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Memory
Aids |
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The people at the Alzheimer Society Of Saskatchewan suggested ways that we can help our grandmother with her failing memory. We’re going to share these ideas with her. In fact, we’re going to spend some of our allowance this week, buying a few things that might make her life easier. If someone in your family has Alzheimer's disease, offer them the following suggestions:
- Keep a notebook (‘memory book’)
of important information with you whenever you go out. This book may
contain: a list of important phone numbers including those to call in
case of an emergency; upcoming appointments and things to do; anything
you’d like to make note of; and a map of the area where you live.
Glue the map to the inside cover of the notebook and put a line through
past appointments or dated information.
- Keep emergency numbers in large print
by the phone. If your phone has a one touch or speed dial feature, get
someone in the family (we could do it) to enter your important numbers
and to record names and corresponding codes in the appropriate place
on the phone.
- Put a large calendar on the wall beside the phone and use it to record important events and appointments. Consider using coloured stickers for things that are vital to recall. Put a line through the days that are over. If you forget what day it is, turn on the televised weather channel as it provides that information.
- Get someone in the family (we could do it ) to label
cupboards, drawers, etc. with pictures plus words that indicate
what’s in them (see ‘Logical
Labels’ under the ‘Arts
& Crafts’ section).
- Get someone in the family (we could do it) to print out the instructions
for certain things like starting the wash machine or using other appliances.
Keep the instructions with the corresponding appliance.
- Get someone in the family to set the hot water heater lower and to
label the hot and cold water taps throughout
the house (including the shower taps). We recommend using a dot of fingernail
polish (red – for hot; blue
– for cold).
Use
a weekly pill dispenser. An adult family
member could fill it for the person with Alzheimer's disease on a once
a week basis.
- If you’re using the oven, toss an oven mitt in the middle of the kitchen floor to remind you the oven is on.
Get
an adult family member to check smoke detector
batteries to make sure they are working.
- Get into the habit of putting important items like keys in the same,
familiar place that you have to walk past. We made our grandmother a
key holder (see ‘Make
a Key Rack’ under the ‘Arts
& Crafts’ section) and it’s located on the wall
just inside her front door.
Some
people have key chains/rings that will beep
when someone claps their hands or whistles for them.
- Get someone in the family (we could do it) to print your name,
address, and phone number on recipe cards and put one completed
card in every sweater and coat pocket that you have.
- People with Alzheimer's disease sometimes need visual signs to help them remember. Put up pictures (and include names) of family, friends, places, and important events (see ‘Picture Frames’ under the ‘Arts & Crafts’ section).
