JOAN’S BLOG – MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2007 – MEMORY STRATEGIES FOR LATER STAGES

I have written two blogs (see previous blogs on the left) on memory strategies for early-mid stages. One strategy relies on the use of a notebook. Many of you may have discounted that one, thinking, “That’s no good for us – my husband/wife can’t read or understand words.”

My goal in giving you these techniques is to ease the strain on your relationship. Anything that allows your spouse to be slightly more independent, and allows you less stress can only improve the quality of your already frazzled life.

Two strategies that may work in later stages for aiding memory are Pictures and Models.

PICTURES
A constant complaint is that the AD spouse loses the ability to know where items are supposed to go. They put milk in the cabinet; laundry in the refrigerator; cups in the laundry basket.
1. Take a simple picture of a dish, and put it on the cabinet door; a picture of silverware for the outside of the silverware drawer; a picture of underwear on the outside of  the underwear drawer.
You could drawer a simple picture, but that is probably more time consuming than taking pictures with a digital camera.

2. Make the picture taking/drawing a family activity – if there are children at home, this is a good way to engage them in the care and understanding of the needs of your AD stricken husband/wife. Yes, I know kids can be sullen and uncooperative, but it’s worth a try. Grandchildren are generally very willing to help in this area.

3. The stage your spouse is in will determine how much help they will need in putting items away. For some, the pictures may be all that is needed to give them back a little independence. For others, you will still need to direct them. 

 
MODELS
Sorry, I don’t mean the Cindy Crawford  or the Coca Cola Guy models.

1. Set up a model of what you want your spouse to do. For example, set one place at the table, and ask them to do the other one.
2. Put items in the recycle bin, and give them the rest to put in there.
3. While making the bed, put a pillow on one side, and give them a pillow to put next to it.

WHY AM I BOTHERING WITH ALL THIS, YOU MAY ASK.

• It keeps your spouse close by when you are doing household chores, so you don’t have to worry where they are or what they are getting into.
• It may ease your spouse’s anxiety by allowing them to be near you.
• It may make your spouse feel somewhat productive.

In reading the above, I am sure it has occurred to you – These activities and the reasons behind them are exactly what you did for your toddler oh so many years ago. Yes, sadly it is. Alzheimer’s is a regressive disease. It sucks, as my husband always says in referring to AD; it’s heartbreaking; but it is what is, and we have to deal with it.  Sometimes, just a few little strategies can make life a bit easier.

I have found that whereas Sid used to be able to follow my simple written instructions, now he needs them much more detailed. He also has a very hard time processing spoken language, but if I explain AND draw him a little diagram or picture as I am talking, he gets it.

I found a catalog that has a variety of devices to make life easier for the person with AD. Below is an example. It is a telephone that has frames for pictures of those you call frequently. Their numbers can be programmed into the phone, and all your spouse needs to do is press the picture of the person he/she wishes to call.  These items can be found at My Amazon Store.

Good luck, and let me know if any of these techniques work for you.

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