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 caregiver’s 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.
“Knowing the person you are working with is most important thing,” said Talia Chipman, Community Relations Director at Fieldstone of Puyallup. “That’s why we have a robust intake process for our memory care community. The family fills out their ‘life story’ notebook and the life enrichment director also interviews each person to learn about the things that they like, such as a former florist who still loves to do floral arrangements.”
Here are some ways you can help reduce anxiety and create a calmer, more comfortable space for your loved one with dementia.
1. Help reduce stress through music
Think about music as a type of therapy. It can calm you down when you’re 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.
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. “Restlessness” 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.
“Exercise balls can be made into a drum with dollar store baskets,” Chipman explained. “If your loved one is creative, there are a ton of inexpensive items that make great art supplies—colored pencils or watercolor kits. Everybody’s different, but with a little trial and error you’ll find what works.”
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 buttons
- Plastic zippers
- Hooks and plastic rings (think plastic bangle-bracelets)
- Tassels
- Strips of fabric to tie and braid
- Patches of differently textured fabrics (like something fuzzy or furry)
- Pockets to open and close
- Fabric pieces to lift, flip, and pull
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.
“Everybody has a different idea about why they are here,” Chipman said. “What we have to do is help them create their new baseline and learn why they think they are here. That’s their reality. We just want to engage people and bring them joy.”
With a few simple adjustments—such as improving lighting, adding clear labels, using contrasting colors, and incorporating easy-to-use tools—you 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 doctor’s 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.
With some modifications and preparations, you can help a loved one with dementia maintain as much independence and comfort as possible.