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Look what I have here! ~Bernice on opening her present and finding her new Twiddle®Muff |
What could be better than getting a present on a special day? Christmas, a birthday, Mother's day or Father's day, Valentine's day: These and many more occassions offer an excuse or a reason to give a gift to that loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzherimer's disease or another dementia. We often gift wrap the things that we bring to Bernice, whatever the day. She always lights up, smiles, and an ordinary day becomes a holiday.
Giving a gift on a holiday can also be a part of a reality therapy routine. It brings attention to the fact that this day is his birthday, or it's Chaunakka, or a special day to celebrate fathers. It might remind him of past birthday celebrations, of the meaning of Chaunakka, or that he is a father and has children. The gift itself might be theraputic. Choose something that stimulates the brain, exercises the hands, or excites the senses.
It is important to consider the stage she is in when selecting a present for a person with Alzheimer's. In the earliest stages, gifts need not be different than what you might have given her before the diagnosis. Games and activities should reflect her interests and challenge her to exercise her brain as well as her body. As the condition progresses activities should be less challenging, but should still reflect her interests and keep her involved. Later stage gifts should concentrate on providing comfort while stimulating the senses. And remember, a gift that was appropriate when she was in the early stages of the disease will likely not hold her interest later.
Cargivers are also deserving of consideration when it comes time to give. Perhaps your sister or brother is caring for a parent because they live in the same city. Your grandmother or grandfather might be lucky to have your parents looking after them. Caring for a loved one with any disability is very rewarding, but it is also very demanding, stressful and tiring. Give them something to show that what they are doing is appreciated.
The two things that a busy caregiver wants and needs more than anything are help and a break from his routine. Even if you don't live close enough to take over for a day, you can still provide care indirectly. Day care facilities for people with Alzheimer's disease are getting increasingly common. If there is daycare in the caregiver's area, arrange for the person with dementia or Alzheimer's to spend a day there.
Another option is to hire an in-home caregiver for a day, or for a day each week or each month. This might be better if the person with Alzheimer's is insecure about being in new places. If you are feeling particularly benevolent, send the caregiver to a spa for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation on that day.
A housecleaning service would also be most welcome gift to someone who has precious little time for much of anything but giving the best care she is capable of. So would meals delivered to the house, a laundry service, and groceries delivered. Anything you can do to lighten the load will be greatly appreciated.
And if you are the primary caregiver for a parent or grandparent, don't forget to pamper yourself as often as possible.
Lavender Highland is soothing, balancing and rejuvenating. It relaxes and calms, and it helps to relieve aggression and agitated behavior in people who have dementia including Alzheimer's disease. This decorative bag includes shampoo and conditioner, body wash, and lotion, all with organic lavender, and a piece of natural sponge. A perfect gift for mother if she has dementia, or if she cares for someone with dementia.
One of our favorites. This Tangle Therapy
Everyone who sees them falls in love with the Twiddle®Muffs. Not only do they provide sensory stimulation, but the animal Muffs, the cats and the pup, can be cared for. Having something to care for provides a real need for many people with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
