loved ones with alzheimer’s or dementia

The festive season is a special time for family, friends, and loved ones to gather, celebrate, and reflect on the year that has passed. It is an important time to slow down and reflect on what matters most, which is usually our nearest and dearest. Dementia and Alzheimer’s can create barriers or challenges to socialising and large gatherings, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to include a loved one with these conditions in the celebrations. 

Holidays and special life events can be stressful or difficult for people with dementia and their loved ones and caregivers. But there are many benefits to celebrating and connecting with the ones we love. If you care for someone living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, here are some tips for making the holidays fun, inclusive, and enjoyable for all involved.

1. Use technology to bridge physical divides.

If your loved one can’t attend in person, set up a Zoom of Facetime call to include them where possible.

2. Prioritise what matters most.

Socialising can be tiring for people experiencing dementia. Don’t expect them to have the energy to participate in a full day of celebrations, rather choose a few key moments that will be most meaningful and include them in a way that is suitable for their needs. 

3. Keep it nice and short

Keep celebrations shorter to avoid burnout for the person with dementia and their caregivers. 

4. Seek a professional support

Consider engaging a support worker to assist you with caregiving responsibilities, reduce your stress and give you more time to enjoy celebrating the day.

5. Consider the day and time of the event

Consider the day and time of your event and try to plan around what will be easiest for the person with dementia. If they have more energy in the mornings, plan a brunch gathering rather than a late dinner. Try to schedule gatherings when they don’t have other appointments or when a support worker is available to assist.

6. Set up a quiet place

Set up a quiet place where the individual can retreat for some peace and rest when needed or when the gathering gets loud or overwhelming.

7. Keep the guest list intimate

Larger groups will be more likely to overwhelm the individual and lead them to retreat. Keep the group smaller to allow more connection and conversation.

8. Location

Choose a familiar, comfortable location that the person knows well and feels safe in.

9. Plan in advance

Discuss what the person with dementia would like to do ahead of time and plan it in advance. They may want to make handmade cards for their loved ones, choose a music playlist, or have a specific food that they would love to eat.

10. Create meaningful experiences

Create meaningful experiences by looking at old photos or home movies, sharing stories from your shared past, or asking the person with dementia to share a favourite memory.

11. Ask for and accept help

Ask for and accept help from neighbours, friends, family members, or professional care workers. Don’t try to do it all alone to avoid caregiver burnout and fatigue.

12. Give yourself some gratitude

Give yourself some gratitude for all the hard work you are doing, and know you are creating precious memories for your entire family and close circle.

25 Christmas gift ideas for people with alzheimer’s or dementia

If exchanging gifts is part of your family tradition around the holidays, you may feel confused about what to buy for someone experiencing the symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s. The tendency for people with dementia to misplace belongings can make it difficult to choose appropriate gifts that will be meaningful and useful for the individual long-term. 

Of course, no one wants to feel excluded when gifts are being opened. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the best Christmas or holiday gift ideas for your loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We’ll explain why they are a great gift, where to get them from and give indicative pricing to help you plan and budget for a stress-free festive season.

1. Conversation Cards for Adults, Nostalgic Items

Why it’s a great gift: The Conversation Cards offer a simple and engaging activity or game for dementia patients and their caregivers, activity professionals or speech therapists designed to provide sensory and cognitive stimulation while reminiscing, recalling memories, and sharing stories. They can be enjoyed at home, in long-term care, or in an assisted living facility.

Cost: $29.99

Find out more or buy it here.

2. Relish – Simple Portable FM Radio and Music Player for Seniors

Why it’s a great gift: Large buttons, easy to use controls, and specially designed for people with dementia to easily listen to their favourite music.

Cost: $149

Find out more or buy it here.

3. SMPL One-Touch Music Player, Audiobooks + MP3

Why it’s a great gift: One of the easiest to use players of music, podcasts, and audiobooks to keep your loved one engaged.

Cost: $287

Find out more or buy it here.

4. Eatwell Assistive Tableware Set

Why it’s a great gift: Encourages independent eating and can help reduce or lighten caregiving tasks. User-friendly functionality and colourful aesthetics promote joyful eating experiences

Cost: $98

Find out more or buy it here.

5. Digital Day Clock 2.0 with Custom Alarms and Calendar Reminders

Why it’s a great gift: Thoughtfully developed user interface and easy-access side buttons make this clock ideal for seniors. Create as many alarms as you need. Easily adjust the volume, length, sounds and messaging. Automatically adjusts for daylight saving time with a worldwide schedule built in.

Cost: $60

Find out more or buy it here.

6. Deluxe 5-piece Redware Dining Set

Why it’s a great gift: Red dinnerware has been found to increase eating volume for people with dementia, helping maintain adequate nutrition and wellbeing. The set also has non-slip bottoms to assist independent eating.

Cost: $24

Find out more or buy it here.

7. Specialized clothing for Alzheimer’s and dementia

Why it’s a great gift: Easy to take on and off, prevents disrobing and makes life easier for the individual and caregivers.

Cost: Varies.

Find out more or buy it here.

