Holiday Gift Tips for the Memory-Impaired from Silverado Senior Living

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Choosing the perfect gifts for loved ones is a perennial holiday challenge and selecting presents for those with Alzheimer's and other memory-impairing diseases may seem especially difficult.  The experts at Silverado Senior Living say that if you focus on simple joys and long-time interests, the season is sure to be a success.

"People with memory impairments live in the moment," said Anne Ellett, M.S.N., N.P., who is senior vice president of health services for Silverado Senior Living.  "What they will appreciate most are gifts that yield immediate pleasure, either from an emotional standpoint, a sensory perspective, or both."

She suggests the following:

• A tin of cookies, a fruit basket, or a box of candy that the recipient can enjoy and share with others.  "When people with memory-impairment can offer something enjoyable to someone else, it reinforces their feelings of self-esteem.  It's all too easy for the memory-impaired to lose their sense of self worth, and this gift is a wonderful way to help restore it and strengthen their connection to others."  This type of present is especially suitable if the recipient resides in a long-term care community, where the goodies can be offered to other residents and to staff.
• Family photos from the past.  "Your parent's clearest recollection of you may date to an earlier time in your life, maybe even to high school.  If you place several pictures of yourself from that period in a nice frame that he or she can keep close by, it is something that can be enjoyed every day.  If you have photos of yourself with your parent from that time, include those, as well."
• Favorite music.  "Think about what kind of music your loved one has always enjoyed.  Bring a CD and plan to spend time together listening to it."
• Fuzzy sweaters and soft fleece blankets and shawls are also appreciated, "because they feel so nice and give a feeling of comfort," she said.

For recipients who live in long-term care communities far from your own home, Ellett suggests making arrangements for a professional caregiver to take them on outings.  "If your loved one has always appreciated art, they could visit a gallery."  They could also go on a shopping trip where the recipients could choose their own gifts.  "Having the opportunity to make choices reinforces the sense of responsibility and control, which is something that is often lost as memory impairment progresses.  And so selecting the present will be as enjoyable as the gift itself."

Silverado Senior Living offers assisted living memory-care as well as home care, care management and hospice care through its Silverado At Home and Silverado Hospice service lines.  It is based in Irvine, Calif. and operates in 34 locations across California, Texas, Utah, and Arizona. Its website is www.Silveradosenior.com.

SOURCE Silverado Senior Living