How to Organize Your Holiday Shopping If You Have Early-Stage Dementia

One of the most important activities is holiday shopping and gifting loved ones. However, that can be frustrating for seniors who have been recently diagnosed with early stages of dementia. During the early stages of dementia, they may experience phases of memory loss when shopping, and this can cause several challenges such as:

• Problems finding their way around a shopping store, e.g., finding entrance and exits
• Picking up the wrong items or leaving out some items
• Excessive shopping
• Feelings of embarrassment and loneliness—when people don't understand their difficulties

Below is an overview of helpful tips and strategies for seniors with dementia to stay organized, minimize stress and ensure they have smooth holiday shopping and gift-giving experience.

Make Early Shopping Plans

Shopping without prior planning is not advised for any person. It can lead to overspending, unnecessary impulse buying, and picking up stuff that one doesn't need. Seniors diagnosed with early stages of dementia should plan for shopping a day or two earlier.

Here are some tips for proper shopping planning:

• Create a shopping list and review it several times to ensure everything is included
• Withdraw cash to avoid issues such as forgetting debit card PIN
• Carry a calculator to monitor spending

Shop in a Familiar Environment

Since dementia is a memory loss problem, familiarity is an important way of managing it. Seniors with early stages of dementia should spend most of their time in familiar environments to recollect easily and remember their way in instances of forgetfulness. The same applies to their choice of the shopping environment. Shopping in a familiar store or area can help them remain calm and minimize feelings of anxiety which worsen memory loss phases. It also helps deal with feelings of embarrassment, as shopping in a familiar area gives them a sense of control, freedom, and independence in their lives.

Find a Shopping Buddy

Opening up about shopping struggles and asking for help is also an effective way to manage the early stages of dementia. Seniors can ask a loved one to accompany them on shopping trips where they can help find directions and remind them when they forget some items.

Alternatively, hiring a professional in-home care assistant who can help with dementia care services, including shopping assistance and companionship, can be a great option.

Shop Online

Seniors with dementia can also get their holiday supplies and gifts in the comfort of their homes thanks to online shopping. That helps prevent the hassle of going to the mall and probably getting lost or experiencing anxiety because there are many people around.

Below are other benefits of online shopping:

• Comfort and convenience
• More options to choose from
• Huge discounts
• One can review the shopping list before paying
• Easy cancellation of orders after purchase in case of unnecessary or unwanted purchase

Improve Shopping Experience With Senior Helpers of Metairie

Being diagnosed with early stages of dementia shouldn't limit anyone's holiday shopping and gifting experience. At Senior Helpers of Metairie, we provide a comprehensive list of professional in-home care services, including Alzheimer's and Dementia care. Our services cater to seniors in various Los Angeles cities, including Metairie, Kenner, New Orleans, and Westwego. Contact us today and find help for a loved one.