Seniors and the Benefits of Notes

There are things we forget to do no matter how old we are. However, as we age, frequent memory loss is a sign our brains are getting older too.

According to the Center for Disease Control, nearly 10% of US seniors have some form of dementia. And memory loss that makes it hard to remember familiar routines at certain times is among the most common symptoms.

So, what happens? Well, family members don’t always hold back when an older relative forgets something. They may criticize or put down that person, sometimes in front of others. That can only add to their embarrassment and emotional pain.

One popular way of dealing with memory loss is posting notes around someone’s living space. They act as visual clues allowing older adults to manage their own routines.

Post-it notes or simple printed pieces of paper placed on walls in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, near the TV, or by the front entrance seem to work well because they don’t feel intrusive or offensive. They simply remind the person living there how and when to complete certain tasks. This is common in patients’ living spaces in assisted living communities. It has been shown to be moderately successful with people experiencing mild dementia and should be used when needed.

-written by Lou Ma