3 Ways to Help Someone with Short Term Memory Loss
Is your grandma forgetting to take her medications?
Notice your partner forgetting important steps while cooking or doing laundry?
Have a parent missing appointments or bill payments?
Short term memory is different than long term memory. Your short term memory helps you remember things happened recently. This can include remembering what you ate for breakfast yesterday, if you took your morning meds, or the details of that phone conversation you just had with your sister.
Memory loss can occur from many causes... like sleep loss, stress, depression, nutritional deficiencies, aging, head injuries, or neurological conditions. It's important to talk with your doctor if you're experiencing changes in your memory.
Here are 3 ways to help support someone with memory loss.
1. Use visual reminders.
Use a whiteboard with important details like the date, to-dos, and appointments.
Consider placing a picture of that pesky missing cane at the bottom and top of the stairs.
Place a note on the back of the door that says: cell phone, wallet, keys, mask
2. Organize the home environment.
Store pills in a weekly or monthly planner.
Keep keys, glasses, and wallet in the same place.
Label cabinets and drawers.
3. Be supportive.
Don't get frustrated when they forget.
Offer choices when asking questions. ("Remember Angela came over yesterday and brought your favorite food, was it cheesesteaks or pretzels?")
Continue to involve them in daily home tasks, rather than do everything for them. Provide help or reminders when needed.
Remember every person is different and this isn't a one size fits all method. If you or someone you know are struggling with memory loss, seek the advice of a speech pathologist. They will test your memory, offer strategies, and guide you through cognitive exercises. You can book a 15 minute consult with us, here.
Be well!
- Alex
Owner & SLP, The Wynter Wellness Group
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*Photo by Peter Olexa
