Living well with dementia – Part 4: tips to make the most of life

In part 4 of a series of articles looking at making the most of life with dementia, we look at the importance of planning ahead and establishing a good routine.

Being diagnosed with dementia can be overwhelming and it’s important to give yourself time to adjust to the news. In part 4 of a series of articles looking at making the most of life with dementia, we address the importance of planning ahead and establishing a good routine.

Speak with you family and/or carers about using these ideas to improve your daily experience.

For many people living with dementia, coping with the memory loss and problems with thinking speed can be distressing. But there are things that can really help, both in coping with the problems, but also with your mental health. Making positive plans gives you confidence and supports your independence.

Try these tips which are all centred on having a regular routine and a familiar way of doing things. Again, speak with your family or the people who care for you about supporting you in creating a routine:

Put a weekly timetable on the wall. If there’s a time of day when you are generally feeling better, make sure you carry out important tasks, visits or activities at that time. Plan ahead. Put your plans on the calendar.

Put your keys in the same place every time. Make it an obvious place that will catch your eye when you come into the building - such as a large bowl in the hallway.

Keep a list of helpful numbers (including who to contact in an emergency) by the phone (landline) and in your mobile. Consider buying a simpler mobile phone – some have buttons you can programme to call a set number. You can even label each button with a person’s name.

Work with your family to put regular bills on direct debits so you don't forget to pay them.

Use a pill organiser box (dosette box) to help you remember which medicines to take and when (your pharmacist can help you get one). You can even get versions that beep and dispense the pills into a simple holder at the time they need to be taken. They can also prevent you from missing your medicine or taking pills that are due for the following day.

Useful Links For Adapting Your Home

make sure your home is dementia-friendly and safe

Find out more about how technology can help at home

Social & Support Links

Calderdale has some excellent dementia support options including the Memory Lane cafes in Halifax and Sowerby Bridge. Bluebird Calderdale and Bradford’s CEO, Shabir Hussain is a trustee of the organisation, part of Bluebird’s commitment to community and volunteer work in the area.:

Halifax Memory Lane Cafe: The Maurice Jagger Centre, Halifax – Mondays
Sowerby Bridge Memory Lane Café: St Paul’s Methodist Church, Tower Hill, Sowerby Bridge HX6 2EQ –  Saturdays
Website: https://www.memorylanecafe.org
Contact email: chris@memorylanecafe.org or june@memorylanecafe.org
Contact Phone Number: June or Chris on 01422 706373 or 07920 549131

Bluebird is also involved with Calderdale Dementia Friendly Community (CDFC) an organisation that wants to support groups and organisations to help make Calderdale a dementia-friendly borough. Find out more about them on their website calderdaledementiafriendlycommunity.co.uk/

You can also find local memory cafés (also known as a dementia café), on the Alzheimer's Society website – meet other people with dementia and their carers in an informal drop-in setting to share advice, tips and support

Song: Try the Singing for the Brain groups run by the Alzheimer’s Society – singing is known to improve mood and wellbeing and is also great fun

The Alzheimer's Society offers support near you and Age UK offers social activities for what's available in your area.

Home Care

If you need more support, following your dementia diagnosis, home care can help. Living in your own home is the preferred option of many people with dementia and has obvious benefits in helping you to maintain a familiar environment and day-to-day routine. At Bluebird, we offer a full range of home care, from occasional visits, through to live-in care and respite care. Find out more on our website: /www.bluebirdcare.co.uk