Reminders, Calendars & Diaries
It seems so odd to me that people who do not have memory problems rely heavily on calendars, diaries, lists etc. while those with memory problems do not. It is quite clear, we all have a less than 100% perfect memory so we write it down in a permanent form and use that. If your memory is even poorer than average then you need to use reminders and prompts even more.Reminders
We all use reminders in the shape of diary entries, knotted handkerchiefs, alarm clocks, kitchen timers etc. People with poor memories need to use these even more. Of course, they may not be able to set them up for themselves and may require a carer to do so for them.
- I am amazed how few people with a poor memory carry and use a notebook. This requires getting in the habit but can be invaluable.
- Alarm clocks and kitchen timers can be used for a variety of reasons. For example, time to get ready to go out, time to put supper in the oven. If necessary put a Post-it note on the timer to remind you why you set it.
- A phone call can often serve as a reminder
- Put reminders always in the same place, preferably somewhere you know the memory sufferer will look. E.g. by the clock
- A note pinned by the door can attract attention and serve as a reminder.
- Similarly, if you need to take something out with you, put it by the door. Seeing it will remind you that it has to be taken with you.
- Shopping lists and to-do lists can be really useful if they are not too long and clearly written.
Calendars
Get a large calendar with a clear, simple arrangement of the days on it.
Put the calendar in a convenient and obvious place. Do not put it somewhere it could become hidden from view.
Get in the habit of referring to the calendar, talk about it as you do so. If the memory sufferer keeps asking eg. "What is on next week?" you reply:
"To find out what is on next week we look at the calendar(if necessary pointing to the calendar)....pause....Where do you go to find out what is on next week?"
Make it a large calendar so that you can use large writing which is easy to read. Make it easy! You may like to cross the days off one by one so the memory sufferer knows what day it is today.
Diaries
Diaries can serve a double purpose; to indicate what is about to happen and also to remind of what has already happened.
The first purpose is similar to that of a calendar. The diary has the advantage of usually having a greater space for each day so you can write down what is happening in more detail. You do not have to lead a particularly active life to overfill the average calendar space. This is especially so if the memory sufferer needs to be reminded of all sorts of events that would normally be considered too ordinary to get in the usual sort of calendar.
Eg.
| 8.30 Breakfast and medicines |
| 9.00 District Nurse calls |
| 11.00 Coffee morning |
| 12.30 Janet coming for lunch |
| 2.00 Shopping with Janet |
| 4.00 Dentist |
| 5.30 Favourite soap on TV |
| 8.00 Daughter will telephone |
The second purpose is that the page in a reasonable sized diary can be used to record what has happened. The memory sufferer, or anybody, can write down what has happened during the day. The diary then becomes a record, a reminder of what that person has done and can be reviewed at leisure or referred to as needed. We know that memories are easily stimulated by reminders like this. Simply asking a person with memory problems to recall the day's events with no support or cues is likely to lead to failure to recall much at all.
