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Everyday Essentials for Caring for Elderly Parents at Home
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items When my mom was living with dementia, there was no guidebook—just a lot of trial, error, and late-night searches trying to make her more comfortable at home. This list includes the everyday essentials that actually helped: things that made daily rout...
Sections
7
Cognitive Stimulation for Dementia
Dementia-Friendly Picture Books
Daily Living Aids for Dementia Care
Adaptive Clothing & Shoes
Caring for the Living Space
Home Safety for Dementia
Cognitive Stimulation for Dementia
These were the games, puzzles, and sensory tools that helped keep my mom’s mind gently engaged—even on the harder days. Nothing complicated, just thoughtful ways to bring a bit of focus, calm, or connection.
These puzzles became part of our daily rhythm. The large pieces, simple steps, and beautiful images gave my loved one a sense of purpose without frustration. We’d sit side-by-side, matching shapes and sharing quiet moments—no pressure, just presence....
Keeping Busy Large-Piece Puzzle Set – 3-Pack of Dementia-Friendly Activities for Seniors with Alzheimer’s
This was a quiet hit with my mom. The large wooden knobs made it easy to grasp, even with shaky hands or limited dexterity. She’d match the shapes, name the colors, and enjoy the tactile satisfaction of fitting each piece into place.
Designed for to...
Melissa & Doug Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle – 8-Piece Geometric Shapes Puzzle for Seniors with Dementia or Limited Dexterity
Originally made for toddlers, but just right for adult hands that need gentle activity without frustration. My mom loved the feel of the wooden blocks, the ease of stacking, and the quiet rhythm of sorting by color or shape. It gave her a sense of do...
PEBIRA Wooden Sorting & Stacking Toy – Montessori-Inspired Shape and Color Sorter for Gentle Cognitive Activity
This little wooden garden became a daily ritual. My mom loved “planting” and “picking” the carrots—each one a perfect fit, each movement satisfying and clear. It gave her a way to stay engaged, use her hands, and enjoy a small sense of purpose in the...
Skrtuan Wooden Carrot Harvest Toy – Montessori-Inspired Shape Sorting Puzzle for Gentle, Tactile Engagement
I originally bought these to organize medical paperwork—but they became something more. My mom loved matching the colored papers to the folders, creating little systems of her own. It gave her a sense of purpose and calm, especially on the days when ...
Jyusmile Colored File Folders – Letter-Size Folders with Bright 2-Tone Colors for Sorting, Organizing, and Care Activities
This stack of colorful paper became a go-to for quiet, hands-on moments. We used it for sorting by color, tearing and layering, even simple collages. It wasn’t about the final product—it was about movement, choice, and color in a day that needed a li...
Crayola Construction Paper – 96 Sheets of Vibrant, Easy-to-Handle Craft Paper for Creative Elder Care Activities
This cat became more than a toy—it was a comfort. My mom would hold it, talk to it, and smile when it purred or turned its head. The soft fur and gentle movements made it feel surprisingly real, especially during quiet or anxious moments. It didn’t r...
JOY FOR ALL Companion Cat – Lifelike Animatronic Therapy Pet for Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia (Orange Tabby)
This puzzle was soft in every sense—soothing image, manageable size, and just the right level of challenge. My mom loved the kitten’s sweet face, and completing it gave her a sense of accomplishment without overwhelm. It’s the kind of activity that b...
Sleepy Kitten Dementia Puzzle – 16-Piece Large Jigsaw Puzzle for Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Cognitive Decline
This puzzle offered a slightly higher piece count, which gave my mom a longer stretch of quiet engagement without crossing into frustration. The color-coded backing and included template helped guide the process, even on foggy days. The familiar scen...
Keeping Busy 35-Piece Birdfeeder Puzzle – Dementia-Friendly Jigsaw with Color Coding and Templates for Seniors and Adults with Alzheimer’s
This set was more than just matching—it opened doors to light storytelling and gentle curiosity. My mom enjoyed pairing the photos, and the simple facts gave us a starting point for relaxed conversation. It kept her mind active without pressure, and ...
