Real stories

People with dementia try out ideas for festive gifts

Norwich’s Dementia Voice group is one of many across the country that meet every month to share their knowledge and experience. They influence the work of Alzheimer’s Society and other organisations. 

The group welcomed us back to look at a range of gift ideas from our online shop – products specially designed to be helpful and enjoyable.

Helpful dementia products

Making things work better for people with dementia oftens helps the rest of us too. Similarly, products designed for people with sight loss can also make things easier for others.

Liquid Level Indicators

RNIB Liquid Level Indicators let you know when you’ve filled a cup – one model beeps and another vibrates as well. Placed on the rim of a cup or mug, the indicator gives one alert when you’ve poured enough hot water and a second for adding milk. 

‘That’s clever!’ said Dan. Carol and Roger were also impressed, particularly by the vibrating alert. 

‘Sometimes your cup is full before you realise it,’ noted Carol. 

Group members asked if you could also use them on other containers – you can, so long as they’ve not been heated, like a hot cooking pot.

Talking tins

Talking tins are red, magnetic lids that attach onto a can, or to a non­metal container using a velcro strap. If you record a message of up to 40 seconds saying what’s in the tin, you can find out later by simply pressing the button on top. 

Howard and Shelly thought they could also help on tea and coffee containers. 

Jan added, ‘It would be good for us to use now, so Dan gets used to using them before he needs to.’ 

The Liquid Level Indicators and Talking Tins are both magnetic, so they can be stored handily on a fridge door. 

Talking microwave

The RNIB talking microwave has four simple controls, with tactile buttons and all functions spoken in a clear voice. 

The group tested the voice’s adjustable volume, and Mel confirmed she could hear it from outside the room when turned up to 15. 

Roger was especially keen.

I can never see the dials on my microwave – that’s brilliant!

Group members agreed that the price, £215 with VAT relief, was fair. 

‘If it helps someone to be independent it would be worth it,’ said Carol.  

Dementia-friendly books

The Brain Health Puzzle Book offers 150 puzzles with different levels of difficulty, all designed to keep our ‘little grey cells’ in top form.

Although Ian thought the puzzles looked like ‘great stuff’, the group agreed it didn’t feel designed for people with dementia symptoms, since its packed pages could be hard to read. 

But for people who want to help prevent a decline in memory and thinking skills as they age, the book includes a seven-day programme and many tips. 

The group’s interest was dominated by two Cognitive Books, designed so people can continue to enjoy reading as dementia progresses. One covers the Beatles and the other the 1966 World Cup.

With clear pictures and text, each book comes with free audio downloads you can read along to, one simpler and another more detailed. 

‘I’d forgotten a lot about 1966, but it comes back when you read this,’ said Roger. 

Dan said, ‘I feel like I could look at this.

And I can see exactly where to go next.

There were many enthusiastic ideas for topics of future Cognitive Books. 

‘You could do the music of the 80s,’ said Howard. ‘Or one on Elvis Presley.’

‘Roy would like one on cars,’ added Carol. 

They were excited to learn that a third Cognitive Book is about to be launched – this one on the much-loved long-running soap Coronation Street.  

Alcohol-free hamper

The Alcohol free feast, one of a number of hampers available from our online shop, went down very well with the group. 

As well as sampling some delicious first mince pies of the year, everyone tucked into gourmet shortbread, fudge, cookies, crisps, seasoned nuts and more. 

Mel, who’d been looking at options for Christmas hampers, noted that the price of £82.99 including VAT compared favourably. 

The hamper also includes a Christmas pudding, chocolate cake and chutney. Its bottle of elderflower sparkle made for a lovely accompaniment. 

‘It’s got just the right amount of sweetness – very refreshing!’ said Graham. 

Between appreciative mouthfuls, we also heard ‘Nice popcorn!’ from Howard and ‘That chocolate’s beautiful!’ from Roger.

Product pricing

• RNIB Liquid Level Indicator, audible – £11.25 plus VAT.
• RNIB Liquid Level Indicator, audible and vibratory – £12.50 plus VAT.
• Talking Tins 40 seconds, pack of three – £24.00 plus VAT.
• RNIB talking microwave – £215.00 plus VAT.
• The Brain Health Puzzle Book – £10.99 including VAT.
• Looking back at… The 1966 World Cup and Looking back at… The Beatles, Cognitive Books – each £14.99 including VAT.
• Alcohol free feast – £82.99 including VAT (other hampers start at £24.99 including VAT). 

You can buy many specially designed products – including the RNIB and talking devices – VAT free if they’re for use by a person with dementia or other conditions, saving 20%. Tick the box stating that you’re eligible for VAT relief at checkout.