My mother has vascular dementia, macular degeneration, severe hearing loss, is incontinent, and is wheelchair-bound. She can feed herself, but as of the past couple of weeks is not eating much. The nurses say she's declining.
My mom knows who I am, although that goes in and out -- sometimes I'm her sister. She has an imaginary husband, and she told me last week that she discovered we're members of the royal family. I was told to stock up on gowns, but to leave the jewelry at home because “Liz" will have some for me.
I love my wacky, funny mother dearly, and like many of you, I've been kept away from her for months now. I don't want her to ever think I've forgotten her, and not giving her something for Christmas would absolutely count as that. It's bad enough we can't be with her. She also doesn't know anything about Covid,and I suppose the good thing is she thinks I still visit every week.
Any ideas what to get a 91-year-old blind, deaf, and wheelchair-bound princess for Christmas?
Get them to coordinate with the tiara.😄
You’ll find something. What is her favorite thing to eat or drink?
I love when my daughters buy a gift basket filled with my favorite tea or coffee and other treats like pretty new cups or mugs.
Alva, your "soft pillow" suggestion reminded me of the plethora of furry throws. I bought some for myself and family. My father loved his and really enjoyed and relaxed while being wrapped up in it.
I've found that the silkiness of some, especially the thicker ones, is very soothing and calming. These are the "plush" throws, thicker than some of the others.
One caveat, they are NOT blanket sized and will not cover both feet and head, so you can't bundle up in them unless you use two at a time.
Another thought might be a stuffed toy, a cat, or dog, or something that could be cuddled.
I think given her vision and other limitations, something tactile and sensory might be appropriate.
How does she bathe? If you or someone else help her, some French milled soaps might be nice; they're pleasantly fragrant, based on real scents, not manufactured chemical ones.
This is such a good question and so hard to answer. So hard to find something when so many senses are gone. My heart goes out to you and hope you find something fun. I hope you will update us when you do.
Claire's! Thank you!