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

With the holidays upon us, it is time for many of us to start purchasing gifts for our loved ones. Gift-giving can sometimes be complicated as some people can be particularly challenging to gift. Still, it can be incredibly challenging if you are trying to purchase a gift for a loved one with dementia. At Senior Helpers Greensburg, we want to help you avoid common gift-giving mistakes for seniors with dementia.

Household Hazards

Gifts that present a hazard in the household are number one on the "don't buy" list for loved ones with dementia. Items such as candles, kitchen appliances with blades, and step stools or ladders present serious health and safety risks, especially if your loved one spends any amount of time unsupervised. Instead, opt for flameless candles or pre-chopped and blended products.

Additionally, ensure that all items your elderly loved one might need are within safe reach so they will never need the assistance of a step stool.

Complicated Versions of Their Favorite Hobbies

Your loved one likely had many hobbies they enjoyed throughout their life. However, as their dementia progresses, their ability to focus and complete the complicated levels they had obtained at their best may no longer be plausible. For example, if your loved one enjoyed completing puzzles with 1,000-plus pieces, this may no longer be an appropriate gift.

Consider the stage of dementia your loved one has progressed to and select a smaller quantity of pieces for your loved one to complete. Complicated craft projects and long novels may also require too much brain power for your loved one's abilities. Short stories and simpler projects with easy-to-follow instructions are more appropriate gifts.

Recent Photos

Depending on the progression of dementia in your loved one, they may have trouble remembering that they have aged to the point reflected in the photos. This may cause undue stress and confusion in a senior with dementia. Instead, gift them photos from when they were younger, as they are more likely to remember themselves at those ages.

High-Tech Items

Individuals with dementia should not be gifted the latest technology gadgets unless they are incredibly straightforward and simple to use. A new smartphone with capabilities to install endless apps and with an unending number of functions is likely to be too confusing or difficult for your loved one to navigate. Stick with phone devices with large buttons and the ability to call or message only a select number of contacts. Not many things are more frustrating than trying to make a device work but being unable to figure it out.

Keep tech-related gifts as simple as possible. Also, keep in mind that sometimes items go missing, and your loved one may be unable to recall where they put them, so consider easily replaceable items or items with locating devices as the best option.

Dangerous Food or Drink

Your loved one may be struggling with remembering to chew entirely or that they have certain food-related allergies. Gifting food and drinks is an excellent option for a quick and easy present, but it is essential to remember that certain foods and drinks may be dangerous for seniors with dementia to consume. If you are unsure of what is safe, check in with the caregivers for that individual or their doctor, or skip this category of gifting altogether.

Consider Gifting In-Home Care

If you struggle to determine what to gift your loved one, consider giving them access to an in-home senior care service. Senior Helpers Greensburg provides dementia care services to help with everything from medication to daily activity assistance.
If you are in the Greensburg, Jeanette, Irwin/ North Huntingdon, Latrobe, Monroeville, Murrysville, Export, Delmont, or Mt Pleasant areas, contact us today to see what services may be right for you and your loved one this holiday season and beyond.