Keeping track of the days of the week and the months of the year can be very important for some folks experiencing dementia. They might need our support in helping them feel like they are indeed keeping track.
The picture shows magnetic letters and numbers on the refrigerator of one of our companions. She and her brother came up with this strategy to help her track the days because it mattered to her. The contrasting colors and the large font are essential because our companion also has limited vision due to macular degeneration.
But this clever, practical, inexpensive, and effective idea has helped her retain a sense of connection with the world. We learn so much from our companions and their families!
A note of caution: we follow her lead, meaning if she wishes to know what day and month it is, we help her see that with her letters and numbers. But if she does not ask or mention wanting to know the days or months, we don’t bring it up either. Us leading her into keeping track of the days and the weeks would be reality orientation, which is an unkind, outdated, ineffective strategy in relating with folks with dementia.
Ever learning,
Jill
