How Visual Reminders Can Reduce Anxiety for People with Dementia
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By Tyler Zanini, Founder at Memoryboard
Tyler started Memoryboard to provide a simple and effective solution for families like his who want to help their loved ones with memory loss stay connected. Check out Memoryboard, or contact Tyler via email.
Visual reminders are more than just a practical aid for Caregivers; they are a vital support system.
Caring for a loved one with memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s comes with moments of uncertainty. Forgetting appointments, losing track of daily routines, or feeling disoriented about the time of day can cause frustration and, for many, heightened anxiety. One simple but powerful tool that many families can use is visual reminders.
Visual reminders, such as notes, calendars, or digital displays, do more than jog memory. They create clarity, reduce confusion, and foster peace of mind for both the person living with dementia and their caregivers.
Why Anxiety and Confusion Happen in Dementia
As dementia progresses, short-term memory is often one of the first abilities to be impacted. This makes it difficult for someone to remember instructions, follow a conversation, or recall what comes next in their day. Without clear cues or reminders, it’s easy to feel lost, which can lead to anxiety, agitation, and withdrawal.
Types of Visual Reminders Caregivers Can Use
Not all reminders need to be complicated. Many simple, everyday tools can make a meaningful difference:
- Digital Displays: Tablets or dedicated memory devices, such as Memoryboard, can show time, date, photos, and messages, all in one place, offering reassurance throughout the day.
- Message Boards: Whiteboards or chalkboards placed in common areas can display daily tasks, meal plans, or visitor schedules.
- Calendars and Schedules: Large-print wall calendars, daily planners, or digital schedules help loved ones see the day at a glance.
- Labels and Signs: Signs on doors, cupboards, or drawers help identify what’s inside and reduce frustration when searching for items.
- Photo Cues: Placing family photos or images of favorite activities in visible places can spark recognition and comfort.
How to Select the Right Visual Reminders
Every person living with memory loss is unique. When choosing reminders, consider:
- Clarity: Use large fonts, simple words, and, where possible, pictures.
- Visibility: Place reminders in visible spots such as the kitchen, living room, or by the bedside.
- Consistency: Use the same style and language for reminders to make them easier to recognize.
- Relevance: Keep the reminders up to date with current events, routines, or appointments. Outdated notes can create confusion.
- Personalization: Whenever possible, tailor reminders with names, photos, or familiar phrases.
Benefits for People with Memory Loss
- Reduced Anxiety: Having reliable cues lowers worry about “what comes next.”
- More Independence: Reminders allow individuals to complete tasks without constant prompting.
- Improved Communication: Families can leave notes or messages, easing miscommunication.
- Strengthened Connection: Photos and personalized reminders bring comfort and a sense of familiarity.
Benefits for Caregivers
Visual reminders don’t just help the person living with memory loss; they also ease the daily load for caregivers.
- Less Repetition: Instead of answering the same question many times a day, caregivers can point to a visible reminder.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that important information is visible reduces the fear of a loved one forgetting.
- Shared Responsibility: Other family members or care staff can also use the reminders, creating consistency in care.
- Time for Self-Care: With fewer crises or repetitive conversations, caregivers may find more space to recharge and reduce stress.
Supporting Calm and Confidence
For caregivers, visual reminders are more than just a practical aid; they are a vital support system. They are a way to restore calm in daily life. By providing structure and predictability, reminders can turn moments of stress into opportunities for connection.
When thoughtfully chosen and consistently used, visual reminders empower individuals with memory loss to feel more secure and confident, while providing caregivers with peace of mind and support in their vital role.
By Tyler Zanini, Founder at Memoryboard
Tyler started Memoryboard to provide a simple and effective solution for families like his who want to help their loved ones with memory loss stay connected. Check out Memoryboard, or contact Tyler via email.
