Try: #using a ruler caregiver can draw lines across the paper about an inch apart so that

Materials: Thin black marker heavy white paper ruler

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Maintenance, Cognitive Awareness, Somewhat Aware, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory

Information: Can be written on straight lines in big letters and numbers #don’t make the list alphabetical write it in order of the importance of the people on it to the cr that is write the names of the most-frequently called people at the top #hang the paper where it can be easily seen by the cr while he or she is using the phone or place the paper in a place that is easily accessed such as a kitchen utility drawer that also holds phone books information

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #if a cr no longer tolerates baths or showers well try replacing some of them with sponge baths a sponge bath involves bringing the cleaning tools to the cr rather than the other way around a sponge bath can be given by a caregiver to a cr who is lying in bed standing up near the bed or in the bathroom or alternating sitting and standing in any safe and comfortable location #while you give a sponge bath give the cr the option of covering him or herself with a large towel uncover the area of the body you are cleaning and then cover it with the towel when you have finished # for a very simple sponge bath use unscented shower or bath wipes or baby wipes as gentle washcloths read the directions on the bath wipes before using them some of them can be heated in the microwave for a short period for greater comfort for the cr bath wipes can be found in many pharmacies #if preferred try the more traditional sponge bath technique fill a small clean bucket with warm water wet a washcloth in it and then apply soap to the washcloth wash the cr gently with the wet soapy washcloth as you finish one area dip another washcloth into the water and rinse the soap from the cr’s skin try not to let the soap dry on the cr’s skin as it will have a tightening effect and feel uncomfortable #when giving a sponge bath start at the top of the cr’s body and work your way down #while giving a sponge bath pay attention to the cr’s skin look for any red spots unusual bruises or sores that may indicate infection the start of a bed sore or evidence of a fall

Materials: Baby wipes or unscented bath wipes several washcloths favorite soap small easy-to-carry bucket warm water large towel

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Personal, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, Some Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #be a good listener and get a sense of whether the cr is troubled by the loss of memory of events if the cr is safe and untroubled be patient and look for ways to keep the cr oriented to the present #help the cr stay centered in the present by sticking to a regular daily routine limiting disruptions hold daily conversations with the cr about what is in the news or what is happening with close family members or friends #keep photos of close family members or friends displayed where the cr can see them #when there is time you or a visitor can review photo albums or scrapbooks with the cr perhaps enabling the cr to access some memories but if this is frustrating or the cr is uninterested don’t push it #don’t push the cr to recall past events if he or she is distressed by the realization that memory is being lost and be patient forgetting is not something a cr with dementia does on purpose

Materials: Patience conversation regular routine photos of close family members and friends photo albums or scrapbooks

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Long-Term Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #work with the cr to sort clothing and shoes into sets or sets that could be mixed and matched #assign a number to each set #use the permanent marker to write the assigned number on an insie tag of each article of clothing in each set make sure the number is written clearly and can be read by the cr

Materials: Permanent marker

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Personal, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Vision, Good Vision, So-So Vision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Long-Term Memory, Good L T Memory, So-So L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, Good S T Memory, So-So S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #locate a notepad that can be easily carried by the cr in a pocket purse or wallet #encourage the cr to keep the notebook and pen in a pocket purse or wallet during the day #until the cr gets used to using them cue the cr by periodically politely asking if he or she would like to write a note as ideas come up plans are made or upcoming dates discussed #at the end of the afternoon or evening the notes made during the day can be acted on dates can be transferred to the wall calendar or appointment book and reminders to make certain phone calls can be crossed off after the cr sits down and makes the calls if necessary notes can be taken during the call to remind the cr of any follow-up action needed #the notebook and pen can be kept on the cr’s night table if the cr has the habit of reviewing details of the day just before bed or if it’s common for the cr to wake up with ideas during the night

