Gift shopping for parents or grandparents with dementia can be tough! The task of finding something they will love and actually use is a tall order. I surveyed dementia caregivers and asked them for their best gift ideas for Grandma and Grandpa. Caregivers working in residential care settings and those caring for a loved one at home participated in the survey. So whether you're shopping for Mother's Day, Father's Day, a birthday, Christmas, or just because, you're sure to find something on ... Read More about Gifts for Grandma: Ideas for Dementia Patients
DIY Sharpie Mug Craft for Seniors
Make a personalized DIY Sharpie Mug - Alzheimer's & Dementia Activity This easy, senior-friendly craft is perfect for individuals and groups. Have you seen the cute Sharpie mugs all over Pinterest? Well, it turns out this super simple craft is a fantastic activity for seniors! My mom (stage 5 Alzheimer's) had a blast with this project. Her mugs turned out great (which is still really important to her)! And I love this craft because she can make multiples and still feel like there is ... Read More about DIY Sharpie Mug Craft for Seniors
Famous Duos Game – Alzheimer’s & Dementia Activity
Learn to make (or download mine) a Famous Duos Game for your loved one with Alzheimer's or other dementia. This senior-friendly game is easy to customize specifically for your loved one and can be used as an independent activity or played as a game with others. My mom is currently in the mid-moderate stages of Alzheimer's. She has significant trouble recalling recent events, but can still remember much of her past. The Famous Duos Game is perfect for her! The game cards can be customized with ... Read More about Famous Duos Game – Alzheimer’s & Dementia Activity
75+ Stimulating Activities for Alzheimer’s & Dementia Patients
Keeping your loved one with Alzheimer's or any form of dementia busy and engaged can be a real challenge for caregivers. I've found that taking time to find and plan stimulating activities is well worth the effort. With my mom, idle hands and boredom quickly evolve into anxiety and paranoia. And we all have plenty to do as caregivers without extra anxious and paranoid heaped onto our to-do list. I've found that sticking to a schedule with planned activity times helps keep my mom ... Read More about 75+ Stimulating Activities for Alzheimer’s & Dementia Patients
6 Ways to Defuse Anger in Alzheimer’s Patients
Some days caring for someone with Alzheimer's is harder than others. There are lots of things that can make the day hard, but the thing I dread the most is my mom's anger over something that didn't even happen. And it's worse when she directs that anger and aggression at me. Today was one of those really hard days. For my mom, these days seem to have no antecedent. She's just anxious and out of sorts. She'll wring her hands over and over and perseverate on something that's upsetting her. And ... Read More about 6 Ways to Defuse Anger in Alzheimer’s Patients