What in earth do you buy for Christmas?

[Arkengarthdale]

I cannot think of a single present for my demented parent. They are in a care home, physically able but no short term memory. Last Christmas I went down the tactile route and bought cashmere and silk but the care home can't cope with washing nice fabrics. We also made s memory book with photos and stories but they forgot it was theirs within a second of putting it down.

Change in diet leads to diarrhoea so food treats seem to be out. Poor old parent

[slug]

Something smelly that evokes a memory? Can you track down a scent she used to wear or something ubiquitous e.g. Yardley's Lavender or baby powder?

[slug]

Sorry, posted too soon. I used to work in a care home with dementia sufferers. Music from their youth often worked well. The weekly sing along would have them fighting over the microphone.

[EweAreHere]

A very soft soft toy, like a cat or dog, they can pet? Pets are tactile and comforting to a lot of folks with dementia.

[Chiliprepper]

A simple music player or dual display clock? (Both reasonably pricey). Simple puzzles (not children's ones) or through the decades type flipbooks?

[howthefuckshouldiknow]

We've bought my mil a jigsaw and a manicure set and nail varnishes, she still likes doing her nails.

[howthefuckshouldiknow]

Yes to music!Dab radio last year a Roberts one, we pre tune it to oldies and she loves that still

[Greenteandchives]

What about one of those twiddle muffs? (Not as rude as it sounds...)

[Joz157]

My dmil,who is in a care home with advanced dementia and is always picking up and putting down it. I make jewellery and made her some simple things. Big bright beads on elastic bracelet or a broach. Thought a necklace too iffy if it got caught. I went for cheap things so it didn't matter if they got lost but wrapped with bright paper and bows to make it exciting to open.

[ParrotPudding]

I specialise in mh nursing, can I make a suggestion that may sound strange? A baby doll. I found that can bring great joy to any dementia sufferer. Its lovely to be able to nurture things, its in our human nature.

[howthefuckshouldiknow]

I've also made a stocking of slippers socks, shower gel, new knickers 😳 And an orange and Santa hat for a laugh ( hopefully). She lives with me so I know these are things she meeds

[SuperManStoleMyPants]

For my nan - flowers as she forgets to water plants, cardigans, nighties, bed throws, photo books with clear writing of who/where/when, framed photos with clear writing for her walls, nice pictures for the walls, books about her home country/birth town.

[howthefuckshouldiknow]

Sorry keep thinking of things! We made a "rummage box" recently she likes that. It's just a Saturday gift box with a few old photos in and her costume jewellery and trinkets, she plays with it a lot. She also appreciates hand cream. I suppose it depends how advanced as to whether these are suitable but good luck, it's difficult.

[howthefuckshouldiknow]

Saturday= sturdy

[BiscuitCapitalOfTheWorld]

Agree with somethigng scented- either something attached to a happy memory or go the aromatherapy route and get something calming or uplifting. Or something to cuddle.

[VivienneWestwoodsKnickers]

A fiddle cushion or blanket. Or even a teddy that has been tweaked.

Mary Mac is a young lass in Scotland who makes amazing dresses and fiddle toys, but I think her books are closed for the year. She has a Facebook page with examples of her work: m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1816994405180041&id=1474120379467447

However, the idea is sound - could you do something similar?

[Arkengarthdale]

Fabulous ideas, thank you all! So simple! Brilliant

[Newtssuitcase]

An electronic photoframe which shows a different picture every few minutes? My grandmother had one when she had dementia and every now and then a picture would spark something in her memory.