How to Help Someone with Memory Loss

As we watch our loved one’s age, we may notice their forgetfulness is becoming more common. Memory loss can be hard on everyone. Understanding how to help your loved one with practical daily tools to enhance their lives can make a significant difference in their daily activities. Discover our top memory loss and dementia caregiver tips so you can better support someone with memory problems.

Recognizing the Early Signs of Memory Loss

Memory loss can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a traumatic brain injury, mental health disorders and even sleep loss. Age-related memory loss is considered a normal part of getting older. But what about when it seems like more? 

You may begin to notice your aging parent mixing up their days of the week or missing a bill payment. Some of this is considered normal age-related memory loss and does not impact daily living. However, when symptoms begin to encroach on daily living, a visit to their health care provider should be made. 

Differentiating Between Normal Aging and Memory Disorders in Older Adults

Forgetting where you put your car keys or leaving the milk on the counter for too long are things we all experience from time to time. Age-related memory loss is considered to be part of the natural aging process and it does not necessarily interfere with regular life. 

Worsening memory loss over time should be taken seriously as it may be a sign of early dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or another form of memory loss. If you notice this happening, it is time to take your loved one to their health care practitioner for assessment and possible treatment plan. 

Difference Between Short Term and Long Term Memory Loss

Short Term Memory Loss

• Duration: Affects the ability to recall information for a few seconds to a few minutes.
• Examples: Forgetting a recently learned phone number, an appointment, or a conversation that just occurred.
• Impact: Often leads to confusion and difficulty in daily activities that require immediate recall.

Long Term Memory Loss

• Duration: Involves the inability to retrieve information stored for longer periods, from days to years.
• Examples: Forgetting significant personal events, past experiences, or knowledge that was acquired over time.
• Impact: Can severely affect one’s identity and understanding of the world, making it challenging to recognize familiar people and places or remember important life events.

How Do You Handle an Older Person With Memory Loss?

It is upsetting to see your loved one’s day negatively affected by their memory loss, however there are tools that you or another caregiver can implement to enhance your aging parent’s daily experience. Keep reading to learn how to help someone with dementia or memory loss. 

 Difficulties with Day-to-Day Tasks

Dressing challenges are often the first and most noticeable sign of memory loss disorders in loved ones. 

You may notice your mom struggling to put on her socks or even forgetting which clothing items belong where. Losing independence is upsetting to everyone involved. To help someone regain their independence and confidence with dressing, look for adaptive clothing that is created with a memory loss patient in mind. This clothing is designed to reduce complications associated with dressing. 

Silverts has dementia and Alzeheimer’s clothing that is helpful to both the wearer and the caregiver. These specially designed garments reduce the amount of time it takes to dress, as well as the struggle that may come from this. 

Simplifying Everyday Activities

It is common for memory loss patients to experience frustration throughout their days, especially as regular responsibilities become more complicated. You can help someone with memory loss by simplifying daily tasks. 

If you know there are certain routines your loved one is struggling with, you can help them by breaking down the steps of each task into even smaller ones to help them focus. 

For example, if you notice your dad forgetting how to make his morning cup of coffee, you can help by assisting with each part of the activity and saying it aloud to eliminate confusion. 

Leaving an instruction sheet next to the coffee machine will be helpful for when he is making coffee the next time. 

You can also try simplifying objects throughout the home by placing often-used objects in easy-to-see places. This can help your loved one navigate their days easier, such as putting the toothpaste on the bathroom counter with their toothbrush will eliminate the need for them to spend time looking for each item.

If your loved one is still living independently, adding a handful of adaptive clothing items to their wardrobe will provide them with more opportunities to dress stress-free. Elderly clothing that is designed with adaptive features are beneficial to maintaining your aging relative’s independence. Features such as magnetic closures, easy-grip pants and skid-resistant shoes will give you all peace of mind. 

Using Assistive Devices and Technologies

Another way you can help someone with memory loss is by implementing assistive devices and technologies into their daily lives. Smoke detectors and stove timers are important safety measures and reminders to have in the kitchen and throughout the home of course. A bell or other announcing device can be helpful for your loved one to call out for help when needed. 

Daily assistive technologies such as clocks with large numbers and electronic pill boxes with reminders can also help someone maintain their independence with everyday tasks. 

Strategies for Safe Navigation

Confusion with memory loss often leads to disorientation, which can put your loved one at risk of becoming lost. To help someone with memory loss continue their trips out of the home or memory care centre, offer to join them on their outings. 

If they are still able to leave the home independently, a simple cell phone with a large font is recommended. 

Ensure your relative has identification on them in case they do need help while they are out on their own. You can also include contact information for close relatives or friends who can be called in an emergency.

Enhancing Communication with Your Loved One

While communication with your loved one may be impacted by their cognitive decline, there are tools that can maintain and enhance communication. 

1. Memory Aids and Mnemonic Devices

There are numerous memory aids that may help someone living with short term or long term memory loss. 

Visible signage can help an elderly person navigate their home with less confusion. Sticky notes can be used for one-off reminders and permanent signs can be hung up around the house to help your loved one better find their bedroom or kitchen. 

If names and faces are being forgotten more regularly, creating a memory box for your relative that includes pictures, names and brief information on how they know the person can help them recall information more easily. 

Clocks and user-friendly mobile phones can be helpful to set alarms and reminders to keep appointments and daily routines on schedule.  

2. Encouraging Regular Social Interaction

Engaging with other people and having regular social interaction can enhance cognitive function. For those living with memory loss, regular social events — whether it’s going for a walk with a friend or meeting someone for coffee — can significantly improve overall well being. 

Keep visits short and try to encourage meeting places that are quiet and not crowded. Keeping your loved one comfortable will be key to the success of these interactions. 

You can boost their motivation by planning outings around things they usually enjoy, such as a trip to a garden centre to choose a few plants.

3. Patience and Clarity in Conversations

Communicating with someone with memory loss requires patience for both the caregiver and patient. Try to speak with your loved one face-to-face and in a quiet setting. Speak slowly so they are able to hear what you are saying. 

If your mom or dad seems confused by the discussion, try finding different ways of phrasing the sentence or topic to help them better understand. 

Creating a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment for someone with memory loss will help both the person and caregiver feel more secure. 

Meet the needs of the person’s situation, which will likely continually evolve as time proceeds. For someone in the early stages of memory loss, a supportive environment will likely include signs placed around the home for easier navigation and have often-used items in easy-to-see places. 

Creating a comfortable and quiet place for your loved one to relax in is helpful for when they feel overwhelmed. Whether it’s a corner of a living room or completely separate room, be sure to have a favorite blanket or stuffed animal nearby they can reach for comfort. 

Empower Your Loved Ones with Silverts

Supporting someone with memory loss involves patience, understanding, and practical solutions to ease their daily life. Adaptive clothing can significantly enhance their independence by simplifying the process of dressing and undressing. Explore our range of Alzheimer’s and dementia clothing to empower your loved one and make everyday tasks more manageable.