Keeping Busy “Match the Photos with Fun Facts” – Dementia Activity Kit for Seniors with Alzheimer’s, Memory Games for Adults and Elderly
This game was easy to set up and inviting to play. My mom liked the feel of the tiles and the satisfaction of making matches without needing a lot of direction. It offered just the right amount of challenge to keep her focused—and the quiet repetitio...
Keeping Busy Tile Matching Game for Seniors
We kept this blanket nearby during long afternoons or moments of agitation. The zippers, buttons, and textures gave my mom something to do with her hands—quietly, gently, and without pressure. It helped her stay calm and focused when words or routine...
Fidget Blanket for Seniors with Dementia
Dementia-Friendly Picture Books
We found a lot of comfort in books with simple language, strong visuals, and familiar topics. These were easy to hold, easy to follow, and often sparked a story or a smile—even when words were starting to slip away.
The Most Beautiful Kittens in the World – Calming Picture Book
When words started to fade, we found other ways to connect—and this little book was one of them. Filled with soft, comforting images of kittens, it sparked smiles, gentle conversation, an...
The Most Beautiful Kittens in the World: A Calming Picture Book for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients
The 40 Most Beautiful Flowers in the World – Dementia-Friendly Picture Book
This was one of those quiet-time go-tos when we needed calm. Just turning pages, admiring the colors, naming a few flowers we remembered—it gave us a shared moment that didn’...
The 40 Most Beautiful Flowers in the World – A Calming Picture Book for Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
The 40 Most Beautiful Birds in the World – Dementia-Friendly Picture Book
This was a favorite in our rotation. The colors, the feathers, the simple joy of pointing out a bird we used to see in the backyard—it created a moment of connection without ne...
The 40 Most Beautiful Birds in the World – A Calming Picture Book for Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
Daily Living Aids for Dementia Care
From adaptive utensils to toilet seat risers, these are the quiet helpers that made daily routines smoother for both of us. I chose each one because it actually solved a problem—without adding more stress or setup.
A soft, cheerful blanket was one of the easiest ways to add comfort and color to hospital rooms, wheelchairs, or chilly afternoons at home. This one’s lightweight but cozy, and the vibrant floral design brought a little life into spaces that often fe...
Colorful Flowers Throw Blanket – Soft 50"x60" Floral Blanket for Seniors, Caregivers, or Loved Ones in Recovery
We used this one almost daily. The large screen was easy to read, the wrist cuff was more comfortable than the arm-style monitors, and the memory function let me track readings over time without writing everything down. It took the guesswork—and the ...
MMIZOO Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor – Large LCD Display, 99-Reading Memory, Adjustable Cuff & Carrying Case for Home Use
These became part of our daily care routine—gentle on skin, large enough for real cleaning, and unscented to avoid irritation. Whether we were managing hygiene between showers or freshening up after meals, these wipes helped maintain comfort and dign...
Handybath Incontinence Washcloths - 100% Biodegradable
Bathing got easier—and safer—with this handheld shower head. The multiple spray settings gave us control over water pressure, and the long hose made seated showers or caregiver-assisted bathing much more manageable. A small change, but it made daily ...
Delta 7-Spray Handheld Shower Head, Chrome
We used this not for a baby, but for elder care—and it made a world of difference. Warm wipes were less startling on sensitive skin, especially during nighttime changes or hygiene care. The soft light added visibility without being harsh, and the qui...
Baby Wipe Warmer with 3-Mode Control
We used this as a gentle reminder system for my mom—what day it was, who was visiting, what time meals or medications were. Placing it on the fridge kept it in sight and part of her daily flow. It helped reduce confusion and gave her small cues to ho...
Magnetic Dry Erase Board for Fridge 20x13
When my mom’s hand strength started to fade and tremors made eating harder, these weighted utensils were a quiet win. The extra weight helped her keep control, and the wider grips meant she didn’t have to fight with her fork or spoon. It wasn’t just ...
Adaptive Weighted Utensils Set for Tremors
Adaptive Clothing & Shoes
Getting dressed was easier—and more dignified—with clothes designed for mobility, ease, and comfort. These options helped avoid frustration, kept her safe, and still felt like her.
