Making things easier
There may be days when things that are usually familiar to you become unfamiliar. For example:
- You may get lost going into town
- A favourite park may not look the same
- You may not recognise which way to turn
Suggestions:
- Don't be afraid to ask for help
- Carry a mobile phone with numbers of family and friends preset into it
- Tell people you have a memory problem and need assistance
- Take someone with you when you go out
- If lost don't keep trying to find your way - ask somebody
- Keep a card with your name, address, phone number and emergency contact name on it in your purse pack or wallet or consider getting an identification bracelet
- Tell shopkeepers at shops you visit regularly or your local library about your diagnosis. This avoids any problems of "leaving without paying"
Getting through the day
You may find it harder to do everyday tasks were once easy. For example preparing meals, managing money and balancing your cheque book or household repairs may become more difficult or take more time than they used to.
Suggestions:
- Give yourself lots of time; don't let others hurry you
- If something is too difficult, take a break
- If you need help, ask
- Keep to routines
- Avoid doing too many things in one day
- Make lists
- Avoid multi-tasking. Do one thing at a time
- Don't get overtired
- Arrange for others to help you with difficult tasks
