Hi, this is Teri. I am a third-generation Alzheimer's Survivor and a co-caregiver of a parent experiencing Alzheimer's Disease.
Last week, we discussed the significance of memory-stimulating toys for our loved ones with advanced Alzheimer's Disease. This week, I want to delve into the practical solutions that are readily available. I will also guide you on how to create a more affordable option yourself, empowering you to make a difference in your loved one's life.
Life Stations
First, let's take a look at Life Stations. Life stations are built around a specific task or occupation. They bring comfort to people who are experiencing memory loss. Many people experiencing memory loss have clear memories of their lives between the ages of 10 and 35. If you replicate their favorite tasks, you will find that they enjoy the familiar environment.
Office work
People experiencing memory loss might enjoy sitting at a desk stocked with props like a typewriter, phone, notepads, calculator, and stamps. If the individual is between 80 and 70, consider adding a mechanical keyboard and CRT monitor. You can find all the props you need to create this life station at garage sales, consignment shops, eBay, and possibly Goodwill.
Tinkering/Repair/DIY
If a person experiencing memory loss worked in a skilled trade like HVAC or appliance repair or enjoyed do-it-yourself home improvement projects, they might benefit from a simulated workshop. All the props needed can easily be found at garage or estate sales. Keep in mind that the person you are creating this for might benefit from smooth edges instead of points and sharp edges.
The more gadgets, fasteners, gloves, locks, switches, rollers, lightweight tools, clickers, screws, levels, pencils, measuring tapes, hats, and woodworking tools, the better. I would not include hammers or nails. It seems that someone could easily get hurt. I would also avoid oils, graphite powders, WD-40, or ink. They will very quickly make a big mess.
Childcare
You will find that men and women equally benefit and enjoy nurturing dolls. I find it interesting that the first thing they do when receiving a new doll is immediately remove the doll's clothes. Just like they did when they had their live human children. Be sure to get lots of doll clothes, diapers, and baby blankets.
Memory Care Toys
Memory Care Toys are similar to Life Stations but on a smaller scale. Where a Life Station is life-size, Memory Care Toys are smaller and lighter. They will easily fit inside the patient’s room and can be placed on a bedside table, dresser, or overbed table.
The Pretend Play solutions from Melissa and Doug are not just loved, they are also safe and durable. Crafted from wood with smooth edges, these toys are designed to last for many years, providing a secure and long-lasting play experience.
Examples are:
Food/Meal Prep
Many women experiencing memory loss prepare meals every day for their families. At the time, this might have been stressful and frustrating. But now that those responsibilities are gone, preparing a meal for their family brings comfort.
Memory Care Play Toys allow those experiencing dementia to allow muscle memory to take over and perform these tasks much like they did when they were younger.
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Hobbies
Your loved one may be more interested in hobby toys. Melissa and Doug have lots of toys that would remind your loved one of the hobbies they used to enjoy. Here are four examples: a handyman bench, a gardening kit, fishing kit and a camping stove.
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Pet care
If your loved one is a dog and cat lover, I encourage you to take a look at the new interactive dogs and cats. Not only do the cats audibly purr, but you will also notice a synched vibration to match the sound. The kitties meow, and some have automatic movements that make them super lifelike.
The dogs make audible sounds, too, with cute little barks. Some have simple movements to snuggle in for cuddles. You will find dogs in almost any breed you could imagine.
The therapeutic benefits of these dogs are on par with those of live dogs and cats, making them a valuable addition to memory care for patients.
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Baby Doll
Multiple research studies have been conducted on the use of doll therapy for people with dementia. The results of the studies demonstrate several benefits of doll therapy. These include:
- Decreased anxiety
- Decreased agitation
- Increased happiness levels
- Increased social interaction
- Increased activity level
- Improved ability to receive care
- Fewer negative verbal expressions
- Improved mood
- Decrease in wandering
- Decrease in obsessions
- Improved food intake
A study involved 51 nursing home residents with dementia. Doll therapy was found to be associated with significant decreases in negative verbalizations and mood, wandering, aggression, and obsessions.
Doll therapy potentially offers meaning and purpose for someone living with dementia. There is a familiarity with being a caregiver for the doll that can be comforting and purposeful. Instead of constantly being a receiver of assistance and care, a doll offers the opportunity for meaningful interaction directed by the person living with dementia.
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Miscellaneous Memory Stimulating Toys
I found some additional Memory Care Toys that did not easily fit into the categories above.
As we know music therapy is infinitely beneficial to people experiencing memory loss. These basic percussion instruments will be fun for you loved one when they are listening to music. And engage multiple parts of their brain while enjoying themselves.
All of us have used money in our day to day activities. I found a couple of currency solutions that your loved one might really enjoy. The first is a simple cash drawer and the second is wallet with currency and credit cards.
One of the activities that people with memory loss miss is their ability to drive. These interactive dashboards simulate driving a car and an airplane. Let your loved one’s imagination take flight with this wooden airplane dashboard with steering yoke, scrolling map, 4-speed throttle, lights, buttons, switches, and sound effects; comes with a play headset, reusable takeoff and landing checklist, and 3 double-sided destination windscreen scenes.
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Closing
Life Stations and Memory Care Toys are excellent solutions to keep your loved one’s brain and imagination engaged. Whether you create them yourself or purchase them, they go a long way toward maintaining a good quality of life despite experiencing memory loss.
Some families might be concerned about what others will think about encouraging their loved ones to play with toys and dolls. My response is, who cares what others think? If your loved one is happy, enjoying their time with a doll, and smiling again, let them enjoy it.
For more information on each product, I've included links. These links are affiliated, which means that if you decide to make a purchase, I'll receive a small commission. This commission is crucial in supporting Alzheimer’s Survivor and enabling me to continue this important work. If you do choose to make a purchase, please know that your support is deeply appreciated. Thank you!
If you are concerned about the expense, you can find similar solutions at garage sales, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craig’s List. Please take a moment to consider how much money you spent on toys for your kids when they were little. And how much you spend on toys for your pets today. Memory Care Play toys are an excellent investment for your loved one.