Modifications Around the House for People With Memory Loss

Memory loss takes many forms and can require a great many lifestyle changes to cope. Assuming the loss is stable and not progressive and that some long-term memory for routine can still be depended upon, some modifications to the home environment may be useful.

• Place a set of neatly typed ‘reminder cards’ at frequently used locations in the home:
• By the front and back door. Title ‘Before you go out’ with further cautions, such as ‘keys, wallet/purse, medications. Also include reminders about locking the door, turning off the stove/oven, etc.
• On the nightstand. Title ‘Did you remember to...’ and list tasks such as letting the cat out, locking the doors, etc.
• Next to the bathroom mirror. Title ‘Medications’ and list times and dosages for each. It should also have doctors' names and phone numbers alongside dates for refills. This may also include morning routines and nightly tasks before going to bed.
•  
• Have a set of note pads, either magnetic or stick-on mounted set on highly visible locations in the home. For instance:
• On the refrigerator door titled ‘Grocery List,’ including the store address, manager’s name and phone number.
• On the kitchen or dining room table titled ‘Daily thoughts.’. Add a reminder at the top to ‘ADD TO CALENDAR BEFORE GOING TO BED!’
• On the bedroom nightstand, for ‘middle of the night thoughts.’ This would be seen first thing in the morning.

Other simple reminders and memory aids:

• Set up every daily, weekly or monthly tasks on your outlook, goggle, yahoo or other computer calendar and get notifications by e-mail or text message on your cell phone.
• Have a large, highly visible calendar or date book in a place where it will be seen often. Add daily, weekly and monthly events. Cleaning day, laundry day and others.
• Program favorite TV shows to record on VCR or DDR.. Keep a supply of blank tapes close to the set.
• Carry a small digital recorder everywhere, and learn to record small daily notes. Get into the habit of entering them on to the calendar.
• A large-faced digital clock with date and day of the week should be in a central area of the home. Post it note reminders can be stuck to the clock at appropriate times.
• Keep a chart of all household supplies, (soap, detergent, toilet paper, etc) on the cabinet where they are stored to be checked off as things are used. This will make it easy to know when to restock.
• A talking wristwatch, (often used by people who are blind or have low vision) will announce the time hourly and/or sound an alarm, which can either signal a medication dosage or some other regular event.
• www.maxiaids.com  
• A talking GPS device in the car is a highly effective way of plotting route to regular places, (doctor, pharmacy, store, bank, etc). Or you can keep a map of the local area with routes highlighted. Keep a list of addresses and phone numbers for places you go often. Get to know the clerks and managers to make unexpected contacts go smoother.
• Put Timers or motion-sensor on lights
• www.maxiaids.com
• Refrigerator with alarm that beeps when the door is open.
• DYMO Tape labels on stove, oven and other appliances as reminders to TURN OFF. Labels can be affixed anywhere for ‘on the spot’ reminders.
• Have a ‘remote caddy’ on your favorite TV chair arm to put all remote controls so they won’t be misplaced.
• Place a hook by the front door for keys. Keep a spare set of keys with a trusted neighbor or friend.
• Keep a list of all frequently called phone numbers and emergency numbers by the phone, even if you have speed dial.
• A ‘picture-phone’ with small photos of friends next stored telephone numbers will assist in remembering what number should be called. These can be obtained free of charge from the California Telephone Access Program: http://ddtp.cpuc.ca.gov/HomePage.aspx?id=91&LangType=1033
• A belt-clip walk-around handset will ensure the telephone is always with you.. Some phones have ‘handset finder’ feature. Pushing a button on the base set will sound a beep in the handset, allowing you to find it

The AT Network is dedicated to protecting the rights of our consumers and allowing them to remain independent in the community. If you have a question, concern, or a story to share with us then please don't hesitate to contact us:

Toll-Free: 800-390-2699
TTY: 800-900-0706
E-mail: info@atnet.org