Improve life for seniors with dementia with simple products
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 give 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
An effective, 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 feel especially comforted by a stuffed animal that looks like a former pet.
Here are a few soft and cuddly cats and 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 some relaxing lavender essential oil or other essential 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.
It’s 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. There’s protection from overheating and the heat can also 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:
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 something called deep pressure therapy. When the body feels the gentle pressure, it produces serotonin. That improves mood and promotes calm.
Find out more and get links to a variety of 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.
A large digital display on this clock clearly shows the time and day, tells you if it’s morning, afternoon, or night, and also 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 and engaging as well as being cute and cuddly.
They respond to touch similar to a real pet, but nobody needs to worry about feeding or cleaning or having them underfoot.
Browse the cats, pups, and bird 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
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
All prices quoted were checked shortly before publication. Prices and availability change often and might not match what is found online. This article wasn’t sponsored, but does contain affiliate links. If you buy through an affiliate link on our site, we may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, and we appreciate your support. We never link to products for the sole purpose of making a commission. Product recommendations are based on our honest opinions. For more information, see How We Make Money.
Ann Kowalski
I bought the clock for my husband who has a type of cognitive degenerative disease that is not Alzheimers. He loves that he can look at it and see the date/day/time all at once. He says that clock is a real blessing.
DailyCaring
We’re so glad that the clock is working so well for your husband! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Anonymous
I bought the clock for my mother because she never knew the day of the week or if it was morning or night. It is fantastic! I highly recommend it!
DailyCaring
That’s wonderful! I’m so glad she finds the clock helpful!
John Schmid
The picture at the top of the page is our Bernice. Her fight with Alzheimer’s disease led us to create http://www.best-alzheimers-products.com
DailyCaring
A wonderful inspiration for a great business that helps the dementia community 💜