Coping with someone who is living with dementia is difficult enough. As the disease progresses, certain simple tasks become more and more difficult. These can cause even more frustration for your loved one.

Finding ways to ease their daily life can be a great comfort for them and for you. There are plenty of products available but you need to find out what your loved one needs the most.

Not all will be appropriate, as symptoms will vary. But there are plenty of options to help your loved one cope with this disease and help them through their often stressful and frustrating day. 

7 Must-Have Products for Seniors with Dementia

If you or your loved one’s caregiver have noticed them struggling more lately with something, look around online for options of products or devices that will make them more comfortable and secure. 

• Weighted Blanket

A weighted blanket can be extremely comforting. Often, with dementia patients, there is sleeplessness and anxiety. The weighted blanket will help them feel more secure and peaceful. 

People coping with dementia often feel restless, can wake up confused, or feel like they are in a strange place they don’t recognize. The weight of the blanket can help ease them back to sleep and keep them asleep. 

It can help them from constantly getting up and wandering around, which is a common possibility for dementia patients. Plus, a better night’s sleep will make a big difference in their daytime behavior.

• Large Piece Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles, block puzzles, or any other type of puzzle that can be used to improve hand coordination and cognitive skills are a bonus. Find them with larger pieces so they are easier to handle and see.

It may be difficult for your loved one to differentiate between puzzle pieces or even hang on to them. Large ones make it easier for them to use, feel, and see them. 

This goes for other normally smaller items, as well, like pens, pencils, mugs with large handles, forks, spoons, and anything else that seems to be tripping them up. 

• Easy-to-Read Clock with Calendar

A large digital clock that can be read from across the room will be very helpful. Confusion is such a big part of dementia, so let your loved one know what time and what day it is.

Find a large digital clock that also displays the day and month to help them stay focused and grounded. It can be of great comfort to be aware of the actual time and space they are living in.

• Large Button Remote

Universal remotes are a great idea for people who don’t need to be bothered with a bunch of gadgets. A remote with large buttons that are clearly labeled will make their leisure time much more relaxed.

Find a remote that allows them to operate their television, music player, and anything else they may need to operate remotely. Don’t make it too complicated, as that will defeat the purpose.

A simple remote that lets them control the volume, change channels, and turn it on and off from where they are is a great idea. It also keeps them from having to get up and risk a fall or wandering off someplace else.

• Noise Cancelling Headphones

If they find watching videos, movies, or regular television relaxing, then consider getting them headphones. These can be wireless so they can listen to music, radio shows, television, or CDs. 

A big issue with people with dementia is outside noise. It can cause undue stress, anxiety, and confusion. Noise-canceling headphones allow them to enjoy what they are listening to without outside distractions.

The ability to focus on something is important. Let them listen to music without being upset or irritated by outside noises. Too much noise can cause anxiety and confusion, which leads to more behavior issues. They can simply wear them with nothing playing to simply relax.

• Motion Sensor Lights

Night lights, motion sensor lights, or even small floor-level lights are a great comfort to people anywhere. For dementia patients, it can be a life-saving addition, as well. 

People with dementia are known for wandering. With the small lights that will come on when they get up, it can be what keeps them from falling or wandering off. 

Nothing bright, but just enough to let your loved one know where they are and that they are safe. A small light that is always on at night can be like a beacon of peace and tranquillity. It works for babies. 

• Personal Alarm

Another great product for your senior with dementia is a small personal alarm. These can be something that alerts a caregiver or family member in the home, or they can be part of a system that alerts medical professionals.

It’s a great way to give your loved one and yourself peace of mind. An alarm is something they or someone else can set off to get the help they may need right away. They are lightweight and can be worn on their person at all times.

A system that connects to a company means they will have all the important medical information they need to treat your loved one, their address or location, and a contact number so you or a family member are informed right away of what is happening. 

Do You Need Caregiving Assistance?

Finding the right caregiver for your loved one can be overwhelming. It can be made even harder if the person requiring care is reluctant. We also understand that you want the best care possible at an affordable rate. 

Right at Home’s professional in-home caregivers provide services that support senior clients’ physical and emotional health. In addition to assisting patients in adhering to their doctor’s dietary, exercise, and medication instructions, our trained and vetted caregivers may transport patients to and from the doctor and other provider visits. For a FREE in-home consultation, please visit our website at www.rahsouthernmd.net or call (301) 645-0040.

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