Memory aids in the home and dementia

Memory loss is a common symptom of dementia. If you are a carer of someone with dementia, there are many ways you can help them remember things and find their way around.

Think about what types of things the person with dementia usually forgets. This will help you work out what memory aids to use.

For example, if they have trouble remembering to do jobs, then place a whiteboard in a central location, such as near the fridge, and write daily task lists on it. If they are constantly losing their keys, put the keys in the same place each day, and put reminders up in other parts of the house.

Putting photos and familiar objects around the home helps the person with dementia stay connected with their past.

Putting up large clocks, maybe with the day and date, helps them stay connected with the present.

You can find out more by reading the Alzheimer's Australia help sheet about memory changes.

Last reviewed: November 2016

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Alzheimer's Australia | Safety in and around the home

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Provides information on dementia and memory loss and on services that exist for carers and sufferers including counselling, social and therapeutic activities and support groups

Memory loss

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Families and carers of people with dementia may be faced at some time with the problem of what to do if the person begins to wander. Wandering is quite common amongst people with dementia and can be very worrying for those concerned for their safety and well-being. The persons failing memory and declining ability to communicate may make it impossible for them to remember or explain the reason they wandered.

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Alzheimer's Australia | Spending time with your loved one

Visiting Visiting in the later stages of dementia Outings Parting Wanting to go home Support groups Contact us

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Memory aids in the home and dementia

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