Not everyone with mild cognitive impairment needs help from a caregiver. But if you struggle with some basic, everyday tasks, it can help to make a few small changes to your home.
One of the best ways to do that is by adding cues and structure to your environment, both of which can help take the pressure off your memory, says Hayley Kristinsson, PsyD, a board-certified neuropsychologist with University of California Irvine Medical Center in Orange. That way, “You can spend less time worrying about what you might forget and more time focusing on what’s important to you,” she says.
Here are 10 expert-backed tips to try:
1. Create a Memory Station
Leaving the house can drum up a lot of questions: Do I have everything I need in my bag? Am I heading out at the right time? To make answering easier, Dr. Kristinsson recommends setting up a memory station by your front door, which is essentially a bin or basket that can hold your bag or purse, keys, outgoing mail, and a to-do list for the day. That way, “Everything you need to go out — or come in — stays in one reliable place,” she says.
2. Curb Clutter With Catchall Baskets
Clean, organized environments are less overwhelming for your brain than messy ones. “Too much clutter makes it difficult to focus and find important items,” says Kristinsson. Tidy up the clutter by placing some catchall baskets and bins in high-traffic areas (for example, near the front door or by the staircase). This can make your space easier and safer to navigate. Plus, you’ll save time tracking down what you need.
3. Put a Memory Clock in a Prominent Spot
Take the work out of keeping track of the day, date, and time with a digital memory clock or picture frame, such as the American Lifetime dementia clock or the SSYA calendar clock. The large displays and lettering quickly orient you to your day’s schedule, helping you stay on track. Some options even allow family members to send photos and messages remotely, says Kristinsson.
4. Manage Appointments With a Digital Calendar
For help keeping track of appointments or daily to-dos, go digital. Use Google Calendar or Apple Reminders to let you know when it’s time to take medications, leave home for a doctor’s visit or social outing, or get started on a task. You can also set recurring reminders for regular events, such as laundry on Saturdays or your Tuesday afternoon book club, says Kristinsson.
If you don’t want to rely on digital reminders alone, pick a regular time of day (or a few) where you go through your calendar to see what’s coming up. For example, after dinner, do a review of tomorrow’s events, and then check them again the next day while you have breakfast.
5. Use Sticky Notes
For tasks that seem too small to outsource to your phone — Defrost the chicken breasts! Turn off the living room light! — old-fashioned sticky notes are a great choice. Buy a pack in a bright color that’s easy to spot, so the notes quickly catch your eye.
6. Get Serious About Labeling
Use a label maker to tag cabinets, drawers, and shelves, so you know exactly what goes where. It’ll help you stay organized, keep distracting visual clutter at bay, and make it easier to find things. Try the Brother P-Touch label maker, which users love for its simple, easy-to-use design. If you prefer a low-tech option, just buy a pack of plain white labels and write on them with a bright pen or marker.
7. Add AirTags to Commonly Misplaced Items
Apple Airtags are coin-sized, water-resistant GPS trackers that can be quickly synced to your phone to help you keep tabs on important items, such as your keys, wallet, and even your pet, says Kristinsson. If you accidentally misplace them and have an iPhone, you can use the FindMy app to send a signal, so you can track down the tag — and the item that’s attached. The tags are water resistant, but you can keep them extra protected by tucking them into a waterproof cover, such as UNBREAKcable AirTag holders.
8. Manage Meds Digitally
Traditional pillboxes are great for keeping track of medications, but smart pillboxes, such as the Prompter connected pillbox or Med-Q digital pillbox, have a few more handy features built into them. For example, some of them light up or beep when it’s time to take medicine, so you never miss a dose.
You can also keep tabs on meds with a smartphone app, such as ElliCares or Medisafe. Not only are they a handy way to have all of the medications you take and the dosages listed in one place, but they’ll also remind you when it’s time for a dose (including how much to take and whether it needs to be taken with food) or a refill.
9. Lean on Grocery Delivery
If big trips to the store are starting to feel overwhelming, you can free up your mental energy (or your caregiver’s) by outsourcing grocery runs to a delivery service, such as Instacart or FreshDirect. Set up a recurring delivery with your most-used items, or add regular reminders to your calendar to place an order for the upcoming week, so your fridge and pantry are always stocked.
10. Use a Location-Sharing App
If you have concerns about safely getting from one place to another, using a location-sharing app, such as Life360 (available on iOS and Android), can give you some extra insurance. The app uses GPS to keep tabs on your location in real time and alerts people in your designated circle (for example, your spouse, another family member, or a neighbor) when you get to or leave a specific spot. It’s free with limited features, but you can also upgrade to one of their paid plans (starting at $7.99 per month) for extras, including roadside assistance.
The Takeaway
- Modifying your home environment to suit your daily needs — by placing your keys and wallet in a basket by the door, for example — can take the pressure off your memory and make it easier to go about your day.
- Try relying on apps and digital tools, such as smart pillboxes, to stay organized and on schedule.
- Lean on recurring services for tasks such as grocery runs.