Memory loss is frustrating and can make even routine tasks seem difficult. Simple acts which have been done automatically for years, like brushing teeth or putting on clothes, can become bewildering. Memory loss can impair self-esteem, independence, and emotional stability, making it harder to handle everyday responsibilities without extra support. However, there are small but powerful changes you can make to help maintain independence at home.
The Importance of Routine
Keeping it Simple
Adapting the Home Environment
The Importance of Social Interaction
Individualised Support
Thriving Independently
Supporting a loved one with memory issues is more than just prompting them with what comes next. The aim is to make daily life manageable while maintaining dignity and security, not to reverse the effects of memory loss through finding ways to make routine tasks feel safe and achievable. Small alterations can provide focused support which makes promotes confidence, comfort and safety to everyday life and day-to-day tasks, and thus help to maintain that sense of independence.
The Importance of Routine
Someone who frequently feels lost can be reassured and supported with a clear structure to the day. For older people experiencing memory loss, predictability lowers stress by creating a sense of control. There is more to routines than just order. Knowing what comes next and understanding the sequence of events provides comfort and a sense of security.
Look at ways to build structure and regular routines into the day by:
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- Keeping the landmarks of the day, such as waking up, mealtimes and bedtimes regular and predictable
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- Include specified times for favourite activities like keeping up with the news, or afternoon tea
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- Create micro routines for activities like getting dressed, eating or exercising so that there are always the same elements in the same order
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- Use visual reminders such as photos of place settings
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- Develop a daily schedule with times and photos for regular activities and keep it where is easy to see
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- Consider the time of day when concentration is better and schedule more complex tasks then
Try to keep the routine simple and repetitive, based around tasks and activities which are very familiar. Continue existing routines, like a daily walk, even if they are now simpler and shorter. Regular, scheduled physical movement can be very beneficial and support well being.
Structures and routine support are reassuring. Being able to check lists and schedules is comforting, combats disorientation and reinforces a sense of independence. It also helps carers, whether professional or from the family, to be provide consistency and follow known routines.
Keeping It Simple
As memory declines, as does the capacity to carry out multistep actions. Activities that were previously instinctive, such as making breakfast or choosing clothes, become so complex that they overwhelm. Focusing and simplifying those tasks for our loved ones engages and promotes control without making them feel daunted or incompetent.
Here are some ways to keep it simple:
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- One step at a time. Lay out clothes in the order in which they will be worn, saying, “Here’s your shirt.”
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- Limit options to reduce frustration. Offer two shirts to choose between, rather than all of them.
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- Keep prompts short and focused, maintaining a calm and encouraging tone. Be guided by their pace and avoid rushing or adding confusing details
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- Model actions to provide a visual prompt. For example, say, “Here’s the soap, let us rub our hands,” and demonstrate the motion.
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- Keep to familiar brands which are easily recognised.
Remember, it is not about perfect outcomes all the time. The aim is to provide a sense of small successes while maintaining as much independence as the individual can comfortably manage.
Adapting the Home Environment
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- Have a noticeboard for essential information and consider a whiteboard by the front door to remind about things to be done when you go out
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- Keep important items, like glasses or notebooks, close to hand or even worn on the body
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- Assign a specific place for important objects like keys or purses and always put them back in the same place
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- Harness modern technology: use calendars, set alarms as reminders, use virtual assistants like Alexa to provide auditory prompts
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- Use trackers, for instance a list of times for medication and tick them off as you go. This really helps to reassure medication has been taken or highlight where it has been missed.
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- Combine these with pill reminder boxes for medication
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- Label containers, drawers and cupboards – ideally with both words and pictures
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- Consider labelling rooms or painting the toilet door a distinctive colour (‘blue for the loo’)
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- Lock away chemicals like cleaning products and sharp tools
Consider habitual routines like making tea and how to make them straightforward. Is the kettle easy to reach and fill? Are the mugs, tea, milk etc within easy reach? Would a photo prompt there support the process? The aim is always to support that feeling of independence whilst minimising any risk of mistakes.
The Importance of Social Interaction
Look at ways to promote social interaction such as:
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- Sharing chores such setting the table for shared meals
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- Frequent visits with close relatives or friends, ideally at the same time or day, as part of a predictable schedule
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- Short group activities such as a weekly card game, again as part of a recognised schedule. Look to see what activities and groups the University of the Third Age (u3a) runs near you as they are very open and welcoming.
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- Activities which prompt long term memories, such as browsing through old photos or listening to favourite music
Community events for senior citizens, particularly those which are low key or have a very strong repetitive element, such as always playing the same songs. Check out the memory cafes across Devon to see if there is one near you.
There will always be better and worse days. Simply sitting quietly together may be enough to be soothing at times. However, even short visits can be comforting. Even if there is little conversation, compassion is still heard.
Individualised Support
Each person’s experience of memory loss is unique. While some people may require reminders at every stage of the day, others may follow routines yet forget names. Instead than attempting to shoehorn everyone into a one-size-fits-all routine, the best assistance is the sort that meets each individual where they are.
Personalized care entails identifying what works and making adjustments when something stops working. Perhaps they used to get up early, but now they sleep in. Perhaps they get stressed out by mirrors in particular rooms. Tailored assistance listens and adjusts.
Using qualified caretakers like Hub PAs can have a significant impact. A reliable caregiver who is aware of your loved one’s daily schedule can ease their tension and help them securely establish routines. These experts are adept at breaking down tasks, interpreting nonverbal clues, and reacting tactfully when things become difficult.
Thriving Independently
It requires patience, effort, and flexibility for someone with memory impairment. By establishing consistent routines and a supportive home environment, you are providing familiarity and minimising disorientation.People with memory impairments can continue to participate in all their daily activities as long as they are organised to be simpler and stay relaxed.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when things change, both for the individual and the people supporting them. But the path doesn’t have to be walked alone. Adapting to memory loss is a process. The more you tailor support to fit the individual, the more confidence and ease each day can bring for everyone involved.
If you are seeking more individualised support for yourself or a loved one, Hub Care Support can introduce you to fully qualified and experienced Personal Assistants. They can make daily life more manageable and improve your quality of life. Find out how our at home services can make a meaningful difference.
Check out our earlier pst about how a Hub PA can improve your quality of life