These were the only slippers my mom didn’t try to kick off. Lightweight like socks, but with just enough grip and structure to feel safe walking from bed to kitchen or chair to porch. Easy to slip on, easy to keep on, and just plain cozy.
Perfect fo...
Fires Soft House Slipper Socks – Lightweight, Non-Slip Indoor/Outdoor Slippers with Rubber Sole for Men and Women
These were a lifesaver on days when my mom’s feet were swollen or sore. The wide opening and soft memory foam made them easy to get on without pain, and the open-toe design helped with airflow and pressure relief. Just a heads-up: they do run large, ...
Git-up Women’s Extra Wide Diabetic Slippers – Adjustable, Memory Foam House Shoes for Edema, Arthritis, and Swollen Feet
These were our go-to shoes for quick outings or walks around the facility. Lightweight, non-slip, and easy to get on—even on swollen days. The wide, adjustable design gave my mom the support she needed without any pressure points or fuss. They’re par...
Besroad Adjustable Diabetic Walking Shoes – Lightweight, Non-Slip Sneakers for Women and Men with Swollen or Sensitive Feet
These were the pair my mom reached for most often. Easy to adjust, soft all around, and forgiving on days when her feet were too swollen for regular shoes. The non-slip sole gave us peace of mind, and the memory foam brought gentle comfort with every...
LongBay Women’s Adjustable Memory Foam Slippers – Wide, Cozy House Shoes for Diabetic Feet, Edema, Neuropathy, and Sensitive Skin
I bought this for my mom when she was living with dementia in memory care, and it quickly became one of our go-to pieces. It’s soft, breathable, and easy to get on and off thanks to the full snap front—no tricky buttons, no fuss. The loose fit kept h...
Snap-Front House Dress with Pockets
I got this for my mom during her memory care years, and it became a staple—light enough for Florida heat, soft enough for sensitive skin, and full-length for dignity and warmth. The 3/4 sleeves made it easier for her to eat or rest without getting ta...
Lightweight Cotton Robe with Pockets - Women
These socks were a quiet essential when I was caring for my mom. The grippers helped her feel steady on slick floors, and the soft, non-binding ankle kept her comfortable without leaving marks on her skin. Designed with neuropathy in mind, they’re br...
Diabetic Ankle Socks with Grippers - Soft, Non-Binding
This was the brand I trusted most when caring for my mom. The fit was snug but soft, and it didn’t irritate her skin or bunch up during the day. They’re designed to be discreet under clothes but absorbent enough for full confidence—especially importa...
Always Discreet Women's Incontinence Underwear
Caring for the Living Space
These items helped me keep her space clean, calm, and a little easier to manage. From air purifiers to storage ideas, it was about creating a home that worked with her needs, not against them.
We used these to soften the walls of my mom’s memory care room—instantly, it felt more like her space. The colors were cheerful, the butterflies added a touch of whimsy, and she often reached out to admire them. It turned a plain room into something ...
Removable Flower & Butterfly Wall Decals – Waterproof Peel-and-Stick Floral Murals for Memory Care Spaces
We used this during the stage when my mom could still read labels—it helped her navigate her space with more confidence. From drawers to bins to light switches, everything had a place and a name. It gave her small wins throughout the day and reduced ...
Label Maker – Clear Labels for Peace of Mind
These added such a lovely touch to my mom’s memory care room. The soft colors brightened shelves and windowsills without any risk—no broken pots, no spills, no upkeep. Just a bit of life-like beauty in a place that needed it. Real flowers are lovely,...
Set of 4 Faux Potted Lavender Plants – 10.5" in Plastic Pots for Safe, Low-Maintenance Decor
We used this in my mom’s memory care room to make laundry pickup simple and discreet. The three removable bags made it easy to separate clothes and take just what was needed—no digging, no awkward lifting. The lid kept everything tucked away, and the...
3-Section Handwoven Rattan Laundry Hamper – 132L Clothes Basket with Removable Bags, Lid, and Side Handles for Easy Sorting
This was a game-changer during my caregiving days. When time was short and energy even shorter, the VACMOP made it easy to clean up messes fast—no dragging out a vacuum, no heavy mop buckets. Lightweight enough for daily use, with disposable pads tha...
