The holidays are a wonderful time to connect with family. If you have a loved one going through the stages of memory loss, this can be very difficult, especially during the holidays. But there are gifts that you can give that will help your loved one remember and also help them enjoy themselves.
The gifts you give will really depend on the stage of memory loss the person is in. Some gifts will entertain, and some will make the memory loss affect your loved one a little less.
Here are some gift-giving suggestions that may help create a memorable and happy holiday:
Calendar: Make a calendar for a loved one who has memory loss. You can have a calendar made that has personal pictures featured each month. Choose photos of your loved ones’ family and friends and note important days like birthdays and anniversaries.
Dry Erase White Boards: For people in the early stage of memory loss, a whiteboard can be very helpful. This can be used to track upcoming activities such as doctor’s appointments, or just to write a special message from a family member.
Music and Sensory Gifts: Music can trigger memories, so give your loved one their favorite CDs. Or you can burn compilations of your loved one’s favorite songs from when they were growing up.
People with memory loss are often connected to their senses and certain things can trigger memories such as a soft blanket, or a robe in their favorite color.
Scrapbooks: Put together an album or scrapbook that includes childhood photos, photos depicting fun events throughout their life, along with pictures of family. As memory starts to decline, your loved one can look at the album and hopefully retain some of the memories in the pictures. Or better yet, this might even be something you can work on together with your loved one.
Time: Nothing can make the holidays more special than time spent with your loved one. An outing to a movie, play or concert, shopping trips with family, or any activity that is social in nature can mean the world to someone in the beginning stages of memory loss. If your loved one lives in a retirement community, often times there are planned events in December, so consider attending such an event with your loved one.
For more information on gift-giving ideas, or senior living communities, contact Mary Dembkowski at Summerhill Villa, at 661-254-9933 or email: marydembkowski@mbk.com.