Gift Ideas for Dementia Patients: Cherishing Memories Together
Dementia, a condition impacting cognitive abilities such as memory, reasoning, and communication, often necessitates specialised care and support. Amidst such challenges, selecting an ideal gift for a loved one, friend or colleague grappling with dementia can be daunting. In this blog post, we delve into thoughtful, practical gift ideas for dementia patients in Australia and beyond.
Give a loved one with dementia a gift of true value for only $99
Gifts for Dementia Patients in Australia
Evaheld
When we think about gifts for dementia patients in Australia and around the world, the ultimate gift is buying them an Evaheld $99 Lifetime package, which provides everything that people with dementia need to easily future-proof their voice and preferences for better care and wellbeing in the future, and also preserve their story and legacy for their loved ones and future generations. And we've also made it easy for carers and loved ones of people with dementia to support them through the process.
Evaheld enables people to digitally create video, voice and written content, such as documenting their life story, sharing personal messages, and imparting wisdom to their loved ones with ease and security, while resting assured that it will be kept safe and sent to their loved ones as per their preferences, today and at any time in the future that they choose, including on significant dates, like loved ones’ birthdays in the future. By simplifying the process of creating and sharing legacy content, Evaheld empowers people with dementia to take control over how they’re remembered and also to remain present in their loved ones lives in a way that’s never been possible before.
The integration of technology into the lives of people with dementia through Evaheld represents a powerful opportunity for connection and engagement. It bridges the gap between generations, allowing younger family members to learn from the experiences and insights of those they love that have dementia, so that their wisdom is not lost and their connection can be maintained into the future, which is especially important for younger family members, who may only be young when a family member receives their dementia diagnosis, such as a grandparent.
Moreover, it provides a sense of continuity and preserves people’s legacies, as their story and wisdom will endure for their loved ones today and into the future. We’ve provided more details on Evahled below, but for now let's now explore a range of other thoughtful gift options tailored to the unique needs and preferences of individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
Learn more about comprehensive Legacy and Care planning with Evaheld
Sensory Stimulation Gifts
Sensory stimulation gifts are a wonderful way to provide comfort and relaxation, especially for individuals who may have sensory processing disorders or conditions such as Alsheimer's or dementia. These gifts are designed to engage the senses and promote a sense of calm and well-being. Here are a few ideas for sensory stimulation gifts:
- Scented Candles: For instance, Alzheimer’s candle by Marcella candless for example is fragranced with pure essential oils, more precisely Rosemary oil which promotes brain function, Frankincense to help improve concentration, memory and relieve stress, and peppermint for alertness.
- Essential Oils: Lavender, chamomile, and vanilla scents promote calmness.
When considering essential oils, we recommend exploring Aromacare, a brand dedicated to about people and their well- being. They offer various oil blends such as Calming Aromatherapy Essential Oil Blend , Stress-Reducing Aromatherapy Essential Oil Blend, Sleep-Well Aromatherapy Essential Oil Blend, among others. Additionally, they provide other oil- infused products like hand creams, body massaging oils, lotions, and warming balms. Be sure to visit their page when searching for the perfect gift! - Soft Blankets: For an excellent selection, we recommend checking out the Dimentia Shop, which offers a wide range of products to ensure quality dementia care. Their unique Activity Blanket keeps hands occupied and provides sensory stimulation with things to manipulate like zips, studs and textured material. There is even a place for a photo of a loved person or animal.
- Stuffed Animals: Dementia Shop also provides a lot of Stuffed toys, which are an excellent choice for patients with dementia, helping to increase happiness and reduce anxiety.
Sensory stimulation gifts are a thoughtful way to show someone you care and provide them with comfort and relaxation. Whether it's the calming aroma of scented candles, the comforting touch of a soft blanket, or the familiar tunes of their favorite songs, these gifts can create a sensory-rich environment that promotes well-being. Remember to consider the individual's preferences and needs when selecting sensory stimulation gifts.
