11 Caregiver-Recommended Products to Help Your Loved Ones With Dementia (2023)

On February 16, 2023, the family of Bruce Willis, age 67,issued a statementrevealing that the Hollywood actor has been diagnosed with a rare form of dementia calledfrontotemporal dementia(FTD).FTD can cause changes in behavior and/or language skillsand can cause people to behave inappropriately for the situation.

The statement comes less than a year after Willis announced his retirement in March 2022 after being diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder that affects the way he communicates. His family joined him in offering their support, both privately and publicly.

If there's anything positive about Willis's diagnosis and the family's openness about her condition, it's that it has helped to raise awareness about dementia and the profound impact it can have on health.more than 7 million households in the US

The process of developing dementia and being diagnosed can be slow, confusing and painful for everyone involved. But the most important thing to remember is that there are many ways to help your loved one live as independently as possible for as long as possible.

“Dementia is a physically and emotionally challenging illness for patients and their loved ones. Every day requires patience and empathy. Your main role here is to accompany them as they learn to manage their symptoms,” says Nancy Mitchell, registered nurse with over 37 years of experience in geriatric nursing care.Health.

If your loved one suffers from dementia, whether mild or advanced, here are some expert-recommended products that can help make your everyday life easier.

personal notebook

“In the early stages of dementia, it can be helpful to carry notebooks and written notes with you,” says Jennifer Avila, executive director of thePersonalized home service.

A large, colorful notebook that is not easily lost can be a great place to jot down important information. While any notebook will do the job, we like that this Paperage option comes in a variety of bold colors, is made from vegan leather, and has an interior pocket for receipts, medical notes, appointment cards, and more.

Comprar: Blank diary paper notebook$ 12;amazon.com

automatic tablet dispenser

A dose box, or medication/pill organizer, is an important tool to help your loved ones keep track of their medications. Depending on how advanced the dementia is, these can be very basic (like this 2 large pack option for only $10 on Amazon). However, if remembering to take medications regularly is a common struggle, it helps to have a more advanced dispenser, such as this option from EziMedPil. The 28-day organizer allows caregivers to organize medication monthly and set up to six alarms per day. This helps ensure your loved one never misses a dose.

“The alarm on their pill dispenser provides a gentle push to adhere to treatment regimens, without the embarrassment of having a caregiver constantly reminding them. It's a great product to keep them accountable and independent," says Mitchell.

Comprar:EziMedPil Automatic Pill Dispenser$ 64;amazon.com

docking station

People with dementia often lose their most used items. Remembering where you put your keys or wallet can become a daily problem and lead to increasing levels of anxiety. That's why we love something like this docking station, which encourages them to put their most important items (think: keys, wallet, cell phone, glasses) in one place.

“Reducing clutter, simplifying the home, and using organizational products like this docking station can help someone with memory loss feel in control of their environment,” says Avila.

Comprar:Docking station de madeira JackCubeDesign$ 20;amazon.com

remote control locator

If a docking station isn't the right solution for your loved one (or if you're looking for an additional way to keep track of your belongings), this simple remote control locator is a great option. It's very low-tech (no app or Wi-Fi required!) with large buttons that make it easy for people with visual or physical impairments to use. Just press a button on the transmitter and the corresponding receiver will flash and emit a loud beep, up to 36 meters away.

This item has 244 5-star reviews on Amazon witha critic saying, “My mother uses a cane and at 84 she constantly loses it. We tied [the receiver] to the cane and later that day he lost it again. I found him under the covers in his room. I would never have found it without it! The alarm is loud... loud enough for my hearing-impaired parents to hear from a few rooms away.

Comprar:Jegoteer remote control finder$ 20 (era $ 26);amazon.com

Universal TV remote control with big buttons

With only 6 large backlit buttons, this remote can replace your TV controller, which can be confusing for your loved one.

“Navigating technology can be very difficult for people with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. A simplified TV remote like this, with just the basic functions, can give the senior a sense of independence and reduce frustration,” says Avila.

Customers agreewith an Amazon reviewer writing, “I bought it for my mother who has dementia and it's much easier for her to use without all those buttons that are on the original remote.”

Comprar:Continuous “EasyMote”$ 16 (era $ 25);amazon.com

Smart watch with life alert system

"Wandering is a common symptom of dementia," explains Mitchell. “It is also one of the most worrying symptoms because the person's disorientation and lack of awareness of their surroundings can drag them into dangerous environments. We also have to consider the fact that some types of dementia end up causing a deterioration in motor skills. As a result, these seniors are at greater risk of falling and injuring themselves.

“A smart watch with Life Alert ensures that help is always available for these people. If something happens, first responders will be dispatched within minutes to care for your loved one in need."

Comprar:Seculife SOS Smart Watch$99 (plus $15 monthly fee);amazon.com

custom hospital gown

As people with dementia are prone to accidents, this often leads to an increase in hospital visits. Having a hospital gown they love and that expresses their style and personality is an easy way to make these visits more comfortable. Giftgowns has a fantastic selection of bathrobes for children and adults, made from 100% cotton with press studs on the shoulders and back.

Comprar:Gift gown "My other dress is Chanel" Hospital gown$ 30;vestidosregalo.com

dress stick

“Those living with dementia may have difficulty performing daily tasks such as eating or getting dressed,” explains Dr. Ketan Parmar, psychiatrist and mental health specialist atClinicSpots. "To help with this... products like dressing aids can make these activities easier and less stressful for the individual and their caregivers."

This dressing stick comes with a shoehorn and dressing clips to prevent your loved ones from bending over when putting on socks, shoes and pants.

Comprar:Long cane with shoehorn$15 (or $14 for Amazon Prime members with 10% off coupon);amazon.com

oversized digital watch

“A simple, easy-to-read clock with programmable reminders could be helpful for older people with [dementia],” says Avila. "This product is a good way to guide seniors through standard daily routines like taking medicine."

In addition, people with Alzheimer's usually havetrouble sleeping and may be confused or disoriented in the early afternoon. They may not know what time it is or if it's day or night and this can lead to feelings of anxiety. A large digital clock that clearly indicates the time of day and whether it is "morning", "afternoon" or "evening" can be a big help.

Comprar:Urvrriu Digital Clock$ 56;walmart.com

key finder

“There is no doubt that keys are essential for maintaining secure access to different parts of your home. The Key Finder [Vodeson] is useful for helping people with dementia find their keys, no matter where unexpected places they have been left. This may be one of the most useful products, as memory loss is one of the main symptoms in most types of dementia,” explains Mitchell.

Comprar:Vodeson Key Finder$ 16;amazon.com

restless cuff

Anxiety is common in dementia and can often worsen dementia symptoms, "particularly symptoms that affect a person's attention, planning, organization and decision-making."according to the Alzheimer's Society.Giving a loved one something to do with their hands (like this anti-stress muff) that allows them to feel comfortable and stimulated at the same time is a great tool to help them relax.

Comprar:Odoxia Anti-Stress Grip$ 40;amazon.com

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