5 Helpful Gift "Don'ts" for Buying Gifts for Seniors with Dementia

Nothing shows love and appreciation for a loved one more than a meaningful gift. But while it may be a little easier to find a perfect present for a child, sibling, or friend, finding a good gift for a senior with dementia can be a tad harder. Some items that would make great gifts for most people can turn out to be not so good for seniors, especially those with dementia.

Despite the best intentions, some gifts can frustrate or upset them, or even cause them harm. So, what are the helpful gift "don'ts' for buying gifts for seniors with dementia?

Here are five potentially aggravating or patronizing gifts to avoid when buying presents for seniors with dementia in Indianapolis.

Pets

This may come as a surprise because pets are wonderful companions, and pet therapy (Animal Assisted Therapy) has been found to be a helpful complementary treatment for people with dementia and a couple of other health conditions.

However, pets can also be high maintenance. They need attention and care, which may be difficult for a senior with dementia. As the condition progresses, they may find feeding, cleaning, and grooming their pet increasingly difficult.

Also, some pets such as dogs like to play with people and run around their legs, which can cause falls among seniors.

Scented Candles

Aromatherapy has been getting a lot of attention lately as an alternative treatment for dementia. It helps with anxiety and insomnia, stimulates appetite, and improves memory and cognition. Therefore, scented candles may seem like a perfect gift for a senior with dementia. Unfortunately, they can easily become a household hazard. Seniors with dementia can forget to turn them off, resulting in a fire.

Elder Care Monitors

Elder care monitors such as cameras, sleep sensors, and room monitors can be a good way to check in on a senior living alone. However, they don't necessarily make good gifts. Many seniors may not like the idea of being watched, and as such, these gifts may come across as patronizing and controlling. If elderly care monitors can help, a senior should be consulted first and must be on board and comfortable with the arrangement.

Complex Board Games

On the surface, board games seem like a great gift idea. They keep seniors active and engaged cognitively. What can be wrong with that? But complex board games with many rules and numerous small parts can be more frustrating than fun for seniors with dementia.

Also, these games need a companion to be played, which may not work when a senior lives alone. When family or friends leave, a gift meant to bring joy can be a sad reminder that nobody is around to play with anymore.

High Tech Devices

While most people would love to receive the latest tech gadgets like smartphones as presents, seniors may not appreciate them as much. Typically, the newer the gadget, the more seniors will have to learn to use them. Simple gadgets such as simplified tablets and senior-friendly phones would make a better fit for seniors with dementia.

Compassionate Alzheimer's and Dementia Care at Senior Helpers Indianapolis

Seniors with dementia may require special care and attention as the condition progresses. Senior Helpers of Indianapolis are leading experts in Alzheimer's and dementia care and can help seniors in Carmel, Brownsburg, and other surrounding areas lead a comfortable and enjoyable life. Our in-home senior care services are tailored for each individual.