2. Memory and Cognitive Stimulation Gifts
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to keep our minds active and engaged. One of the best ways to do this is by providing cognitive stimulation through thoughtful gifts. Whether it's a puzzle or a memory game, a photo album or a personalised memory book, or even a digital device with a simplified interface, there are plenty of options to choose from. These gifts not only entertain, but they also help exercise the brain and promote memory function.
- Puzzles or Memory Games: Improve concentration and problem-solving skills. Mindconnect Australia is dedicated to the prevention and management of cognitive decline. They curate a range of puzzles, games, and activities aimed at connecting people, providing engagement, and stimulating the mind. Their selection includes award-winning products tailored for individuals living with dementia and sensory processing disorders. Explore Mindconnect Australia's offerings for engaging and stimulating gifts that promote cognitive health and well-being.
- Photo Albums or Personalised Memory Books: Preserve precious memories and encourage storytelling. Alzheimer’s WA is committed to enhancing the lived experience of individuals on the dementia journey. Through advocacy, leadership, innovation, education, partnerships, and holistic, person-centered care and support, they strive to improve the quality of life for those affected by dementia. Recognising the importance of shared history in relationships, Alzheimer’s WA encourages the use of life story books to help preserve memories for individuals with dementia. These personalised books, filled with photos from the past, can bring joy and a sense of belonging to those living with dementia. For detailed instructions on creating a loved one's life story book, Alzheimer’s WA offers a comprehensive 14-page guide to assist in capturing cherished memories.
3. Comfort and Safety Gifts
In today's fast-paced world, it is crucial to prioritise the comfort and safety of our loved ones. Whether they are aging parents, grandparents, or friends, there are various thoughtful gifts that can bring comfort and peace of mind. These gifts not only enhance their daily lives but also promote independence and reduce the risks of accidents. Here are a few ideas for comfort and safety gifts that are both practical and thoughtful:
- Adaptive Clothing with Easy Fastenings: Promote independence and dignity. Alzheimer’s Society has collaborated in the creation of this range of clothing, incorporating feedback from people living with dementia and their caregivers. The clothes are designed to simplify dressing and include front-fastening bras, VELCRO® brand fasteners, and pull-on trousers with elasticated waistbands. You can find a variety of alternative clothes, non-slip socks, and many more products on The Abel Label.
- Safety Alarms or GPS Trackers: Ensure quick assistance in emergencies. Dementia wandering devices have emerged as crucial tools in managing the challenges associated with dementia, a progressive neurological disorder affecting millions globally. Understanding the causes behind wandering, such as memory loss and agitation, is essential for effective care. In this context, organisations like Safe-Life offer innovative safety solutions.
Safe-Life provides intuitive GPS tracking devices like the Safe-Life Watch Alarm 4G and the Safe-Life Medical Alarm 4G, both equipped with real-time tracking and SOS buttons for emergencies. These devices include features like fall detection and two-way communication, ensuring continuous connection and safety.
Comfort and safety should never be compromised, and these thoughtful gifts are a testament to that. By choosing adaptive clothing with easy fastenings, non-slip socks or shoes, or safety alarms and GPS trackers, you are not only showing your love and care but also making a tangible difference in the lives of your loved ones. So, why not consider these comfort and safety gifts to enhance their well-being and bring them peace of mind?
Learn more about preserving your legacy with Evaheld!
4. Social Engagement Gifts
When it comes to gift-giving, the best presents are often those that encourage social engagement. These gifts not only bring people together but also provide opportunities for communication, creativity, and community involvement. Whether you're looking for a gift for a friend, family member, or loved one, consider these social engagement gifts that are sure to create lasting memories and meaningful connections.
- Board games: An excellent choice to bring people together and create meaningful connections. One shop we recommend is Wisdom Activities, an Australian-owned and operated Recreational Therapy resource specialist. They offer a diverse range of leisure and lifestyle products curated by Degree-qualified Recreational and Diversional Therapists, catering to seniors and individuals living with disabilities. A standout product from Wisdom Activities is the Snakes & Ladders AND Ludo Board, a Double-Sided 2-in-1 Game designed specifically for People Living with Dementia.
- Membership to local community centers or support groups: Provide opportunities for connection and personal growth.
