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Keeping your independence with dementia |
There are a number of simple things you can do that will help you as your memory becomes less reliable. Starting to use memory prompting strategies early on gets you into a pattern of behaviour that can maximise your independence as well as your confidence.
Keeping to a routine aids memory in dementia: Having a routine is one of the best memory prompts. Patterns of behaviour become an aid to memory and help a person with dementia feel secure and less anxious too.
Diary and notebook keeping for dementia: Keep a diary or notepad. Use a daily diary to write down the everyday tasks, household duties and activities that you have arranged or want to do. You can also use them for thoughts and ideas. Carers can write in activities or 'must do's' too if you want as well.
Notice Boards memory and dementia: Pin reminders, a time-tables, ideas, etc on them and it is a good alternative or backup system to a diary. Noticeboards are great visual reminders. Helpers or caregivers can also put reminders of activities or what day it is.
Labels help identify possessions for person with dementia: Put
labels on things to remind you where things are or remind you to lock
your door and windows at night, or let out the cat!
Address books and phones numbers aid memory: Keep your phone and
address book by the phone with important numbers written prominently on
one page.
Electronic prompt services for people with dementia:
Paging and texting services. These types of services often used for
people with brain injury can be used for reminders and cues of things
that need to be done, such as medication. These types of services may
not be available within your area.
Smoke and gas alarms: All homes should have them.
Centralise important objects to aid memory: Get into the habit of always putting keys, money, glasses in the same place
Clocks with date displays: Having clocks with date
displays in every room helps you remember, helps you identify time of
the day and activities that occur within time frames.
Daily Newspapers aid memory: Newspapers not only keep you in touch with things but act as a reminder for the day of the week.
Adapted from website
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