San Juan Capistrano, CA, November 26, 2007 — CONTACTS:Audrey Knoth
Scott McCaskey
Goldman & Associates
(757) 625-2518
Simple Gifts Mean the Most for Those with Memory Impairment
A plate of cookies. A photo. A trip to a park.
If a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory impairment is on your holiday gift list, these simple joys are among the best choices.
The advice comes from Anne Ellett, vice president of health services for Silverado Senior Living.
“People with memory impairments live in the moment,” Ellett said. “So the presents they will enjoy most are those that give immediate pleasure, whether it’s emotional pleasure, sensory pleasure, or both,” Ellett said. She suggests the following:
• Edibles, such as a basket of fruit, a platter of baked goods, or box of candy, that can be shared. “If your loved one is residing in a long-term care community, this is a very social gift, because other residents and staff can be invited to have some of the treats, too,” Ellett said. “Being able to share reinforces feelings of self-esteem and connection with others and so the sharing will be enjoyed as much as the gift itself.”
• A photo of yourself from an earlier time. “Your mother’s clearest memories of you may be from when you were in high school. If you put a photo of yourself from that period of your life in a pretty new frame, it’s something that she will really cherish. And if you have a photo of the two of you together from that time, that would be even better,” Ellett said.
• Fleece shawls and fuzzy sweaters “that simply feel nice to touch are good gifts, because they provide such a sense of comfort,” she said.
• A massage, which could be arranged by having the massage therapist come to the person’s residence, whether it’s a private home or a long-term care community.
• A visit to a place that’s always been special. “If your father always loved to look at a holiday light display or visit a certain park, an outing there would be a wonderful gift.” Ellett says.
For loved ones who reside in a long-term care community that’s far from where you live, Ellett suggests arranging for a professional caregiver to take them on the outing or on a shopping trip. “Rather than simply give them a sweater as a gift, you can ask the caregiver to escort them to a store where they can help choose it. Participating in the choice helps your loved ones feel a sense of responsibility and control and that will be as meaningful as the gift itself.”
Silverado Senior Living operates 16 memory-care communities in California, Texas, and Utah, and provides home care, care management, and hospice care. The company’s web site is www.Silveradosenior.com.
