Living Well with Dementia

A diagnosis of dementia doesn't necessarily mean you have to stop doing things you enjoy. We've put together some tips to help you to continue enjoying life and stay as independent as possible. 
Living well with dementia may mean different things for different people. But here are some general tips that have helped others. 

Around the house

• Follow a routine. Doing things at the same time each day or week can reassure you and stimulate your memory.
• Pin notes up in prominent places if there are things you need to do regularly, like locking the doors at night or putting out the recycling.
• Carry a notebook to write down daily tasks. 
• Put important things, like glasses or keys, in the same place every time so that you know where to find them. 
• Get a clock that shows the date and day of the week.

 
Interacting with others

• Ask questions if you don't understand or have forgotten what was said.
• Put important telephone numbers by the phone. 
• Stay in touch with family and friends rather than isolate yourself.
• Carry a help card that can let people know you have dementia and includes the contact details of a chosen contact.
• Make sure other people don't take over - they may think they're helping by doing as much for you as possible.

 
Keeping yourself busy

• It can be hard to concentrate on the television. Listening to the radio can be easier as the brain only has to concentrate on the sound. Music can help bring back memories, which can be reassuring and enjoyable.
• If it's hard to focus on or follow books, try reading short stories or newspaper and magazine articles. Keep doing Jigsaws, crosswords and Sudoku puzzles if you enjoy them, and don't worry if it takes you longer to complete them or you need to switch to an easier version.
• Continue a hobby or past time you enjoy doing knitting, crochet and model making.
• If you find it hard to manage the recipes you used to use, try to adapt them to suit you. For instance, if you find it hard to concentrate on a recipe with lots of different steps, look for a shorter one.