4 Helpful Gift "Don'ts" for Buying Gifts for Seniors with Dementia

Gifting is a key way of expressing love and appreciation for others. While it might be easy to pick up a gift for a friend or a sibling, choosing gifts for seniors with dementia can be nerve-racking. The gift may end up being a burden to the senior, frustrate them, or even harm them.

Below are four gifts to avoid giving a senior with dementia.

Pets

While pets may seem like perfect companions for seniors with dementia, they can end up being a burden to most seniors. Pets require a lot of attention, regular grooming, feeding, cleaning, and medical care, aspects that a senior with dementia may be unable to keep up with. This can turn a well-intended gift into a burden or a nightmare for most seniors.

Additionally, some pets, like cats, shed fur that can trigger pet allergies in seniors, causing respiratory problems. Playful pets like dogs may also lead to falls since they love playing and running around the seniors' legs.

Monitoring Systems

People place cameras or passive monitoring systems in seniors' homes to maximize the security of most elders. While the goal is to make the seniors feel secure and cared for, they may feel patronized and controlled. The idea of being watched 24/7 may cause seniors to feel like you are intruding on or violating their privacy, something that may make them uncomfortable.

Board Games

On the surface, board games are perfect for seniors. They can help to keep them entertained and mentally active. However, board games with complex rules and small pieces are more likely to be frustrating than entertaining.

Additionally, most of these board games require two or more people to play. When the holidays are over and family and friends leave, these games may be a constant reminder of the senior's solitude.

High-tech Gadget

Most people want to keep up with the latest technology and own the newest phone and computer. While it may seem like upgrading the device of a senior to a more recent high-technology one is a great idea, this gift may end up overwhelming a senior with dementia.

Most seniors prefer to keep their gadgets simple and conventional, but the new device may be complex to learn and use. Seniors may thus give up on the device or constantly complain about it while they should be enjoying it.

Get Specialized Senior Help from Senior Helpers Somerset Today

Due to memory loss, loss of judgment, and reduced ability to make sound decisions, seniors with dementia need help to cope with daily living. While family members can be willing to take care of their senior loved one with dementia, it may affect their physical and mental well-being. Senior Helpers of Somerset are dedicated to offering specialized home care for senior care in Plainfield, Bridgewater, Edison, Basking Ridge, and Somerset. Our care team is highly trained and experienced in offering your senior loved one the right level of care and support. Contact us today to learn more about our services.