Living with memory loss can be frustrating. Forgetting to take medication, make appointments or buy groceries are all signs that you could do with some support.
Whether you are experiencing memory loss, or you have a loved one with dementia or a similar condition, memory aids for the elderly can be an effective tool for those who are struggling to remember things.
The benefits of memory aids
If you have an elderly loved one who lives alone you may worry about their well-being as they don’t have anyone to remind them when to take medication or when it’s time to eat. Memory aids can create peace of mind, not only for the person using the aid but for their families too.
The brain is similar to a muscle, in that if we don’t use it, we lose it. Memory aids are a great tool for exercising memory skills by prompting an action. Used daily, they can help improve memory and solidify routines.
Memory aids for the elderly provide reminders of important time-specific tasks, such as when to take medications or put the rubbish outside for collection. They can also be used to trigger specific actions, such as remembering to lock the door or turn the oven off after use.
For people with dementia, memory aids can help support daily routines and minimise confusion, both of which are critical for people living with dementia.
How to choose and use memory aids for the elderly
When choosing a memory aid for an elderly person, think carefully about their ability to use certain tools and how it will fit into their existing lifestyle. For example, there are lots of Apps available for mobile phones that let you set reminders and write notes. However, these might not be suitable for an elderly person who struggles to use a mobile phone already and may not have ever used an app.
Be realistic about what memory aids will fit with your or your loved one’s lifestyle and abilities. They need to be easy to use and not involve too much technology or resetting frequently in order to be effective.
Remember that it takes time to learn to use a new device. Your elderly loved one will need some support in the first few weeks as they get used to it using a new tool.
Think about the position of the memory aid within the home. Memory is about being able to access the right information in the right place and at the right time. Therefore, put the information where it is needed and useful. For example, put the shopping list next to the handbag, telephone numbers next to the phone, or a sticky note on the bin that states what day the bins should be put outside for collection.
Top 10 Memory Aids for the Elderly
Below are the most useful memory aids for the elderly and how to use them, split into simple low-tech solutions and more technology-based solutions:
Simple low-tech memory aids
Whiteboards, diaries, notebooks and calendars
Whiteboards and notebooks are great for ‘to-do’ lists and shopping lists. Try using checklists – so you tick off the tasks as you go. A whiteboard in the kitchen is perfect for shopping lists – as you use up the food you can make notes to buy more. Magnetic whiteboards are useful because you can fix paper to them, write on them and wipe clean.
Diaries are best kept next to the armchair as they are easy to refer to and make notes. If you like to keep phone numbers in your diary, keep the diary next to the phone. Diaries and calendars can also help with remembering appointments and birthdays, as long as the person using them knows what day it is, which can be a problem for some elders.
Medication reminder box
Pill boxes can help remind people to take medication and how many tablets to take. They usually have seven small containers to keep medication in, one for each day of the week. Monthly pill boxes are also available.
Each container is divided into sections, for the morning, afternoon, and evening, and can be removed if you want to take your medication out with you. Some pill boxes have an alarm to remind you when to take the medication. Automated pill dispensers are also available, which can be set in advance, making them more suitable for those with advanced memory difficulties.
Routines, daily news and reading
Daily routines can act as a powerful memory aid. By having a concrete pattern to the day, it helps the memory to anchor. Daily routines are particularly important for people with dementia so setting strong routines early in one’s dementia journey can help further down the line.
Following the daily news, on TV or in print, can help the elderly keep track of days and dates. Reading is proven to boost brain power by helping to keep people more engaged and able to process and recall information.
Sticky notes and labels
Use sticky notes and permanent signs around the home as reminders of things that need doing regularly. For example, stick a sign on the inside of the front door as a reminder to take the keys, purse or shopping list or keep a sign on the pet’s water bowl to remind you to change their drinking water frequently.
Dementia clocks
These are essentially alarm clocks with a large easy-to-read face. Some dementia clocks have other features such as talking clocks that respond to voice commands. Digital dementia clocks can be programmed with an alarm as a reminder to do certain tasks at certain times of the day – such as a reminder of meal times. Some dementia clocks also show if it is morning, afternoon or night – which can be particularly helpful to reduce confusion and anxiety in people with dementia.
Declutter the home
Keeping the home clean and organised can reduce the chances of feeling overwhelmed, not to mention make it easier to find things. It’s common for elderly people with memory problems to find organising and decluttering difficult. They may forget why they wanted to keep something and this worry about forgetting things causes them to keep hold of items they no longer need. Decluttering and creating a clear and clean environment helps the brain feel calm and in control, which in turn creates a more positive environment for memory recall.
Experiment with labelled storage methods and consider getting rid of possessions you don’t need anymore. If you are decluttering for a loved one, it’s important that you do the decluttering with them, or inform them of what and how you are organising their home, to not cause unnecessary confusion and distress.
Technology-based memory aids
These memory aids are more technology-based solutions that are electronic or Wi-Fi-based:
Timers
Simple timers can be used to set the time when something is needed. For example, if your loved one forgets to collect the post each morning, set an alarm with a note to check the post box. For the more technologically savvy, mobile phones can double up as a memory aid in many different ways such as keeping track of one’s calendar and its associated reminders, setting alarms and writing to-do lists.
GPS Trackers
This is less of a memory aid and more of a solution-based tool for when something cannot be found. GPS trackers and locator devices are cheap and can be placed on objects that are most frequently misplaced, such as the television remote control, front door keys or phones.
Dementia phones
Dementia phones are telephones with simplified technology and easy-to-read screens. This allows elderly users to easily use the phone for essential tasks such as calls with an emergency contact.
Some dementia phones have larger or fewer buttons, or may only have buttons for three contacts, which can be pre-programmed, similar to speed dial. This removes the need for a number pad and reduces confusion when making an essential call.
Smart speakers
Also known as digital assistants or home assistants (such as Siri, Google Home, and Apple HomePod), smart speakers use AI software and Wi-Fi to respond to spoken questions or commands. They have a wide range of uses but for elderly people with memory challenges they’re great for setting timers and reminders, making shopping lists, getting news and weather, playing the radio, or simply asking a question like “What day is it?” or “What’s the weather today?”
Home care with Country Cousins
Here at Country Cousins, we are the U.K.’s longest-serving live-in care agency with over 60 years experience of supporting people in their own homes. We provide compassionate and professional care to the elderly who need extra support to live independently.
If you would like to find out more about how we can help you or your loved one remain independent at home, get in touch with our friendly team today on 01293 224706. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8 am until 6 pm. Alternatively, fill in our online enquiry form.
