Gifts for a person with Lewy Body Dementia for Christmas, birthday, or any time!
If a person suffers from any type of dementia, you will want to keep that in mind when shopping for him/her.
Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy Body Dementia is a cognitive disorder that often accompanies Parkinson’s Disease or Alzheimer’s. I am learning more about Lewy Body because my dad suffers from it. I don’t claim to be an expert. But, as time has progressed, I have noticed that changes have affected my dad’s daily life. He’s changing. We are doing our best to help him. Perhaps you also know someone who suffers from Lewy Body Dementia or another form or dementia.
This website discusses the stages of Lewy Body Dementia. Right now, if I had to guess, I’d say my dad is in stage 4, but I think the stages are kind of fluid–he goes between the stages. Some days are good, and some not so good. This is not a disease that will get better, but will advance. That said, we can do things to try to make life easier and more enjoyable despite physical and mental symptoms.
Thoughtful Gifts for a Loved One with Lewy Body Dementia
Knowing that your time is limited with your loved one with any type of cognitive decline, there are some gifts that can target specific needs, which may help to bring a little more joy into your precious family member’s life. I know that’s what you want!
When you’re considering your loved one with dementia, don’t forget about his or her caregiver. See my recent post on Thoughtful Gifts for a Caregiver
Gifts to keep him WARM
LEWY Body loved ones just have a hard time staying warm. Don’t fight it! It’s no fun to feel cold! Here are a few ideas to keep her warm and cozy!
Sunbeam Warming Heated Electric Dual Control Mattress Pad, Size: KING” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Heating pad for mattress Be sure to get dual controls, so that each person can adjust according to how warm they want it.
Heating blanket throw. You can put this on the sofa for your loved one to sit on or under.
TOUCHAT Knitted Throw Blankets for Couch, Sofa and Bed, Lightweight Soft Knit Blanket with Tassel, Decorative Cozy Farmhouse Throw Blankets for Women and Man (50″x60″, Cream White-D)” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Lap afghan or blanket—non-heated. Small fleece blankets or crocheted afghans work well for chilly days when you don’t need the extra heat of an electric blanket.
AdJackets, flannel shirts, etc. Just something to layer up and keep them warm.
MySlipper Women’s Size 7 Chestnut Moccasin Slippers By:MyPillow” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Slippers with treaded soles.
Socks, robes, warm clothing. Something easy to get on and off when temperatures change
Gifts to increase comfort
Weighted Blanket (Dark Grey,48″x72″-15lbs) Cooling Breathable Heavy Blanket Microfiber Material with Glass Beads Big Blanket for Adult All-Season Summer Fall Winter Soft Thick Comfort Blanket” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Weighted blanket You purchase these according to body weight: 1 pound per 10 pounds body weight, approx. These are helpful to use for sleep, because the weight is like a hug, enveloping the person and making when feel secure. I use one for my patient, and it does help to relax her. There are many styles, from plain to plush. I have linked a basic one.
Massaging tools. These help mostly if someone can use them on the person. Many styles available.
FlintRehab Premium Quality Therapy Putty (4 Pack, 3-oz Each) for Hand Exercise Rehab. Fidgeting, and Stress Relief…” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Therapy Putty. I don’t know why, but it’s just fun to squeeze this stuff. This comes in different firmnesses, and my dad’s occupational therapist added 10-15 beads so he can practice fishing them out. It’s just fun, but don’t get it on your clothes!
Gifts to Encourage Healthy Habits
StrawExpert Set of 16 Reusable Stainless Steel Straws with Travel Case Cleaning Brush Silicone Tips Eco Friendly Extra Long Metal Straws Drinking for 20 24 30 oz Tumbler” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Fun straws for drinking. This will make it fun so keep hydrated, which is SO IMPORTANT! Don’t forget a brush straw cleaner!
Water bottles with straws attached. It’s helpful to find a bottle that’s easy to grip and that won’t easily spill. Drinking Water Bottle 32 oz Fruit Filter Infuser Water Bottles with Straw and Motivational Time Marker BPA Free Reusable Sports Outdoor Portable Water Bottle for Daily life (Yellow+Blue+Purple)” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>I like this motivational bottle
Personal-sized blender to make nutritious smoothies for one. Packing in phytonutrients helps the brain and body of a person with dementia. Satisfy his sweet tooth with natural fruit instead of refined sugar treats! Add green veggies in for super brain power! nutribullet Personal Blender for Shakes, Smoothies, Food Prep, and Frozen Blending, 24 Ounces, 600 Watt, Gray, (NBR-0601)” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Get the Nutri bullet blender here.
Gifts to stimulate His Mind and Entertain Him.
Audio books. Audible Membership” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Audible membershipl and let him or her choose titles.
Kindle books. You can make these books readable with very large print, which is helpful!
2021 Apple 10.2-inch iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 256GB) – Space Gray” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>iPad or Introducing Fire HD 10 Plus tablet, 10.1″, 1080p Full HD, 32 GB, latest model (2021 release), Slate” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Kindle Fire Reader/Tablet for these apps. You can put all kinds of apps on, including exercise routines specifically designed for seniors.