One notable program facilitating this is the Dementia-Friendly Communities initiative, spearheaded by Dementia Australia and funded by the Commonwealth Government of Australia. A dementia-friendly community is characterised by its inclusivity, challenging discrimination, supporting accessible activities, and recognising the potential of those living with dementia. It actively engages individuals with dementia and their caregivers in community life, promotes independent living, and ensures environments are easy to navigate. Joining programs like the Dementia-Friendly Communities initiative can foster inclusivity, challenge discrimination, and support those living with dementia and their caregivers in community engagement and independent living.
As you can see, social engagement gifts are a thoughtful way to show your loved ones that you value their social connections, creativity, and personal growth. Whether it's through board games, art supplies, or community memberships, these gifts provide opportunities for bonding, self-expression, and community involvement. So the next time you're searching for the perfect gift, consider giving something that will bring people together and create lasting memories.
Give a loved one with dementia a gift of true value for only $99
The Perfect Gift
Choosing a gift for a dementia patient requires careful consideration of their individual needs and preferences. It is important to select gifts that can provide comfort, stimulation, and social engagement to improve their overall well-being. However, it is crucial to consult with their caregivers or healthcare professionals for personalised recommendations.
When choosing a gift for a dementia patient, keep in mind their specific cognitive and physical abilities. Opt for items that can provide sensory stimulation and promote reminiscence, such as personalised photo albums, scented candles, or soothing music. These gifts can help create a calming and familiar environment for the patient.
Additionally, consider gifts that can enhance social engagement. Items like board games, puzzles, or art supplies can encourage interaction with loved ones and caregivers. These activities can promote cognitive function and improve the patient's mood and overall well-being.
Comfort is also a key factor to consider when selecting a gift for a dementia patient. Soft blankets, cosy clothing, or weighted lap pads can provide a sense of security and relaxation. These items can help alleviate anxiety and promote restful sleep, which is essential for their overall health.
In order to ensure that the chosen gift is appropriate and beneficial, it is important to consult with the patient's caregivers or healthcare professionals. They can provide valuable insights into the patient's preferences, abilities, and specific needs. They may also have recommendations for specialised products or services that can further enhance the patient's quality of life.
Why people choose Evaheld when they are considering gift ideas for dementia patients
People with dementia, their carers and loved ones choose Evheld because it has everything they need to fulfill their legacy and care planning needs, so let’s look at what that means!
Legacy Preservation Suite
Evaheld helps people’s easily and enjoyable preserve their legacy and choose how they want to be remembered in the future, as well as enables them to maintain everlasting connections now and into the future. And here we’ve compiled 7 of the most popular legacy content that our family of users create, safekeep and future deliver to loved ones:
1. Personalised Video Messages
The most cherished legacy content often takes the form of deeply personal and heartfelt video messages. These messages, brimming with sentiments of comfort, wisdom, support, and love, are typically directed towards individual recipients, who are usually family members and friends. They serve as a comprehensive encapsulation of the creator’s feelings and thoughts that they wish to convey to the recipient. These messages are a testament to their bond, meant to be remembered for years to come. They express the depth of the creator’s love and the pride they feel for the recipient. This enduring legacy content is a poignant reminder of the connection shared between the creator and the recipient, and makes the perfect legacy gift.
2. Memoirs
Encapsulating Personal memories, stories, and experiences, shared in your voice and in your way, preserving your story and legacy for your loved ones today and into the future.
3. Future Video Birthday Messages
Personalised messages sent to your loved ones on specific dates in the future, so that you can maintain an everlasting connection with them, and always be present in their lives to offer love and support.
4. Legacy Letters (aka Ethical Wills)
A powerful legacy letter that encapsulates your most valuable insights, wisdom and love for your family and future generations
5. Personal Legacy Statements
Preserve a defining moral compass that will give future generations wisdom and insight.
5. Storybook Recordings
Film yourself reading your children's favourite stories and ensure they're given to your unborn grandchildren one day.
6. Family History Podcasts
Share and preserve your family history and stories forever by recording your voice into special episodes outlining your family’s history and favourite stories, so that they can be passed one and cherished forever.
