There are a large range of memory aids available on the market designed specifically for dementia care. Some of these rely heavily on technology, so it is important to remember the individual’s pre-dementia abilities.
Every person is unique and what will work for one may not necessarily work for another.
Photo Albums
- Books and albums with photographs can be really helpful.
- Labels with names of people in the photos and the date when they were taken can also be useful memory prompts.
Date and Time
- Try a digital clock with a large screen for the date, time, season, year etc.
- One of these displayed in a prominent location could be great aid.
Post It Notes
- Post it notes are a very helpful solution to leaving prompts around the home. These types of sticky notes tend to come in bright vibrant colours, meaning that they will catch the person’s eye.
- For example in a bathroom a ‘post it’ can be put across the mirror saying ‘brush your teeth’. In the kitchen, a ‘post it’ could be placed near the kettle to say ‘have some toast with your cup of tea’, or on the oven to say ‘turn the gas off’.
- These sorts of prompts tend to work better in the earlier days of dementia where someone requires prompting. In the later stages of dementia it is more likely that these notes may be overlooked, not understood or forgotten as soon as they are read.
Calendar or Journal
- In the earlier stages of dementia, a calendar or journal may be very effective. This can be used to record important upcoming events, but also to record what has occurred. This could be used to record when visitors have been at the house giving the person with dementia a reminder of such things.
- However, as dementia progresses, it is more likely that the person will not remember to look at the calendar or journal and may forget to record information here.
Other Memory Aids may include:
| Colour coding of keys | |
| Medication boxes with labels | |
| Smart devices (e.g. Amazon echo) | |
| locator devices (for purse/wallet) |
The selection of memory aids available is vast, from the most simplistic through to quite complex technology. Again, it is essential that the selections are appropriate to the person who will be using them.
