Memory loss can be a very challenging issue for your elderly adult to face as they age. Whether they are just coping with some minor lapses in memory retention and recall, or are experiencing serious cognitive functioning decline such as with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, feeling as though they no longer have a grasp of these memories can be upsetting. As the holiday season approaches, memories are even more important. You can honor this and also encourage your senior to treasure their memories and make new ones by giving gifts that stimulate your parent’s memory. These gifts can help them to remember the best times and the people who love them the most.
Let these ideas inspire you for thoughtful holiday gifts to stimulate your parents memory:
Senior Care Hickville, NY: Thoughtful Holiday Gifts
- Photo books that include pictures of your senior with their children, grandchildren, and other loved ones
- Scrapbooks that include photographs as well as journaling and items you’ve saved such as movie ticket stubs, theme park stubs, menus, or brochures from times you’ve spent together
- A framed picture or painting of a place your senior particularly loves and has special memories of, such as the church where they got married or their childhood home
- Recordings of their favorite music from when they were younger or a music player loaded with their favorite songs
- Copies of movies or seasons of television programs they enjoyed when they were younger
- Copies of books that they read to you when you were younger so they can read them to your children
- Treats from a special location, such as special candies from a vacation destination you enjoy visiting together
- Favorite perfume or other personal care product they used to use when they were younger
You never have to feel alone when you are a family caregiver. Even though you have taken on the responsibility of being your senior’s primary source of care and support, this doesn’t mean you have to take on everything on your own. A senior care provider can be an exceptional supplement to the care you give, filling care gaps, encouraging independence and autonomy for your parent, managing potentially sensitive tasks, and giving your loved one the support they need even when you are not available to be with them. During the holiday season, senior care can be especially beneficial as this care provider helps your parent deal with care needs while participating in the holiday celebrations as much as is right for them.