This is the first of a series of articles about coping strategies, suggested by Truthful Loving Kindness.

I should say reader, at the outset, that I understand that they may not all be suitable for everyone, all our Dementia’s are different in some way and , you may not be able to use some of the things mentioned for whatever reason but I hope it will give a little insight into ways that we can live with our Dementia.

Technology

Memory Clock – I have a Memory Clock which doesn’t just tell the time as you can see below:

DementiaClock

It also has alarms with preset labels including Meals, Medication and appointments.

Phone, PC and Tablet – All have access to the same apps and they all work basically the same.

Most days I find it easier to put in new information via my PC, even though that can be challenging but the bigger buttons on the keyboard help. Some of the apps are:

Calendar – The Calendar app is where I put reminders:

for Birthdays/Anniversaries

to take my medication (I set this half an hour after the alarm on my Memory Clock)

to have meals (I set this half an hour after the alarm on my Memory Clock)

for appointments

when I’m expecting a phone call

and for anything else I may need reminding of.

Smart Watch – I have a cheaper version of a FitBit which apart from the time, tells me how many steps I have done, monitors my Heart Rate and my sleep and which links to an app on my phone.

Social Media – previous readers of my blog will know the importance of social media to me climbing out of the metaphoric dark hole my diagnosis put me in. To begin with, I made new friends and got a lot of support, now hopefully I am able to support others and raise awareness.

Shopping – There are many online shops and supermarkets and whilst maybe you should always try to get out to the shops you may not be able. The shopping, supermarket apps could also be useful for long distance carers as most allow alternative delivery addresses.

Busses – Companies like Stagecoach have an app where as long as you are near your bus route you can see where the next bus is.

Long Distance – Ordering ready meals through an online supermarket can be cheaper than using the companies that Hospitals recommend.

Presents – Places like Amazon will gift wrap a present so if you can’t travel for someones birthday, they will wrap it for you with a message for an extra charge.

Other apps – Banks, eMail, News, Text Messaging etc that can put most of what you need in one place.

Other

Front/Back Door – Fit Door alarm, chain and put up a curtain to cover the doors at night.

Night Light –  Plug a night light into plug sockets at top and bottom of stairs, there are LED ones that switch on when it starts to get dark and turns off at dawn automatically.

Calendar – Have a calendar on the wall with appointments/things you have planned.

Audiobooks – The person may no longer be able to read a book but may enjoy audiobooks.

Music – Even if the person cannot express a wish to listen to music, you may get a positive response when they do and can also improve mood.

TV/Films – Watching old TV programmes and Films can be a pleasurable experience for the person with Dementia.

Noise – Try to keep TV/Music volume a little lower unless the person has a hearing deficit, loud noises can be a problem.

Memory Book/Wall –  A memory book with photographs and newspaper cuttings can be a valuable reminiscence tool, as can having photographs on the wall. With a memory book you can put names, dates and how they are related, plus a little about the photograph if room.

Activities – Anything that the person is interested in or you can introduce them to, doesn’t have to be a physical activity.

Support Groups – Not easy to find but they benefit the person and their carer/family.

Carers – Make time for yourself, you need time away from the persons Dementia.

Involve family and accept help – No shame in this, does not mean you are a failure.

Next time, I will write about going out.

I am not paid or induced in any way to mention any products.