Bag Wheelchair Does anyone have any great gift ideas for someone with vascular dementia (similar to Alzheimer's)?
My mother has vascular dementia - the symptoms are similar to those of Alzheimer's, except that the rate of progression of symptoms is different. My mother can no longer speak, and she is in a wheelchair. She does not/can not read anymore. She remembers things and ideas, but often gets them confused. For instance: she remembers how to play checkers, but often moves pieces of the wrong color during the game, or starts going the wrong direction. I read somewhere that items like a bag of buttons to sort are good ideas. However, she often flushes small items like that down the toilet. For many months she enjoyed coloring, but no longer takes an interest in it...I think she has too much difficulty with the fine motor skills.
I would appreciate any gift ideas anyone might have.
One of our writers at the Gilbert Guide, Ami Icanberry, just wrote a blog piece about gift ideas for those with dementia or Alzheimer's. Here are some gifts from her her Top 5 lists that may be good for your mother. It sounds like your mother is in the mid- to later stages so I have only included those items. In the lists below many items are available at The Alzheimer’s Store, a company owned by Ageless Design, which provides “unique products and information for those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease.”
Picks for Middle-Stage:
1. Conversation and Song (which are video tapes available from The Alzheimer’s Store) 2. Activity Apron (which is good for tactile stimulation--and is big enough not to get flushed) 3. Photograph albums (pleasant to flip through and can help with reminiscing)
Late-Stage Picks:
1. “Someone To Care For” Baby Doll from the Alzheimer's Store 2. Garden Delights DVD from the Alzheimer's Store 3. Photograph albums 4. Visits with animals (well-trained animal visitors can be quite soothing) 5. Hand and arm massage from a masseuse.
Hope a few of these ideas catch your eye, and are able to offer some level of peace, comfort and fun for your mom and you during this holiday season.
Gilbert Guide
These highly absorbent underpads are sealed on all four sides to prevent leakage. They have a waterproof blue backing. Packed 300 per case, 17" x 24"
Disposable Washcloths: Avoid subjecting your laundry staff to extra work. Available in six materials, these washcloths offer convenience and safety. May be used with any no rinse body or perineal cleanser...
118-KD-BAG Features: -Fast drying mesh bag. -Color: Royal blue. -MJM logo on material. -For 118 knocked down chair series. -Overall Dimensions: 20'' H x 21.5'' W x 10.5'' D.
[Item]: Carry Bag, Shoulder Type, for M6 Cylinder [Additional Info]: . Medline offers a complete line of accessories that make it easy to buy a state of the art conserver and all the related components from one supplier.
Tired of leaning your brand new iPad against coffee cups, stacks of books, or piles of pillows just to find a decent angle? Instead, stay comfortable: Prop It Up adjusts to 10 angles to securely position your device, whether you're slouching on a couch, working at a table, or resting in bed...
BLPBK Color: Black Pictured in blackFeatures: -Use with BetterBack Lean On, or as a stand alone support. -Provides adjustable lower-back support for pain relief and comfort. -Superior Polyurethane foam...
BBGR/L Color: Green Pictured in blueFeatures: -Portable and foldable back support ergonomically designed to support proper neutral spine alignment and to promote correct posture while sitting. -Strap allows unit to be secured around any chair or car seat...
Disposable Enema Bag Set: Designed with a spill proof valve on the 1500 cc enema bag and easy-use funnel top. 54" soft vinyl tube has a pre-lubricated, smooth, non-traumatic tip with rounded eyes for safety and easy insertion...
Wheelchair back pack attaches to wheelchair with ease by placing loops over wheelchair arms. Constructed of black, oxford nylon, waterproof fabric. Features a large 14" x 19" compartment with hook and loop closure...
