Simple Memory Aids That Can Make Living Life With Dementia Easier

With more and more seniors dealing with dementia than ever before, experts from all walks of life have been trying to come up with various strategies and approaches to help these individuals with their everyday lives. Those who struggle with dementia suffer from a very intense form of memory loss, which is not an easy thing to live with. While the world is still awaiting a cure for Alzheimer’s and other dementias, many care providers are looking for ways to improve the senior’s quality of life and help them tide over daily struggles as they cope with this condition.

Talking about dementia, the areas in which people with memory loss find to be troublesome include remembering events, separating fact from fiction, taking in new information, and recognizing people and places.

Memory experts often recommend a few simple memory aids to people with mild cognitive impairment or early symptoms of dementia, and even dementia caregivers have also started using memory aids in order to help those struggling with dementia-related memory loss. It has been found that by using these memory aids older adults are able to feel more independent and do more on their own. Furthermore, these memory aids can be beneficial in helping to prevent issues with frustration in seniors before they occur, by providing them with the simple reminders they need before they start feeling overwhelmed by their confusion.

You might easily recognize the symptoms of memory loss or dementia, but the choice to use memory aids or to seek assistance from a North Phoenix assisted living or memory care facility can be a sensitive topic between families and elders. Though the topic is sensitive, but it is a vital choice that needs to be made for the well-being of the loved one and for the safety of others. If your loved one is experiencing symptoms, such as forgetting, misplacing or taking in incorrect dose of medications or supplements; there has been a decline in day to day tasks such as bathing, meals, grooming or chores; appliances like a stove or oven have been left on, or running water is left on; changes in personality, such as mistrusting others, confusion, anger, withdrawal or depression- then it may be time to consider memory aids, tools or an assisted living/memory care facility.

Take a look at the top memory aids that can help someone with dementia and memory problems:

Electronic Aids– In this technological era, it would be foolish to not leverage technology. Virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Home can help older adults remember when it’s time to start dinner, leave for a doctor’s appointment, take medicine, or watch their favorite TV show. They can also turn off lights, lock doors, and perform many more similar functions. Then comes using other electronic devices such as a mobile phone, computer, etc. where you can set audio or visual reminders of tasks that you need to carry out. There are apps that can be downloaded that are designed to assist with everything from where your parked car is to when to take vitamins. Not to mention, these devices come equipped with GPS which can help family members keep a track on their senior’s whereabouts.

Investing in object locator devices can also be beneficial in finding lost or misplaced cellphones, keys, etc.

Medication Aids– There cannot be a more important memory aid than a medication reminder, such as daily pill dispensers that make it easier to see whether you’ve taken today’s pills or not. Another good option, as dementia progresses or the daily medication regime becomes too difficult to manage, is an automated medication dispenser with an audio reminder. Then there are medical alarms that can be programmed to send an email message or a beep to a special watch.

Notes and Notepads– Using a notebook can be a lifesaver when it comes to remembering names, details, and to-do lists, or a calendar to write down appointments, events, and family birthdays. Another useful strategy is using sticky notes, or “to-do” pads to write down appointment times, phone numbers or reminders about everyday tasks, such as finishing the laundry, making bill payment, checking the mail etc.

Although many of the aforementioned gadgets and tools might require some help with initial orientation, process, setup and settings, but these can be instrumental in reducing the confusion, overwhelm and pressures of remembering numerous details on any given day.