Practical and Personal Products for Dementia
April 17, 2025
Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, both emotionally and physically. Dementia causes changes in thinking and memory that gradually make it difficult to manage everyday tasks, eventually leading to the need for regular care. That means many people are learning how to care for someone with dementia or other cognitive decline. The first and most important tool in a dementia caregiverâs toolbelt is empathy and understanding. But there are some things that can help a person with dementia stay busy and manage the anxiety that often accompanies memory problems.
Here are some ways you can help reduce anxiety and create a calmer, more comfortable space for your loved one with dementia.Â
1. Help reduce stress through music
Think about music as a type of therapy. It can calm you down when youâre stressed. It can inspire joy. It can even connect you with a memory you might have forgotten. According to a study led by Northwestern Medicine Neurologist Borna Bondakdarpour, music can help improve agitation and anxiety in both people with dementia and their caregivers. That can lead to better communication and less stress overall.
Dementia radios and simple music players can be filled with favorite music and played whenever your loved one wants to listen. These radios typically have one button or large buttons and are simpler to operate than regular radios, making them easy to use for people who may have difficulties with technology. Over-the-ear headphones can help drown out loud background noise and help your loved one relax.
âWe love music during mealtime and other activities during the day,â said Tara Harton, Community Relations Director at Fieldstone of Olympia. âIn our memory care community we have live entertainers during teatime. Itâs really amazing to see the response of people with music and memory.â
2. Give them something to do with their hands
Fidget toys, fidget blankets, and busy boards are all great ideas for keeping anxious hands busy. âRestlessnessâ is a common symptom of dementia. People experiencing restlessness may get anxious, fidget, wander, or get agitated easily.
One way to help alleviate some restlessness is to provide things to play with, fidget with, and move around. With a few crafting skills, you can turn anything into a fidget toy for your loved one. Consider making one yourself with an old blanket and some items you can find in your house, at a thrift store, or a local arts and crafts store. Just make sure that everything is secure enough to last in a machine wash cycle.
You can add things such as:
- Large buttonsÂ
- Plastic zippersÂ
- Hooks and plastic rings (think plastic bangle-bracelets)Â
- TasselsÂ
- Strips of fabric to tie and braidÂ
- Patches of differently textured fabrics (like something fuzzy or furry)Â
- Pockets to open and closeÂ
- Fabric pieces to lift, flip, and pullÂ
âHere in Olympia we have a local business called Sensory Tool House that not only sells a lot of sensory toolsâsuch as busy blanketsâfor people of all ages and abilities, but they will help with training and setting up sensory spaces for caregivers,â Harton said.
3. Make their environment dementia-friendly
Dementia changes more than just memory. It can also affect vision, dexterity, and pattern recognition. These changes can make navigating their surroundings and performing daily activities more challenging. However, with a few simple adjustmentsâsuch as improving lighting, adding clear labels, using contrasting colors, and incorporating easy-to-use toolsâyou can create an environment that supports their independence and comfort while reducing frustration.
Clocks and signs: Large day clocks and clear labels on drawers can help. Consider placing a large whiteboard to display doctorâs appointments and other calendar items.
Lighting and safety aids: Install motion-sensor lights, grab bars, non-slip mats, and appliance locks. Simple warning signs on exit doors can help prevent wandering and elopement.
Dining tools: Food that matches the color of the plate can be unappealing and confusing for someone with dementia. Consider contrasting plates and easy-to-grip utensils or drinking cups.
Clothing aids: As your loved one loses dexterity, zippers and buttons may become challenging. Attach yarn loops to zippers for easier access or replace them with Velcro or drawstring closures.
When making the transition to independent or assisted living, Harton always suggests people bring familiar items to the room, such as a favorite blanket or anything that they are used to and they would have at home.
âOne woman loved Trader Joeâs and needed to have her favorite sweet chili sauce available,â Harton said. âKnowing those little things like that can help with transitions.â
With some modifications and preparations, you can help a loved one with dementia maintain as much independence and comfort as possible, wherever they live.