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Dementia & Alzheimer's
What in earth do you buy for Christmas?
Arkengarthdale · 21/12/2016 12:00
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 · 21/12/2016 12:55
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 · 21/12/2016 12:57
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 · 21/12/2016 12:58
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 · 21/12/2016 13:01
A simple music player or dual display clock? (Both reasonably pricey). Simple puzzles (not children's ones) or through the decades type flipbooks?
howthefuckshouldiknow · 21/12/2016 13:01
We've bought my mil a jigsaw and a manicure set and nail varnishes, she still likes doing her nails.
howthefuckshouldiknow · 21/12/2016 13:02
Yes to music!Dab radio last year a Roberts one, we pre tune it to oldies and she loves that still
Greenteandchives · 21/12/2016 13:04
What about one of those twiddle muffs? (Not as rude as it sounds...)
Joz157 · 21/12/2016 13:05
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 · 21/12/2016 13:06
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 · 21/12/2016 13:06
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 · 21/12/2016 13:07
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 · 21/12/2016 13:09
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.
FrancisCrawford · 21/12/2016 13:13
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Message withdrawn at poster's request.
BiscuitCapitalOfTheWorld · 21/12/2016 13:21
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 · 21/12/2016 13:27
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 · 21/12/2016 14:13
Fabulous ideas, thank you all! So simple! Brilliant 
Newtssuitcase · 21/12/2016 14:16
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.
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