If you’re thinking about getting a gift for an aging loved one with Alzheimer’s this Christmas, you might want to consider something that specifically benefits a person with this disease. Here are a few appropriate items.
1. Portable Turntable
Music therapy is an extremely powerful tool for seniors facing challenges with memory-related conditions. A two-speed turntable can give your loved one the ability to enjoy the music from his or her past. Listening to music for just a few minutes a day can spark old memories and put your loved one in a positive state of mind.
2. Weighted Blanket
One of the most common side effects of Alzheimer’s is insomnia, and many seniors sleep for just two or three hours a night. Weighted blankets are a popular sleep aid that can comfort older adults who are having a difficult time getting to sleep, and they’re an excellent option for seniors with dementia-related symptoms such as chronic sleep deprivation, anxiety, and stress.
Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for the help they need. We provide high-quality in-home care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
3. Day/Date Clock
Having multiple clocks and calendars around a home can be beneficial for seniors with Alzheimer’s. A day clock combines a clock and a calendar with a clear and simple display that states the time, date, and day of the week, and it can even be programmed to display when the sun goes down or when it’s time to eat a meal.
4. Lifelike Stuffed Animals
Seniors in the late stages of Alzheimer’s can benefit from interacting with pets, but caring for an animal is most likely impractical. A lifelike stuffed animal can stimulate multiple senses at once and give your loved one something to do with his or her hands. During a 2001 study in Japan, researchers found seniors with Alzheimer’s who were given stuffed animals displayed much less agitation throughout the day.
Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Miami Assisting Hands Home Care provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our caregivers help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives.
5. Memory Phone
We all want our loved ones to be able to contact us no matter what they’ve been diagnosed with. A memory phone stores eight or more pictures, which your loved one can press to call family members and friends. By having pictures and names directly on the phone, your loved one won’t be frustrated by trying to find numbers in a contact list.
There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Assisting Hands Home Care is a leading Miami home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life. If your loved one needs professional care, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at (305) 274-6471 today.
