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http://www.healthnews-stat.com/?id=908&keys=Alzheimers-dementia-gifts
2007-12-02 04:25:56 · 10 answers · asked by kayboff 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
I find the best gift for someone with dementia is to give to a chairty in their name, then ask them how they enjoyed the computer I gave them! OF course, I suppose I could tell them it was covered with chocolate and hoped they didn't eat it!
IN a serious vein, my mother had dementia or Altzheimers before her death...she still knew us usually, but time was kind and she died quietly in her sleep before the final stages of knowing nothing of the past. When dealing with people like this NEVER remind them what they should know, NEVER say, "I just told you ....." for anything that reminds them that they cannot remember upsets them terribly. Just go along with the game they have in their minds at the time....it is by far the kindest thing to do. IF they think you are their sister, then be their sister for the time being, agree with everything they say, but please do NOT stop visiting...even a mind with no memory knows that something is terribly wrong. Allow thier mind to be right for a small time in their vaccous life...it is the kindest love you can give them. And please never disagree with them..if they think you haven't seen them in years, let it be so, assure them that you are happy to be there NOW..and it will be fine. Realize the last emotion to go with most is anger! (Reptilian) and they may be mad as hell most of the time...accept it for what it is...what is left of a beautiful soul for the time being. Being kind to another, no matter what their state, cannot possibly hurt us, and in fact, may make us very thankful that we are not in that boat. Peace and love to all, Phil
2007-12-02 05:41:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Its really hard, I did something I am not very proud of once - I was run off my feet trying to work part time, drop in and see my mother everyday when she was still in assisted living, on the phone trying to find a place for her because she needed more care, kids have moved back home, dealing with the usual fibromyalgia fatigue and pains etc so I lied to my mother.
When my mother got someone to phone me for her and complained I hadnt been to see her I said "Mom we were ALL there this morning, we had tea, we visited for a couple of hours - we had a lovely time, dont you remember?"
And she perked up and said " oh yes now I remember we did have a good time didnt we?" And she was happy.
And no we hadnt been there, but she was very happy
"remembering" the lovely visit we had and asked several times what we had done - I said we went for a little walk outside in the garden .. saw Jack feeding the geese.
May God forgive me for lying to the poor demented woman.
2007-12-02 14:43:01 · answer #2 · answered by isotope2007 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
We're giving my mother a simple telephone that has the photos of the people she calls the most. She can no longer manage dialing the long numbers, and cannot figure out the speed dial function on the phone. But she loves talking on the phone with her children, so this might be a solution for her.
2007-12-02 12:50:46 · answer #3 · answered by Snow Globe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I worked with Alzheimer's patients and dementia.I love to see them lite up when we dressed up as a clown and helped Santa pass out little gifts.Gifts should always be practical when given.
2007-12-03 16:13:14 · answer #4 · answered by Maw-Maw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A simple photo album with pictures of themselves and their loved ones, especially when they are together in one photo.
That's what I'd like, if I were to have dementia (I think)
2007-12-02 13:01:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone loves a nice soft cuddly teddy bear, This is a gift for all ages.
2007-12-02 13:15:43 · answer #6 · answered by Riverrat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that the most real,
most touching, and most
honest portrayal of this disease is in the movie 'IRIS' with Judi Dench/Jim Broadbent and Kate Winslet.
I own it and watch it from time to time to help me realize what this terrible disease is like.
2007-12-02 18:48:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Goldwing and Isotope are absolutely right---we had the same with mom, it doesn't matter that they do not remember they still love the attention coming from strangers "US". They would like anything along with your company.
2007-12-02 16:20:48 · answer #8 · answered by Star doodle 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The beauty of this situation is that you can give them the same gift over and over.
2007-12-02 12:34:39 · answer #9 · answered by geeksball 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are a fountain of info this morning. thanx
2007-12-02 12:44:48 · answer #10 · answered by Aloha_Ann 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