Alzheimer’s Association Releases 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

SAN ANTONIO - Holiday shopping often presents challenges, and for those caring for individuals with dementia, finding suitable gifts becomes an even more intricate task. 

Acknowledging this, the Alzheimer’s Association has unveiled its 2023 Holiday Gift Guide, tailored to cater to the diverse needs of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their dedicated caregivers.

In Texas alone, where over 400,000 people grapple with Alzheimer’s disease, and more than a million individuals serve as unpaid caregivers, this guide aims to provide thoughtful suggestions for a season that can be both joyous and challenging.

Gifts for early-stage Alzheimer's:

• Post-it notes or an erasable whiteboard for reminders.
• Labeled baskets or trays for organization.
• Gift cards for favorite activities to encourage continued engagement.
• GPS trackers or enrollment in a safe return program for safety.
• A "memory" calendar featuring family photos.

Gifts for middle-to-late stage Alzheimer's:

• Customized music playlists for comfort and familiarity.
• Comfortable, easy-to-wear clothing and adaptive dining equipment.
• Framed photographs with names for identification.
• Soothing items to alleviate anxiety.
• Adaptive dining equipment for increased independence during meals.

Gifts to facilitate everyday tasks and engagement:

• Memory phone to store contacts and pictures.
• Nightlights for safety.
• Digital clock with large type for date and time.
• Outings to events or organized holiday shopping trips.
• Engaging in homemade activities like decorating or scrapbooking.

Gifts for dementia caregivers:

• The gift of time – a crucial 20-minute break each day.
• Self-made coupons for household tasks.
• Gift cards for services like meals, laundry, and personal pampering.
• Informative books on caregiving and self-health.
• Self-care items, including personal care products.

The Alzheimer’s Association emphasizes that providing caregivers with a break is essential, even a short 20-minute respite each day can significantly lower stress and help prevent burnout.

For additional information and more tips on how families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias can safely navigate the holidays, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at alz.org or call the free 24-hour helpline at 800.272.3900. 

The association offers information, programs, and services at no charge to assist families facing Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia.