10 Affordable Products for People with Dementia That Increase Comfort and Calm

Caring for someone with dementia often means finding simple yet effective ways to reduce anxiety and enhance comfort, without breaking the bank. The right products can make a big difference, helping to soothe agitation, improve safety, and maintain independence.

In this article, we’ve rounded up 10 affordable products for people with dementia. Many of these items, like sensory tools and practical aids, can promote calm and well-being. These thoughtful solutions can ease daily challenges for caregivers and their loved ones, making life a little brighter and more manageable.

Products for People with Dementia Don't Have to be Fancy

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may often get anxious, agitated, or angry. 

Using simple, non-drug products is an effective way to calm and soothe, and may also help avoid triggering challenging behavior.

We rounded up 10 simple, effective products for people with dementia that improve quality of life by reducing anxiety, increasing comfort, and providing entertainment.

10 Products for People with Dementia that Provide Calm and Comfort

1. Sound reduction

Noisy environments like stores or restaurants can cause sensory overload for someone with dementia.

Wearing earplugs or ear protection to muffle the sounds can help them stay calm and enjoy an outing.

These $9 earplugs and these $17 ear protectors are inexpensive and have great customer feedback.

2. Comforting stuffed animals

A practical, drug-free way to calm and soothe someone with dementia is to give them a soft toy they can cuddle and interact with.

People who can no longer have pets may be especially comforted by a stuffed animal that resembles a former pet.

Here are a few soft and cuddly cats and dogs:

• $17 Gray tabby cat
• More cats
• $14 Golden labrador dog
• More dogs

3. Aromatherapy diffusers

Having dementia is stressful and can cause anxiety, anger, and other symptoms that decrease quality of life.

Using aromatherapy is a simple way to create a calm and relaxing environment.

Ultrasonic diffusers are great, but we also like these simple, small, non-electric ceramic diffusers because they look nice, have no moving parts to maintain, and don't need to be plugged in. 

Add relaxing lavender essential oil or other oil scents to create a soothing environment.

4. $19 Jumbo large print wall calendar

Another way to help someone with dementia keep track of time is to have a calendar that’s easy to see and understand.

This one is 17 x 22 inches when hanging and has plenty of space for making notes about appointments or special events.

5. $60 Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager – 3D Kneading with Heat for Muscle Pain Relief

This massaging pillow relaxes tight muscles and automatically changes direction every minute to mimic a natural, shiatsu hand massage.

Its compact size fits perfectly behind the neck or back, or contours to fit the lower and upper back, abdomen, calf, or thigh areas. Adjustable straps on the back of the massager can help secure it to a favorite chair.

The heating feature soothes aching muscles and promotes blood circulation. It also protects against overheating and can be easily turned on or off.

6. $10 28 Pack Sensory Fidget Toys Set

This set includes a dozen simple, touch-based activities. They keep hands and minds busy in safe, soothing ways.

These types of fidget toys are great for anyone, but are especially helpful for someone who’s anxious, pulls at their clothes, wrings their hands, or picks at their skin.

7. Lifelike baby dolls

Another effective way to calm seniors with dementia is to give them a soft, lifelike baby doll to cuddle.

Therapy dolls can even be effective in calming older adults with severe agitation or other significant behavioral issues.

Dolls can help seniors feel useful and needed, give them something positive to focus on, and soothe anxiety by having something soft to hug.

Here are some sweet, lifelike dolls:

• Caucasian
• African American
• Asian
• Hispanic

8. Weighted lap pad or blanket

A weighted lap pad or blanket is a simple, non-drug option that can be used day or night. They reduce anxiety, calm nerves, provide comfort, and promote deep sleep.

The weight provides deep pressure therapy. When the body feels the gentle pressure, it produces serotonin, which improves mood and promotes calm.

Find out more and get links to weighted lap pads and blankets here.

9. $60 American Lifetime Day Clock

A clock that’s easy to understand helps someone with dementia keep track of time and dates and reduces disorientation.

This clock's large digital display clearly shows the time and day, tells you if it’s morning, afternoon, or night, and spells out the full date.

The large print is great for people with low vision and makes it easy to see from across the room.

10. From $65 – Cuddly robotic pet

These robotic pets are lifelike, engaging, and cute and cuddly.

They respond to touch like real pets, but nobody needs to worry about feeding, cleaning, or keeping them underfoot.

Browse the cats, pups, and birds from Joy for All (get 15% off with discount code CARE15 at checkout) or check out our in-depth review here.

Recommended for you:

• 6 Ways to Calm Dementia Fidgeting Hands
• Activities for Dementia: 10 Fun, No-Fail Ideas
• 10 Easy Crafts for Seniors with Dementia: Inexpensive DIY Ideas

All prices quoted were checked shortly before publication. Prices and availability change often and might not match what is found online. This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through an affiliate link on our site, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost. For more information, see How We Make Money.

About the Author

Connie Chow

Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.