Alicia64 Posted December 2, 2021 Share Posted December 2, 2021 (edited) My mom is 77 and she's still at home. My dad takes care of her. Last year I sent slipper socks. I also have sent a huge clock so she can tell time, but I don't think she'd know what the numbers mean at this point. I feel weird just sending my dad a gift and nothing for her. TIA! Edited December 2, 2021 by Alicia64 typo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted December 2, 2021 Share Posted December 2, 2021 The sensory aspects of enjoyment are still there even if rational thought and communication are not—nice lotion, soft two piece pajamas, a box of chocolates (creams are safest if she doesn’t chew well). 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildflowerMom Posted December 2, 2021 Share Posted December 2, 2021 Sensory blanket? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted December 2, 2021 Share Posted December 2, 2021 I usually gave my mother-in-law nice, soft sweats. Another gift that many appreciate is a cat doll that purrs and moves. Amazon.com: JOY FOR ALL - Silver Cat with White Mitts - Interactive Companion Pets - Realistic & Lifelike : Toys & Games 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted December 2, 2021 Share Posted December 2, 2021 Comfort items—blankets, lotion, etc. Not sure where she is re: progression but big hits here have been things like a photo album with large labels under each photo. One of her family home, one of each sibling, all the families, etc. Another hit is something like a kids’ sensory box, but with items that your mom would associate with her past—sewing bits and bobs, whatever her interests may have been. Those boxes can be good for sorting and feeling, or emptying on the bed and organizing, making conversation. Framed photos from her life with you. 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted December 2, 2021 Share Posted December 2, 2021 Perhaps a fidget toy such as this. Other options here. Regards, Kareni 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted December 2, 2021 Share Posted December 2, 2021 I've seen lots of articles about mechanical but realistic pets that benefit many Alzheimer's patients (and really many seniors). This link talks about a specific product line, but I'm sure there are others. Pets for Seniors 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted December 2, 2021 Share Posted December 2, 2021 She might enjoy more super soft slipper socks. MIL loved a cute stuffed animal that she could hold, a warm, textured throw, and oddly enough, I made her some dining scarfs out of beautiful fabric. FIL put one on her for meals and it keeps her clothes clean. But it looked pretty and wasn’t a bib. Easily washable. She loved those things! I think to her it felt like ‘getting ready’ for a meal, like kind of like dressed up. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookbard Posted December 2, 2021 Share Posted December 2, 2021 I would agree with the toy pets, especially something soft and snuggly. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Innisfree Posted December 2, 2021 Share Posted December 2, 2021 Along the same lines as the toy pets, some dementia patients really love the baby dolls designed just for them. They're configured to mimic the weight and size of a real baby. This website has both pets and dolls: https://www.alzstore.com/doll-pet-therapy-dementia-s/1516.htm 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted December 2, 2021 Share Posted December 2, 2021 Activity ideas: coloring books and very simple coloring pages nail polish (if your dad has the dexterity) Music from her teens or 20s for dancing if she is still mobile a basket with movies and snacks oddly—play doh was a hit at the memory care unit my relative was in—as a bonus it keeps up finger dexterity audiobooks—she may not be able to follow the narrative, but a good reader voice is soothing and it can keep your dad entertained 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted December 2, 2021 Share Posted December 2, 2021 One last thought—if there are special things they like but have been hard to find this year, I have been doing a lot of shopping on the ‘net for relatives and just sending it as bonus early gifts. Decaf coffee pods for keurigs is a consistent thing I keep hearing is an issue for my relatives. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storygirl Posted December 2, 2021 Share Posted December 2, 2021 My mom would probably have liked all of the mentioned things. I'll add a nice flowering plant (Christmas cactus, amaryllis, pointsettia) or vase of beautiful flowers. Does she leave the house for any reason? Church or appointments? She perhaps could use a new hat or gloves. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eagleynne Posted December 3, 2021 Share Posted December 3, 2021 Music, especially something from her youth. Lots of dementia patients respond very favorably to music from their youth. Could you send some CDs? 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth S Posted December 3, 2021 Share Posted December 3, 2021 A big hit for our Mom last year was a stuffed dog, which looked like the family dog (20+ years ago). Or other teddy bear to cuddle, esp. when feeling uncertain/uncomfortable. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted December 3, 2021 Share Posted December 3, 2021 6 hours ago, Annie G said: She might enjoy more super soft slipper socks. MIL loved a cute stuffed animal that she could hold, a warm, textured throw, and oddly enough, I made her some dining scarfs out of beautiful fabric. FIL put one on her for meals and it keeps her clothes clean. But it looked pretty and wasn’t a bib. Easily washable. She loved those things! I think to her it felt like ‘getting ready’ for a meal, like kind of like dressed up. I think the dining scarf is a lovely idea. Did you use a pattern that you could share? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted December 3, 2021 Share Posted December 3, 2021 2 hours ago, eagleynne said: Music, especially something from her youth. Lots of dementia patients respond very favorably to music from their youth. Could you send some CDs? If she grew up going to church, hymns are also well received. Recordings are fairly easy to find. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted December 3, 2021 Share Posted December 3, 2021 27 minutes ago, TechWife said: I think the dining scarf is a lovely idea. Did you use a pattern that you could share? Every pattern I saw was way too big for my tiny mil. I ended up making my own pattern, about 9 inches wide , tapering to about 5 inches in the middle, then back to about 9. That way when it went around her neck it wasn’t bulky. Those were cut sizes, so it includes seam allowances. Rounded the corners a bit. Just measure from lap around neck and back to lap. Super easy. Pretty floral fabric delighted her, and I put bumpy minky on the back of some to absorb liquids. She loved fidgeting with the bumpy minky. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted December 3, 2021 Share Posted December 3, 2021 3 hours ago, Annie G said: Every pattern I saw was way too big for my tiny mil. I ended up making my own pattern, about 9 inches wide , tapering to about 5 inches in the middle, then back to about 9. That way when it went around her neck it wasn’t bulky. Those were cut sizes, so it includes seam allowances. Rounded the corners a bit. Just measure from lap around neck and back to lap. Super easy. Pretty floral fabric delighted her, and I put bumpy minky on the back of some to absorb liquids. She loved fidgeting with the bumpy minky. It is so easy to honor the dignity of other people. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alicia64 Posted December 4, 2021 Author Share Posted December 4, 2021 Thank you, Everyone! I loved all of the ideas! I'm going with a black Lab stuffed animal -- extra soft -- and a music cd from the 50s/60s. Thank you so much for your help! 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanin Posted December 4, 2021 Share Posted December 4, 2021 On 12/2/2021 at 2:20 PM, Harriet Vane said: I usually gave my mother-in-law nice, soft sweats. Another gift that many appreciate is a cat doll that purrs and moves. Amazon.com: JOY FOR ALL - Silver Cat with White Mitts - Interactive Companion Pets - Realistic & Lifelike : Toys & Games The reviews for that cat are really heartwarming. ❤️ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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