There’s a new trend going around social media right now called “5 things worth the money,” so I thought I would share the ones that have made the biggest difference for the caregivers I work with.
As someone who has worked in dementia care for more than 20 years, I’ve seen caregivers spend money on things that end up collecting dust. But I’ve also found a handful of products that truly make life easier.
These aren’t luxury items. They’re purchases that can reduce stress, increase comfort, and make caregiving a little more manageable every day.
Here are my top five.
1. Wipes Warmer
Think about how uncomfortable it feels to have a freezing cold wipe on your skin. Now imagine experiencing that when you’re already confused or frightened.
A wipes warmer can make personal care much more comfortable for your person with dementia. That small change often reduces resistance during brief changes and cleanups because the experience feels less shocking. It’s a simple purchase that can make one of the hardest parts of caregiving a little gentler for everyone involved.
2. Towel Warmer
Bathing can be one of the biggest challenges in dementia care. One reason is that many people become much more sensitive to temperature as dementia progresses.
Wrapping your person in a warm towel after a shower or bed bath provides immediate comfort and helps them feel safe. It can also make them more willing to participate in bathing because they know they’ll be warm afterward.
Sometimes it’s the little comforts that make the biggest difference.
3. Robotic Cat or Dog
I’ve seen robotic pets work wonders for the right person.
They can provide comfort, reduce anxiety, encourage conversation, and give someone a sense of purpose. For some people, caring for a robotic pet helps decrease loneliness and provides something calming to focus on throughout the day.
They’re not for everyone, but when they’re a good fit, they can become a treasured companion.
4. Extra Large Bed Pad
An extra large bed pad is one of those products you don’t realize you need until you have one.
It helps protect mattresses, recliners, couches, wheelchairs, and even car seats from accidents. Whether you choose a washable or disposable version, it can save hours of cleanup and help protect expensive furniture.
Anything that reduces stress during an already difficult season is worth considering.
Here’s a link to the ones I recommend.
5. LivDry Briefs
Not all incontinence briefs are created equal, and that’s one reason I recommend LivDry.
One feature I really appreciate is the colored line on the front, which makes it easy to tell which side goes in front during changes. That may sound like a small detail, but when you’re changing someone multiple times a day, little things matter.
The tear away sides also make removing the brief much easier, especially after an accident. Instead of pulling the brief down over the legs, you can simply tear the sides and remove it with much less effort and discomfort.
Another reason I like them is their absorbency. They pull moisture away from the skin, helping keep your person drier and reducing the risk of skin breakdown. Healthy skin is incredibly important in dementia care, especially for people who spend more time sitting or lying down.
When a brief keeps someone comfortable, dry, and protected, it doesn’t just make caregiving easier. It helps preserve dignity.
Try LivDry Overnight Protective Underwear here.
Final Thoughts
Caregiving is expensive, and I don’t believe in recommending products just because they’re popular. I recommend products that solve real problems and make everyday life a little easier for caregivers and the people they love.
I’d love to hear from you. What dementia caregiving purchase has been worth every penny?
This post is sponsored by LivDry. All opinions are my own. I only recommend products I trust and would use with my own caregiving families.
Joanna LaFleur is a dementia care expert, educator, and CEO/Founder of Joanna Dementia Expert. Follow her on TikTok @joanna.dementia.e and Facebook @joannalafleur for daily caregiving tips and real talk about life with dementia.