Present for 92yo MIL with dementia

[CocktailQueen]

In a care home, has everything she needs. Doesn't read any more. No real room in her room for more photos/pics. Gave her a cushion and blanket last week. Help!!!

[OutnumberedbyFurchesters]

I know a lot of ladies with Dementia who've loved a little doll, as it gives them something to care for, and a bit of a focus?

[Murphysgirl]

What about a twiddlemuff? www.alzproducts.co.uk/twiddle-muff-pup-cat-sport.html

[Ethelswith]

I have given an elderly relative in similar circumstances CDs of hymns and school assembly songs (she was a primary school teacher, and I was hoping they might resonate).

I've bought a CD of carols (lively ones) by a cathedral choir for this year.

Other things to consider: hand cream, body lotion (check if skin fragility is an issue), reed diffuser if you can find one in a known favourite smell, pretty box of tissues, adult colouring books if she could still manage them

[OrangesAreTheOnlyFruit]

How about corralling her photos into a memory album and add in some extras like bits of fabric from loved clothes/blankets etc and bits of jewellery? Things that she will accurately recall from many years ago. Or a collection of popular songs from the 40s, some trad lippie etc?

[JellyTeapot]

For a similarly aged relative with dementia last year I made up a little gift basket with proper old school toiletries in it - original Imperial Leather soap and so on, things she might remember.

[LizzieMacQueen]

Bottle of whiskey?

All the above are really thoughtful though my first (evil) thought was, wrap something she already owns. Would she know?

Apologies if I have lowered the tone of your sweet thoughts.

[CocktailQueen]

Ha - a bottle of sheery is a good idea. I also LOVE the photo album idea. Dh has all her photos etc in our garage , which he has to clear out, so I could have a lkook through and put together an album of old ones. I also thought about a cassette player with a tape of 40s songs... She also loves carols - one of the few things she can remember is the words for Xmas hymns. Thank you all :)

[kizzywizz]

I work in a care home, a resident can never have too many toiletries.

[MapMyMum]

Photoblocks and a hamper of toiletries etc

[JinkxMonsoon]

Nice chocolates? My nan also has dementia and is in a care home, and loves little treats like that, especially if she's not been eating much recently.

[Sgtmajormummy]

Olfactory memory is one of the last to go, so what about some fragrant biscuits or cake? Do they still make Jamaican Ginger or Golden Syrup cakes?

[nell15]

I get my mum fleecy socks - she hasn't any mobility so wears these instead of slippers, music, talking books, Toiletries, whisky, dolls and soft toys - she talks to them and cuddles them. I see a lot of the residents with those woolly wrist sleeves things with bobbles etc on to fiddle with

[Artandco]

One of those teddies which can go in the microwave ?

[thatsn0tmyname]

Flowers/ a Christmas flower basket?

[ClaudiaWankleman]

I second the doll idea - a relative with dementia is often inseparable from her doll, which has a motor in which gives the doll a heartbeat and some warmth. It's really lovely to see her interact with it in a way which she can't with adults anymore.

[CocktailQueen]

I don;'t thikn her dementia is bad enough for a doll. Interesting thought, though. I like the Twiddle muffs. We take in toiletries for her whenever the home asks. I like the idea of a scented thing. Will ask dh what his mum's fav smells were. Thank you all.

[ObsidianWinter]

Maybe something like this? https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00A8L1AVE/ref=awwllovdpp2_5?colid=17PCPDZYLOW97&coliid=I2X13XE31B1H2R

[ChimpyChops]

The twiddle muff is a good idea, highly recommended for dementia patients. I would also second the toiletries suggestion, I would buy some nicer ones than usual, find out if she has a shower or a bath and cater to that with some lovely bubbles or some lovely smelling shower gel. I new nail kit or hairbrush may be a nice idea too.

[PeppaTheFirst]

Last year I got my gran some really nice flowery mugs and a set of cake/biscuit tins to brighten up the kitchen. She is still in her own home (sheltered accomodation) and used to be so house-proud. Each year my Uncle makes up a calendar for her using family photo's. Smellies are also a good go-to pressie. Anything lavender or rose does the trick!!