Living well - Quality of life - Tips and strategies for daily living

Below is a list of suggestions to help make day to day living easier.

• Take your time and don't let other people rush you
• If you find a task challenging or frustrating, step away, take a break and come back later
• If you are having trouble with a task, do not be afraid to ask for help
• Explain to people that you have a memory problem and you may need help
• Take a friend or family member with you when you go out of the house
• Focus on completing a reasonable number of tasks each day. Try not to overwhelm yourself by trying to accomplish too many things on your to-do list.
• Remember there is no right or wrong way to do things. Finding your own best way to accomplish daily tasks is what is important. Make sure to laugh. Keeping a sense of humour can help you stay relaxed.
• Try to think positive thoughts. You might not be able to do everything the same way you used to, but you can find new ways of doing things.
• If there is something you are interested in trying - go for it! There is no harm in trying.
• Make sure to take good care of yourself and make healthy food choices
• After getting the diagnosis, give yourself some time to settle down
• Try to keep life simple. Minimize stress by giving yourself extra time, slowing down and learning to rest when you feel tired.
• Always try to plan ahead. Develop routines and review your daily calendar every morning.
• Do not be ashamed. Talk openly about your disease and communicate your needs to your family and friends.
• Stay engaged by volunteering or attending a support group
• Look for transportation resources in your community. Many organizations offer volunteer services that can take you to appointments or to run errands.
• Begin writing down or tape recording things that are important to you. This can be a good way to let other people know what you find meaningful.
• Use electronic aids, like recording devices, alarm clocks and calendars to help you remember significant dates and appointments
• When entertaining keep the gathering simple and small, and remember to get lots of rest beforehand so you are not tired
• Use visual cues, like post-it notes and calendars as reminders to do things. Place medication in a visible place and leave a pad and pen near the phone to write down phone messages. Try using a camera to document things you want to remember.
• Use a credit card instead of carrying large amounts of cash. You can also set up your finances for direct deposit and automatic withdrawals. It is a good idea to have a trusted person to help you with managing your finances. For more information, review the Planning ahead section of this website.
• Try to only carry the keys you need, in case you are to misplace them
• Place your phone number on a no-call list to decrease the number of unwanted calls from telemarketers
• Be conscious of strangers coming to your door, like sales people or those looking for donations. You can put a 'no-soliciting' sign on your door to decrease the likelihood of this happening.
• When you go out, carry a piece of identification with you along with an emergency contact number

Source:

Compiled with permission from Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP). (2008). Tips and Strategies: A 'By Us For Us" Guide. Waterloo, Canada: MAREP.

List adapted with permission from Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2003). Just for You. Toronto, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Canada.

List adapted with permission from Alzheimer Scotland. (n.d.). Don't make the Journey Alone: A message from fellow travellers. Edinburgh, Scotland: Alzheimer Scotland.

Below is a list of strategies to help with the effects of memory loss on a day-to-day basis.

• Write down appointments in diaries, calendars, bulletin boards and post it notes
• Make a list of things you need to do and tick them off when you have done them
• Make special places to put important items (with a reminder of your special place)
• Pre-set your phone with important contact numbers already keyed in
• Pre-set your phone with contact numbers in case you have difficulty when you are out
• Try playing computer or video games
• Keep learning. Try a new language or learn how to use a computer.
• Do not be afraid to meet new people and try new things
• Be creative. Write in a journal or try painting.
• Try memorizing magazine articles or passages in books to test your recall. You can also try memorizing your daily routine without having to look at a list.

Source: Compiled with permission from Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP). (2008). Tips and Strategies: A 'By Us For Us" Guide. Waterloo, Canada: MAREP.