Classic games–ones they can remember well how to play–
- Hasbro Gaming Sorry! Parker Brothers Family Board Game for 2 to 4 Players Ages 6 and Up (Amazon Exclusive)” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Sorry!
- Taboo Board Game, Guessing Game for Families and Kids Ages 13 and Up, 4 or More Players” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Taboo
- UNO Family Card Game, with 112 Cards in a Sturdy Storage Tin, Travel-Friendly, Makes a Great Gift for 7 Year Olds and Up [Amazon Exclusive]” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Uno
- A11N 4-in-a-Row Game with Carrying Bag | 20×20 inch Board | Premium Wooden 4 Connect Game for Family Fun” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Connect Four. Get a big set of you can!
- Go Fish!
- Lulu Home Jumbo Checkers, Giant 3-in-1 Checkers Game Rug Board Game Set” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Big Checkers
- Whatever games they’re used to!
Games are a great way to stay involved and to stimulate your loved one’s mind! Just quit if any frustration occurs, because some days will be good, and other days, they may not remember how to play.
My dad is a shark at Sorry! He’s very good and almost always wins! 😃
- DVD/subscription to watch her favorite programs. The truth is, that as Lewy Body people progress, they just aren’t able to get up and do as much as before. They get bored, and feel frustrated with their inabilities. If he/she has something that he/she enjoys, providing that will bring some enjoyable hours. Hand him a blob of the therapy putty to use while watching.
Gifts They Will Cherish
VISIT. SIT A SPELL AND TALK!!! You cannot put a price tag on this gift! It’s what he/she wants most of all!!
INVITATION to a friend to come visit! Play some music, reminisce, and share a meal. This will bring much enjoyment!
YOUR TIME!
- Read
- Tell bad jokes
- Play music with or for him.
- Take him for a drive
- Give him a massage *see note below*
- Style her hair
- Make cookies if she can participate
- Color an easy picture with him
- Watch a show they remember. My dad likes The Big House” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Andy Griffith
- Take him out for a meal
- Push her wheelchair through the park
- Bring the grandkids and play Uno or build with Lincoln Logs (yes, the house will probably tumble down, but you want your kids to have sweet memories–only do these activities if it doesn’t bring frustration to your loved one!)
- Take a walk with her, complete with walker, and go at her pace. A wheelchair walk is just as fun!
Mostly Unmentionable:
- A Bidet. If you have questions, look it up. But it’s a fact that a bidet is one of the most useful tools you can purchase for a person with decreased motor function and declining cognitive ability. You will be helping the person directly to feel more dignity and cleanliness, and you will be helping the caregiver as well. Keep in mind that you will have to do some research. Bidets come from the very BioBidet SlimEdge Simple Bidet Toilet Attachment in White with Dual Nozzle, Fresh Water Spray, Non Electric, Easy to Install, Brass Inlet and Internal Valve” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Simply designed models to some Bio Bidet Bliss BB2000 Elongated White Smart Toilet Seat, Premier Class, Unlimited Warm Water, Vortex Wash, Bidet Seat w /Remote Control” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>quite sophisticated models, which have plenty of bells and whistles, literally! You will have to determine what’s most important—warm water, air drying, a night light, etc I think somewhere in the middle would be sufficient to make the job easier and more pleasant, without breaking the bank.
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Why Massage is so Important for People with Dementia
A note on massage for a person with dementia. This article discusses the need and benefits us using therapeutic massage for people with different types of dementia. Also in the article are recommended types of massage that specifically target the needs of dementia people. Some of these include, hand massage, back massage, and foot massage. Here is another article discussing massage for people suffering from dementia
Important to note is the fact that massage provides so much more than just sore muscle relief. Massage helps to decrease cortisol levels (stress hormone) which can lead to more relaxed feelings.
Massage can be especially helpful during the sundowning part of the day, as this is when cortisol levels increase in many people, and they can have many negative symptoms, known as sundowners syndrome. Massage can help to relax a person, leading to better sleep and more feelings of relaxation overall.
You just can’t take away the human connection aspect of massage. Massaging devices can be helpful for some aspects, but much of what brings such a sense of peace and relaxation from massage is the connection and touch that only a real person can give. ❤️
There you have it!
A ton of ideas for things to give as a gift to those with Lewy Body, or any other type of dementia!
- Book mark this page, and print out the list to make it easier.
- Please share this list with anyone who could use ideas.
This is such a thoughtful and useful post for gift ideas!
Thank you for saying so! 💜
My dad was diagnosed three years ago. We’re not sure if he was showing symptoms before that or not. Been very difficult for my family. Thank you for your blog. I just found it in passing. Do you have a newsletter?
I don’t.
I blog here and try to keep up with life, so it’s not as frequent as I’d like. But…I’d be happy to have you join our journey. My dad is progressing. He’s still really sweet, though, for which I am thankful.
I find that being among people going through the same disease helps a lot. I’m on a Facebook group called lewy Body Carers, and there are a lot of good people who make a community of support.
Glad you found me. You can follow my blog but be sure to try the Facebook group too (I’m just a member, not any kind of admin or anything)
Blessings!
Laurie