Materials: Pen notepad wall calendar or appointment book

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Independence, No Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Long-Term Memory, Good L T Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, Good S T Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #remove regular dishes and utensils from view #replace them with paper plates cups and bowls and plastic forks knives and spoons #stock the cr’s freezer with microwaveable frozen meals that can be eaten from their package or served on paper plates #once a week more or less depending on caregiver availability round up non-disposable serving ware metal flatware and plastic storage containers and wash them in warm soapy water then dip them in a sink full of warm water with a mild bleach solution dry them and put them away #use the bleach water to wipe down countertops and kitchen fixtures #if possible recycle paper and plastic trash

Materials: Paper plates cups and bowls plastic forks knives and spoons plastic storage containers microwaveable frozen meals

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Maintenance, Medical Physical, Independence, Some Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Long-Term Memory, Good L T Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, Good S T Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #arrange to have therapy recreation or exercise take place in setting that are comfortable and well set up for the activity #consider whether the activity is being scheduled during a time when the cr is most alert or whether it is being scheduled when the cr is likely to be tired #be prepared as a caregiver to help the cr by providing instructions reminders cues or questions about the activity your involvement and interest may help the cr retrieve memory necessary to move from step to step and enjoyment of your company may motivate the cr to continue exercising #try keeping printed exercise instructions with pictures or diagrams on hand for the cr to refer to throughout sessions if necessary have the instructions expanded on a copy machine and laminated so you can post them on a wall for the cr to glance at easily

Materials: Access to copy machine and laminator active involvement of caregiver

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Medical Physical, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Long-Term Memory, Good L T Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, Good S T Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Bring the inside edge of the toilet bowl into greater contrast with the environment by outlining it with brightly colored duct tape depending on the cr’s residual eyesight it may be helpful to apply dabs of glow-in-the-dark paint at intervals around the bowl or a thin strip of glow-in-the-dark tape on top of the wider duct tape keep in mind that tape may need to be removed and replaced as it loses stickiness

Materials: Brightly colored duct tape glow-in-the-dark paint or tape

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Personal, Gender, Male, Female, Mobility, Mobile, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Vision, So-So Vision, Poor Vision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #encourage the cr to keep a pen and small notebook on hand and to write down the difficult-to-recall words as they are remembered keep a list of these words in the notebook #periodically transfer the list of words to an index card have the card hole-punched and laminated at a copy shop and slip the card or cards onto the key ring keep the key ring in a pocket or purse add more cards to the ring if the list is expanded #tailor the list in the notebook and the cards to the cr’s needs one cr may only need to see a word to recognize it as the one being searched for while another may need to link the word to a picture in that case the cr’s original list may begin by the cr cutting out or drawing a picture of a frequently-difficult-to-name object or person which he or she writes the name of when it is recalled when that name or word is transferred to a card cut and paste a picture that matches the word to the card before getting it laminated #the cr can pull out the cards and refer to them as needed

Materials: Small notebook pens key ring plain metal ring lined index cards hole punch laminator copy shop

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory

Information: This is often a useful strategy for crs with learning disabilities or head injuries who struggle with long-term memory retrieval of specific information it may be helpful for a period of time for a cr experiencing permanent memory loss due to dementia but will likely be less useful as memory loss progresses

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #before you leave for the event remind the cr of where the two of you are going and why #mention the occasion several times as you are traveling to it a gentle reminder such as are you ready for the harpers’ anniversary party can be made or a more direct one such as i’m here to take you to the harpers’ anniversary party do you remember getting the invitation to the party a few weeks ago today is the day we celebrate their fortieth wedding anniversary at their daughter’s house #when you arrive remind the cr of the reason for the gathering in a tactful way for example i think this is ted and mary’s fortieth anniversary i know they’ve been looking forward to this party for months #to help the cr stay clear on why a particular gathering is taking place remind him or her by giving cues during the gathering such as i’m glad we could come to jan’s birthday party or are you enjoying spending easter at your daughter’s house

Materials: Verbal reminders and cues patience

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Social, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Verbal Communication, Good Verbal Comm, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed