Everyday tips
There are a number of steps you can take to help you live as independently as possible. Remember, changes will happen slowly over time, allowing you to adjust your lifestyle and find help when you need it. While you may clearly remember events from long ago, recent events can often be quickly forgotten. It is common to have difficulties keeping track of time, people and places. It is also common to have times when you forget appointments or people's names and become frustrated by trying to remember where you put things.
Helpful hints from people with dementia:
Keep a diary or notebook of important things and try to have it with you at all times. This book can be kept in a pocket or hip pouch. It may contain:
- your own phone number
- phone numbers of people close to you
- a phone number for emergencies
- people's names
- a list of things to do
- appointments
- a map showing where your home is
- a record of your daily activities to look back on
- any thoughts or ideas you want to hold on to
Try to establish a regular daily or weekly routine which can help reduce reliance on your memory.
- Label cupboards and drawers with words and pictures that describe the contents, e.g. dishes, knives and forks.
- Have a whiteboard or pinboard in a prominent place such as the kitchen and use it to write important things to remember for the day or week
- Telephone numbers written in large print and displayed by the telephone can be helpful. Include emergency numbers, as well as a description of where you live.
- You may find it helpful and comforting to have a friend or relative call in or phone to remind you of meal times, appointments or when to take your medication
- Keep a collection of photos of the people you see regularly. Label the photos with their names and what they do.
- Marking off days on a calendar is a way of keeping track of time. You might like to get help from someone when crossing off the days. Get a clock that shows day and date.
- Decide where to keep important things like money, keys and glasses. Put them in the same place every time.
- Keep in mind there will be days when your memory is better than other days. Though unsettling, this type of fluctuation is normal. Make the best of each day. Live each moment.
- Loud noises, background music or more than one conversation can be distracting and confusing. Work out how to manage this e.g. using ear plugs if appropriate or choose quiet places to visit.