Easily preserve your legacy and so much more with Evaheld
Evaheld Care Planning Suite: Empowering Better Care and Wellbeing outcomes today and into the future.
In this article, we delve into Evaheld’s comprehensive Care Planning Suite, designed to empower individuals by preserving their identities and ensuring their wishes for better care and wellbeing today and into the future. The suite comprises two essential sections:
About Me
Evaheld’s “About Me” section captures vital content that preserves a person’s identity and personality. Future caregivers gain valuable insights into an individual’s character, enabling them to align care outcomes with the person’s unique attributes—even if communication becomes challenging or impossible. This section includes Evaheld’s most popular self-preservation content and expert-curated questionnaires from Dementia Support Australia, providing a holistic view of the person’s life:
Produced by Evaheld
- “My Memoir” - A fulfilling and profound way to encapsulate a person’s life, character, values and most significant moments.
- “Legacy Letter” aka Ethical Will - An impactful way to encapsulate your most important life experiences and transmit your values and blessings to your children, grandchildren, or other loved ones.
Produced by Dementia Support Australia
- “About Me - In Brief”: A concise overview of personal preferences, interests, and lifestyle.
- “About Me - In Depth”: A more detailed exploration of the individual’s background, values, and life experiences.
- “Lifestyle and Social History”: A comprehensive overview which provides a holistic view of the person’s life.
Secure your care and wellbeing with comprehensive care planning and more with Evaheld
Advance Care Planning
Evaheld’s Advance Care Planning section focuses on preserving autonomy and preferences related to medical care today and into the future. It addresses scenarios where individuals may be unable to make decisions due to incapacity at that future time, whether in the short or long term. Key features of this section include:
Comprehensive Advance Care Plan Questionnaire:
- The platform prompts you with a comprehensive questionnaire covering various aspects of your care preferences.
- You’ll answer questions related to medical treatments, life-sustaining interventions, and quality-of-life considerations.
- Evaheld’s Advance Care Plan covers all of the essential elements of a comprehensive Advance Care Directive, including:
- Personal details
- Guardianship
- Personal Values
- Emergency Preferences
- Care Preferences
- Organ & Tissue Donation
- Personal Notes
- Doctor & Health Team Details
- Party Assisting with Documenting
- Statement of Understanding
- Witness Statement
- The platform prompts you with a comprehensive questionnaire covering various aspects of your care preferences.
- You’ll answer questions related to medical treatments, life-sustaining interventions, and quality-of-life considerations.
- Evaheld’s Advance Care Plan covers all of the essential elements of a comprehensive Advance Care Directive, including:
Personalised Choices:
- Based on your responses, Evaheld tailors your advance care plan to your specific wishes.
- You can express your preferences regarding resuscitation, hospitalisation, pain management, and more.
User-Friendly Interface:
- Evaheld provides an intuitive platform that guides you through the process step by step.
- The user-friendly interface ensures that you can create your advance care plan without any technical difficulties.
Legal Validity:
- The digital advance care plan generated by Evaheld is legally valid.
- It serves as a Common Law Advance Care Directive, ensuring that your wishes are legally recognised.
Emergency Access:
- Your advance care plan is accessible 24/7 via a QR code.
- In emergencies, healthcare providers can quickly scan the QR code to access your preferences and provide appropriate care.
Trusted Contacts:
- Evaheld automatically shares your plan with trusted contacts.
- Nurses, carers, doctors, and emergency department staff can access the information when needed.
Peace of Mind for Families:
- By creating an advance care plan, you relieve your loved ones from making difficult decisions during critical moments.
- Your family will appreciate your thoughtful preparation, and conflicts can be minimised.
Australian-Based and Secure:
- All data is stored securely on Australian servers (ISO 27001 certified).
- You can trust that your information is safe and confidential.
Remember that advance care planning is essential for ensuring that your healthcare preferences are known and respected. Evaheld streamlines this process, making it accessible and legally valid.
By combining identity preserving About Me and choice preserving Advance Care planning, Evaheld ensures that individuals’ voices are heard, and their wishes carried out, throughout their care journey.
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