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[From
the booklet Memory problems?, produced by the
Early Stage Support Groups in the North/Central Okanagan
Region of the Alzheimer Society of B.C., created by
people with dementia for people with dementia. You
can download a copy of
the booklet here.]
Ways
to Help Yourself
1.
Keep track of appointments and things.
- Put
an oven mitt in the middle of the floor to remind you
the oven is on.
- Use
post-it notes to remind you of important things to do
or to remind you how to operate appliances (for example,
steps to warm up food in the microwave).
- Keep
a day planner next to the telephone to write appointments
in.
- Use
a weekly dispenser for pills.
2.
Exercise both physically and mentally.
- Read
the paper to keep your mind active.
- Take
up swimming or regular walking.
- Join
a choir -- the mental stimulation is good and it lifts
your spirits.
3.
Participate in social activities.
- Stay
involved with hobbies and interests.
- Volunteer
your time to help someone else.
4.
Stay independent and safe.
- Carry
your name, address and phone number in every sweater and
coat pocket, or buy a bracelet to put this information
on.
- Don't
carry a lot of money with you.
- Write
HOT above the hot water tap in the shower or glue a red
disk on the tap. Use arrows to indicate ON.
5.
Put your affairs in order.
- Make
a Power of Attorney or Representation Agreement (in B.C.)
to say what you want for your future care.
- Write
a "love letter" to your children, spouse, friends
sharing precious memories. Save for a future time.
- Write
a family history. Some stores sell books with questions
to help prompt you for details.
6.
Keep in contact with your doctor.
- Find
out about the use of vitamins to stay healthy.
- Ask
about prescription drugs for dementia (they may help reduce
some symptoms).
- Keep
a list of things that happen and your responses to any
medication so when you have your appointment, you can
bring the doctor up to date.
7.
Work on your attitude and think positive!
- Keep
your sense of humour (or develop one!).
- Write
a "gratitude journal" to record all the things
that made you happy or thankful today.
- Who
cares if you forget? There is no test at the end of the
task or the day. Enjoy!
If
you would like information about how to find or start an
early stage support group in your area, visit the Early Stage Support Groups page or contact your local
Alzheimer Society.
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