Being diagnosed with dementia can be overwhelming and it’s important to give yourself time to adjust to the news. In part 4 of a series of articles looking at making the most of life with dementia, we look at the importance of planning ahead and establishing a good routine.
Speak with you family and/or carers about using these ideas to improve your daily experience.
For many people living with dementia, coping with the memory loss and problems with thinking speed can be distressing. But there are things that can really help, both in coping with the problems, but also with your mental health. Making positive plans gives you confidence and supports your independence.
Try these tips which are all centred on having a regular routine and way of doing things. Again, speak with your family or the people who care for you about supporting you in creating the routine:
Put a weekly timetable on the wall. If there’s a time of day when you are generally feeling better, make sure you carry out important tasks, visits or activities at that time. Plan ahead. Put your plans on the calendar.
Put your keys in the same place every time. Make it an obvious place, that will catch your eye when you come into the building – such as a large bowl in the hallway.
Keep a list of helpful numbers (including who to contact in an emergency) by the phone (landline) and in your mobile. Consider buying a simpler mobile phone – some have buttons you can programme to call a set number. You can even label each button with a person’s name.
Work with your family to put regular bills on direct debits so you don’t forget to pay them.
Use a pill organiser box (dosette box) to help you remember which medicines to take when (your pharmacist can help you get one). You can even get versions that beep and dispense the pills into a simple holder at the time they need to be taken. They can also prevent you from missing your medicine of taking pills that are due for the following day.
Useful Links For Adapting Your Home
make sure your home is dementia-friendly and safe
Find out more about how technology can help at home
Looking for support for someone living with dementia?
Bluebird Care provides specialist dementia care, supporting people to remain safe, comfortable and independent in their own homes.
