Present ideas for mother with dementia

Zend

Hi, I'm looking for ideas for a Mother's Day present for my mother who is suffering from dementia. My mother is bed bound and has reduced sight. I'm at a bit of a loss and would be greatful for any ideas. Thanks.

Torry_Quine

How about some nice smelling hand-cream. You could then spend time giving her a hand massage and leave her with the smell.

ionahenor2

What about making a feely book with lots of different fabrics/patterns. They may act as a reminder for things eg a knitted square/ a special jumper.Or a patterned wallpaper/ a room she lived in etc. Perfume sprayed on material may trigger memories too.

maryleerk06

What about creating a CD of all her favorite music? Or maybe a nice potted flower that's robust enough for tactile touch and has a nice smell.

Also think ionahenor2 idea for her favorite perfume is a good idea

wobbly

Why not make your own memory book, add photos and notes anything can be added to try and remind your mum

vikki_louise

We gave my nan a nice box of tissues as she seemed to love taking them out and putting them back in. perfume which was her favourite either to be sprayed on or in cream form. Is her eyesight good enough to see a big canvas with a family photo on or one of a special place you used to go to?

bunty109

Reminiscence stuff is great for people with dementia as often long term memories are the strongest. Maybe music from a particular era? If she has some vision and could see pictures, then some photos or a book about the decade of her childhood etc....

podperson

My grandma is in a home at the moment, she doesn't have full blown dementia yet but she does get very forgetful/confused. She used to take very good care of her appearance and still likes getting her hair/nails done. Hand cream is a good one as she likes a mini hand massage and then a manicure.

We also got her a pretty, patterned blanket in a really soft fabric - it can be used as a cover on her bed or if she sits in the chair she'll have it over her lap (sorry not sure if your mum is completely bed bound or can sit up as well) - she likes the fabric, will be constantly running her hands over it so might be nice for your mum. Also when she was previously at a hospice and really confused about things it helped her 'recognise' her bed from the other ones as she would often be sat right next to it and be asking where she was supposed to be sleeping that night.

What does she wear in bed? Maybe a nice warm dressing gown? Or would she like a radio or some music listen to - could get her some 'golden oldies' on cd or something. As mentioned above they often remember years back much better than recent things so might be soothing for her. Or depending on how bad she is then maybe some audio books?