Dementia Care: The Best Gifts for Seniors with Dementia

Having a Happy Holiday Season with the Seniors in Your Life

This “Aging with Grace” article was written by Jennifer Sanders and published in the Catholic Advance, The Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Wichita.

In my last column, I shared ideas on how to enjoy a dementia-friendly holiday season, and today I will be sharing some thoughts on how to celebrate a happy holiday season with the seniors in your life. Let’s be honest, as joyful as this time of year can be, it can also be very stressful as we work to be everywhere we need to be and do all of the things that we think need to be done. Sometimes in the rush to celebrate, we might miss the opportunity to slow down and really appreciate and enjoy the meaningful moments that the holiday season can bring.

When thinking about how to include your senior friends and family in your holiday plans, you might be considering which celebrations to invite them to or contemplating the perfect gift to give. Over the years, we’ve come to expect that the days leading up to Christmas will feel like Santa’s Workshop as we receive an almost constant stream of deliveries to distribute to residents as families send flowers, food, and gifts. It’s a lot of fun to be the “elf” that gets to deliver these gifts and see the expressions of joy that they invoke.

Absolutely, these gifts are appreciated and enjoyed. Who doesn’t love receiving a beautiful poinsettia or a tin of holiday candy? What are some other gifts that seniors would appreciate receiving? The very favorite gift of many seniors, though, is something that can’t so easily be gift wrapped; it’s the gift of time.

This gift of time can come in many different forms, and the good news is that there is probably a size and color to fit everyone on your list!

For the senior who can no longer drive, maybe it’s the gift of an afternoon of lunch out and running errands? For the senior who can’t prepare their favorite recipes, maybe it’s the gift of cooking those holiday favorites or delivering prepared meals in freezer containers to allow for quick and easy reheating. For the senior who cannot care for their lawn, it’s the gift of mowing when the weather warms up again. Many seniors simply appreciate the gift of friendship, and let’s face it, who doesn’t? Instead of all the trinkets and treasures we can buy for those of any age on our list this year, what if we went down our list and identified a way to gift each person with our time, attention, and support?

For our seniors, especially, they have a lifetime of things and probably don’t need another blanket or candle. We all need love, friendship, and a helping hand with the things that maybe aren’t as easy to do on our own. The other great thing about the gift of time (besides all the energy you’ll save from not having to wrap these gifts) is that you can share this gift throughout the year. You don’t have to do everything all at once before Christmas. Be present with those you are celebrating with and enjoy the peace and joy of the season, knowing the new year will be extra special because of all the time you have to look forward to spending together as you continue to distribute your “gifts.”

Do you have questions about dementia or senior care? When it comes to Wichita retirement communities, Catholic Care Center offers experienced, expert care. We are an assisted living, independent living, and long term care center that also specializes in memory care for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Please contact us with questions, and we’ll get back to you soon with answers!