Embracing Sensory Engagement in Dementia Care: The Geri-GadgetsĀ® Approach
Jun 01, 2025
For Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness month, we’re taking some time to hear from Angela Fairhurst, CEO and founder of Geri-Gadgets®. Angela is a TV producer and journalist turned entrepreneur. Read on to learn more about Angela and her innovation for sensory engagement in dementia care.
A New Perspective on Dementia
Dementia is often seen as a condition that limits possibilities, but it doesn’t have to be that way. My journey into dementia care began with my mom’s misdiagnosis of Alzheimer’s, later correctly identified as Lewy Body dementia. This experience reshaped my life and inspired the creation of Geri-Gadgets®, a suite of innovative tools designed to provide sensory engagement, connection, and joy for individuals living with dementia. For Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, I’m sharing my story, the challenges and joys of caregiving, and how creativity and engagement can transform dementia care.
A Personal Journey
I grew up in Los Angeles, attended UCLA, and built a career as a television producer. However, when my mom’s dementia journey began, my world shifted entirely. Initially, the misdiagnosis of Alzheimer’s led to a series of challenges. Lewy Body dementia, with its unique symptoms like blood pressure drops, hallucinations, and severe reactions to medication, posed hurdles that traditional caregiving tools couldn’t address.
One of the hardest moments was watching my mom’s world shrink. She’d get lost in familiar spaces or pack nonsensical items for trips. After four years, my mom had to go into a facility. Even with 24-hours care, it wasn’t safe for her to stay at home any longer.
My mom loved music, but her care home only offered it twice a week. I had no idea how to fill all that extra amount of time. She wasn’t someone who was content sitting in front of a television set. It took me a while, but when I finally was able to find joy in the simple, small, profound moments of connection, my eyes opened. She’d reach for shiny magazine pages, seeking tactile engagement. My mom’s sensory need was intense. These moments sparked an idea that would ultimately change both of our lives.
The Birth of Geri-Gadgets®
During one of my searches for something sensorially appropriate, I discovered a silicone potholder I had in my kitchen that I was able to cut down to size would provide the sensory feedback my mom needed. This was the seed for Geri-Gadgets®—with medical-grade silicone, I could create a line of safe, washable products and design them specifically for aging adults. Geri-Gadgets® patented, colorful, sensory-rich tools cater to individuals at all stages of dementia, offering engagement, exercise, and joy without requiring a learning curve.
What sets Geri-Gadgets® apart is their reliability, safety, and their accessibility. Crafted from high-quality, non-toxic silicone, they are easy to clean, dishwasher safe and rigorously tested for real-world use. Each product is designed to stimulate the senses, foster interaction, and promote a sense of accomplishment. Whether used alone or in a group setting, Geri-Gadgets® bridge gaps in communication, don’t take any language to explain or be creative with and create opportunities for meaningful engagement.
Our Fidget Gidget® Bucket includes five thoughtfully crafted items, each offering a different tactile experience: a Click Chain for tactile engagement, a Tugger for resistance exercise, a soft and engaging Silicone Sensory Mat for crunching, tossing or spinning; a Silicone Thera-Pad for fine motor activity, and a squishy egg for stress relief. Each item addresses specific needs—cognitive stimulation, stress reduction, or physical activity—providing a holistic approach to sensory engagement and well-being.
The Flower Bucket has brightly colored silicone tulips and bendable leaves and a silicone vase, allowing for creative arranging inside, through and around the vase. This design provides a familiar, tactile flower-arranging experience, encouraging engagement and exploration.
And our Tetris-inspired Shapes Bucket features a collection of geometric shapes designed to encourage cognitive stimulation through sorting, matching, and failure-free creative play. The pieces can be used in various ways—standing, stacked, or laid flat—fostering open-ended engagement and exploration.
Hard Lessons, Beautiful Memories
While caregiving brought immense challenges, it also brought beautiful memories. One of my favorite moments was seeing my mom light up when using a sensory mat for the first time. Her agitation eased, and she smiled in a way I hadn’t seen in years. It reinforced the importance of tools that meet individuals where they are, providing comfort and connection.
Supporting Caregivers
If I could rewrite my caregiving journey, I’d equip myself with better resources earlier on. That’s why I’m passionate about pointing other caregivers to solutions like Geri-Gadgets® and communities that foster creativity and innovation. Caregiving is emotionally and physically demanding, but tools that offer engagement and self-care opportunities can make a profound difference.
Why Sensory Tools Are Better Than Medications or TV
Traditional methods of managing behavioral challenges in individuals with dementia often lean heavily on medications or passive entertainment like television. While these may offer temporary relief, they fail to provide the engagement and stimulation that are crucial for overall well-being. Sensory tools like Geri-Gadgets® offer a proactive and non-pharmacological alternative, addressing the root of behavioral issues by calming agitation, reducing stress, and promoting focus.
Unlike television, which often leads to further disengagement, or medications, which can have side effects, sensory tools actively involve the individual. They provide a tactile, hands-on experience that meets sensory needs while fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection.
By integrating these tools into care routines, caregivers can create moments of interaction that bring joy and fulfillment, ultimately improving quality of life without relying on chemical interventions or isolating distractions.
Creativity and Connection
Creativity is a game-changer in dementia care. Traditional approaches often focus on limitations, but innovative tools like Geri-Gadgets® emphasize possibilities. By integrating these tools into daily routines, caregivers can foster interaction, reduce isolation, and promote physical and cognitive well-being.
A Message to Caregivers
To all dementia caregivers: You are not alone. Embrace creativity, find moments of joy, and don’t hesitate to seek tools that support both you and your loved one. Products like Geri-Gadgets® are more than just tools; they’re bridges to connection, dignity, and a better quality of life. Let’s transform the narrative of dementia care together, one act of creativity at a time.
To purchase Geri-Gadgets® products, click here.