Shark VACMOP Pro Cordless Floor Cleaner
These refills made cleanup quick and completely hands-free—just pop the dirty pad off and toss it. No rinsing, no mess, no extra stress. During caregiving, that kind of convenience adds up fast, especially when you're managing both the care and the c...
Shark VACMOP Disposable Pad Refills - 30ct
This refill kept us stocked for weeks, and the light scent made the room feel fresh without being overpowering. It cleaned up everyday messes in my mom’s space quickly—no harsh chemicals, no streaks, and no added effort. Just pour, mop, and move on.
...
Shark VACMOP Multi-Surface Cleaner Refill
Out of everything we tried, this one brought her the most joy. She loved picking up the soft play fruits and vegetables, matching them by color, naming each one, and organizing the baskets “just right.” It became a daily routine we both looked forwar...
Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set – Hands-On Play Food Activity for Color Sorting, Memory Care, and Engagement
Home Safety for Dementia
Wandering, slipping, forgetting how things work—safety took on new meaning in our house. These tools helped me prevent falls, secure risky areas, and give both of us some peace of mind.
When someone you love starts to lean to one side or slip down in their wheelchair, it can be hard to watch—and even harder for them to feel secure. This side support pillow helped keep my loved one sitting more upright and comfortable throughout the ...
Zantle Wheelchair Side Support Pillow – Adjustable Lateral Cushion to Prevent Leaning or Sliding
This was one of those things we hoped we’d never need—but we were glad we had it. The kit lets you safely store a loved one’s scent so if they ever wander, search dogs have a reliable starting point. It’s quick to set up, requires no upkeep, and give...
Scent Preservation Kit – Helps First Responders Locate Individuals with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Autism Using Preserved Human Scent
We used this to help keep my mom safe when wandering became a concern. The long-range alerts let us know if a door opened or stayed open too long—whether we were in the next room or out running errands. It gave us peace of mind without needing camera...
YoLink Smart Door Sensor Kit for Caregivers
This bench made transfers in and out of the tub safer and more manageable during my mom’s later stages of care. The armrest gave her something solid to hold onto, and the wide seat made her feel secure. It reduced risk, reduced stress, and helped pre...
Drive Medical Height-Adjustable Tub Bench
We set these up in key spots around my mom’s room—not to intrude, but to give us peace of mind when we couldn’t be there in person. The motion alerts let us know if she was up at night or out of bed, and the two-way audio allowed for gentle check-ins...
Zmodo Mini Pro 4-Pack 1080P WiFi Cameras
I got this during a time when safety and peace of mind mattered more than anything. It’s sturdy, easy to set up, and the strap keeps it secure to the bed frame. The small storage pocket was a thoughtful bonus—we used it for tissues, lip balm, and the...
Panta Adjustable Bed Rail for Seniors - Grey
Support for Caregivers
This section’s just for us—the ones doing the checking, lifting, deciding, comforting. These are the things that helped me keep going. Little comforts, tools, and supports that reminded me I mattered too.
The 36-Hour Day is one of the most widely trusted resources for dementia caregiving—and for good reason. It covers the emotional, medical, legal, and day-to-day realities of supporting someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, all in plai...
The 36-Hour Day: Caring for Alzheimer's
Already Toast isn’t just a memoir—it’s a mirror for the millions of unpaid caregivers quietly holding everything together. Kate Washington shares her story of caring for her seriously ill husband while navigating a system that offers little support a...
Already Toast: Caregiving and Burnout in America
I purchased this necklace as a quiet tribute—a way to say “I remember” without needing many words. Whether you’re a caregiver, a daughter, or someone honoring a memory, this delicate piece carries meaning without being heavy.
It’s a small, beautiful...
Forget-Me-Not Pressed Flower Necklace – Handmade Glass Pearl & Gold Chain Jewelry for Women, Caregivers, or Loved Ones
We used this with my mom when managing online accounts became overwhelming. The large print made it easy to read, and the simple layout helped her (and us) keep track of everything without confusion. No apps to learn, no tiny screens—just a clear, ca...
Username and Password Book – Large Print, Low-Tech Peace of Mind