How to cope with memory problems
People diagnosed with early stages of dementia and those who are yet to be diagnosed will start to experience problems with their memory and start becoming more forgetful. There are a number of methods that can help train and strengthen your memory to help you cope with these problems.
Memory Aids
One tactic is to use memory aids. This could be a device like your mobile phone or a digital organiser, something where you can set reminders for yourself. This could be big events like doctor’s appointment or simple everyday tasks, like reminders to take medication.
Ideally, it would be something that is synchronised to a similar device of a caregiver or carer who can add events and notes for you.
Memory Games & Strategies
Dementia can affect your memory in unpredictable and unexpected ways. At earlier stages, it could target small specific events and memories that sufferers would struggle to remember without prompting. There are a number of small memory games and strategies that can help you.
A common method is rhyming or associating that particular memory or piece of information with something else. When you struggle to remember that specific memory, think of that associated object or word to help prompt yourself.
Keep a Diary
Simply keeping a diary of your thoughts and plans can help. It helps you keep track of past events, what has happened or why something is different at home, in order reassure you.
Keep Active
As simple as this might seem, keeping active can help keep your memory and alert as well as helping keep your spirits high.
How to remain independent
Naturally, people would prefer to remain living in their own homes and remain independent rather than being taken into care. Just because you have dementia, this does not mean that is no longer possible.
Home Care
One way of helping you remain at home and independent is having home care services. This is where a nurse or carer makes visits to your home, helping you with your medication, treatment and day to day household chores as well as checking that you’re well. Due to the prominence of Dementia, specialised services are now become more available.
How to manage your finances
An important aspect of your life that needs to be looked after if you want to remain independent is your financial affairs.
Direct Debits
It is advised that you set up your bills to be paid automatically by direct debit, so you don’t miss your payments and have your utilities cut off. Especially during the winter, the last thing you’d want is to have your heating cut off.
Appointeeship Services
An appointeeship is where a third party person is brought in to help you manage your financial affairs. They would make sure your bills are paid, help you with budgeting and, if you’re on benefits, ensure you’re still receiving them. This service can help you organise your affairs to prevent any financial issues.
Dementia support groups & sharing
When you’ve recently been diagnosed with dementia, you will instantly feel very alone but you’re not and should not shut yourself away.
There are a number of support groups across the country which meet up regularly and share with each other, this is important. Getting out, meeting people and sharing your experiences can significantly help you when living with dementia. This keeps you active and reassures you that you’re not alone. Depression and mood swings can affect people with dementia, and one of the causes for this is isolation. The best thing about these support groups is that they will not turn you away.
If you’re interested to learn how Sova Healthcare can help you remain independent and help you through dementia, you can
download our brochure for more information, or
get in touch with a member of our friendly team to discuss how we can best help you and your loved ones.
