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!!!

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?

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

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

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?

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.

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.

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 :)

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

Photoblocks and a hamper of toiletries etc

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.

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?

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

One of those teddies which can go in the microwave ?

Flowers/ a Christmas flower basket?

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.

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.

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

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.

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!!