8. Make your own DIY custom photo storybook

Why it’s a great gift: Creating customised photobooks with storytelling features can help retain precious memories and create bonding experiences. 

Cost: Cost of materials and photo printing.

Find out more here.

9. Read-Aloud Books for Memory-Challenged Adults

Why it’s a great gift: This simple book for aging adults with dementia addresses two of the major challenges that caregivers face: communicating with the person with Alzheimer’s and finding meaningful ways to fill the time.

Cost: $118

Find out more or buy it here.

10. Emma Rose Sparrow books for different levels of dementia

Why it’s a great gift: Offers self-esteem and self-confidence to former bookworms who now struggle with “regular” books. You’ll know that you’re buying a book that is perfect for a dementia or Alzheimer’s patient, but the reader will only know that he/she is receiving a beautiful book that is eye-catching and easy to follow. Neither the title nor any text on or in the book states that the book is for dementia or any type of memory/cognitive problems so that the reader is not insulted.

Cost: $35

Find out more or buy it here.

11. Therapy dolls

Why it’s a great gift: Using dolls, or what can sometimes be referred to as ‘child representation’, can provide people with dementia an opportunity to interact with a ‘lifelike’ baby doll in a manner that may be therapeutic to them.

Cost: $50

Find out more or buy it here.

12. Joy for All Pet Companion robotic cat or puppy

Why it’s a great gift: Robotic therapy pets provide companionship for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Helps soothe agitation, stimulate activity and decrease loneliness.

Cost: $238

Find out more or buy it here.

13. Stuffed animals

Why it’s a great gift: Low-tech alternative to robotic companions, giving your loved one something to cuddle and nurture.

Cost: Various

Find out more or buy it here.

14. Weighted blankets

Why it’s a great gift: Alzheimer’s and dementia often cause older adults to feel agitated, anxious, or disturbed sleep. A weighted blanket promotes deep sleep, reduces anxiety, calms nerves, and provides comfort.

Cost: $49

Find out more or buy it here.

15. Busy Fingers Weighted Fidget Lap Pad with 3 Activity Panels

Why it’s a great gift: The soothing nature of a weighted lap pad combined with sensory stimulating and calming activities can help keep your loved one engaged and calm.

Cost: $165

Find out more or buy it here.

16. Portrait Puzzles custom photo puzzle

Why it’s a great gift: Doing simple puzzles helps keep the mind active, and using a photo of familiar loved ones will add a spark of joy and recognition.

Cost: $22

Find out more or buy it here.

17. Magnetic “Puzzles”

Why it’s a great gift: Great pastime for seniors struggling with ‘normal’ puzzles. The pieces fit together easily for a frustration-free activity.

Cost: $55

Find out more or buy it here.

18. Extra soft, reusable, non-toxic modelling clay

Why it’s a great gift: This modelling clay doesn’t dry out and is perfect for toddlers and seniors alike. Moulding interesting shapes and figures with this clay provides pleasant, soothing sensory stimulation and an opportunity play with children in their life.

Cost: $13 each

Find out more or buy it here.

19. Amazon Echo Show “Alexa” voice assistant with video calling

Why it’s a great gift: Voice assistants are fantastic for providing information and companionship reminders for important appointments. You can also use it to stay connected with your loved one if they live far away.

Cost: $79

Find out more or buy it here.

20. Smart Digital Picture Frames

Why it’s a great gift: You can set up smart picture frames to automatically scroll through your loved one’s favourite photos and memories without them needing to hold onto bulky photo albums.

Cost: varied.

Find out more or buy it here.

21. Dementia-friendly mobile phone

Why it’s a great gift: Want to stay connected but are concerned your loved one will find the complex features of high-tech smartphone confusing or frustrating? This is the gift for you!

Cost: $423 (depends on make and model)

Find out more or buy it here.

22. Custom photo blankets

Why it’s a great gift: Combining your loved one’s favourite images and memories with a comforting blanket is like gifting them a warm hug they can access anytime, anywhere.

Cost: various.

Find out more or buy it here.

23. DVD set of their favourite films or TV Shows

Why it’s a great gift: Familiar shows and films are a great way to spark memories and connect over shared interests.

Cost: varied.

24. Home movie with messages from loved ones

Why it’s a great gift: Recording personalised messages of love and friendship from the people your loved one cherishes most is an amazing way of reminding them they are loved and important.

Cost: varied.

25. Quality time with loved ones, especially younger people

Why it’s a great gift: It’s important for anyone to show each other that you care about your loved ones. It means a lot for your loved ones with dementia or alzheimer’s to show appreciation and respect to each other.

Cost: Free!

How Homage can help

Do you need support to care for a loved one experiencing dementia? Our team of compassionate, highly trained Care Professionals is ready to help. Everyone’s care needs are unique. We would love to understand your and your loved ones’ needs to develop a personalised care plan. We can support you in your home or provide a professional companionship service to take your loved one Christmas shopping.

Leave your contact details, and we will be in touch.

For urgent care, speak with our Care Advisors at 1300 705 029 and get connected to care today. Our Care Hotline is operational from 9 am to 9 pm (weekdays) and 5 pm (weekends and PH).

Provide the best care to your loved one today!