Ideal gifts for people with dementia

It can become more challenging to choose gifts for someone with dementia as their condition progresses. This is your handy guide to selecting the ideal gift for a loved one with dementia.

Do people with dementia still enjoy receiving gifts?

Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder causing symptoms like memory loss and communication issues, so although people with this condition may not respond to gifts as they once did, many still enjoy receiving them and feel loved and appreciated when they do.

Fun and practical items can put a smile on their face during special occasions, but when choosing a gift, it is important to focus on what brings them comfort, independence, or reminds them of happy times. Despite their memory issues, they may still recognise the feeling of being cared for and valued. Studies have shown the importance of friendships and social interaction for those with dementia, so spending quality time with them could be one of the best gifts you give them.

What are the best gifts for people with mild dementia?

If your loved one has mild dementia, some great gifts may include:

A memory book full of familiar faces
Dementia-friendly games and puzzles
A digital photo frame displaying family pictures
A music player with preloaded songs they love
A life story journal to write their memories in
Medical ID jewellery that is both practical and beautiful
A dementia-friendly clock, as suggested by the Alzheimer’s Association
A talking microwave with simple controls and audible functions
A talking watch so they can keep track of time
An arts and crafts activity

“Creating art, in whatever form that is, takes me to such a joyful place. I’m totally absorbed in what I’m doing, and for a brief time, my dementia seems to disappear.”

– Dementia patient, via Dementia UK

What are the best gifts for people with moderate to advanced dementia?

Moderate and advanced dementia makes gift-giving trickier, but there are still helpful presents they might enjoy, such as:

Tactile items like a soft pillow or a weighted blanket
A night light to make nighttime trips to the bathroom less scary
A toy pet or doll that feels like a companion for them (learn more about doll therapy here)
A music player with preloaded songs that are soothing for them
Aromatherapy diffusers or roll-on essential oils with nostalgic scents
Comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to wear and remove, as recommended by Alzheimer’s Association
A “twiddle muff”, which offers different textures they can feel in their lap to soothe anxiety

Home care to provide practical help, a sense of safety, and companionship

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Do I need to pay VAT on dementia gifts?

In the UK, most dementia-friendly gifts (like puzzles or clothing) are bought in stores with VAT already added on, but if you are purchasing an eligible disability aid from a VAT-registered supplier that is designed to provide practical help with daily living, you may not need to pay VAT if you sign a disability declaration.

You can check the items that are eligible for VAT relief through the UK government, but these items must be bought for a person who is “chronically sick or disabled”, and be bought or acquired for their personal or domestic use.

If you have additional questions about VAT on a dementia gift, you can reach out to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by calling their VAT Disabled Reliefs Helpline on 0300 123 1073.

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Why Home Instead?

Practical tools for daily life are often the most valuable gifts you can give a loved one with dementia, along with quality time to help them avoid feeling isolated. If you worry about a loved one who lives alone, it may help to consider specialist dementia home care (either visiting or live-in care) to help with their practical and emotional needs.

At Home Instead, our Care Professionals are trained in person-centred dementia care using a programme that is City & Guilds Assured, and we are rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk. Also, many of our locations are deemed “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so you can trust that our dedicated Care Professionals can provide the compassionate, comfort-focused support your loved one needs.