A lot of these I had in place before dementia. Like I mentioned, I love gadgets and anything that makes life easier, but many of these are necessities.
For example, a first aid box—why wouldn’t there be one handy in the house? When I started clearing things away and decluttering (from the bathroom and kitchen), I consolidated and added everything in one place. Below are the items I purchased, from before Mama's dementia to now, and I always got very creative with some of these products.
One of my main objectives was to label everything in the house so Mama could find what she needed. Mama didn't want this; she thought it meant that she was losing her mind. She didn't know she had dementia, so she fought me on this even though I told her it was for me. I labeled everything initially for her, then for the carers.
Dymo Label Maker (as I recall, I bought in the US and brought over to the UK). below is link to buy on UK site.
Colourful Neon Stickers - these scream PAY ATTENTION and I liked to colour code. Example, I used the pink for the medication drawer (again for the carers)
I also purchased signs for the doors, sometimes they helped. When they didn't , at least I could yell over the Ring, “Hello? Don’t you see the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign?”. I didn't want strangers coming to the front door, especially if I wasn't there.
I also created signs for the other doors, but I had to tweak them as Mama was reverting back to her mother tongue and all the signs were in English. That didn't stop me; I just added large labels to convey what I was trying to say.
Example: Bathroom or Kitchen.
Ah, Gorilla Tape. The holy grail. When nothing else worked—enter Gorilla Tape. It’s really strong and clear, so it hides well. I used it for so many things. The double-sided version is excellent for securing cameras and keeping them stable on a shelf, or for holding a phone charger in place so it can't be moved. Really, anything that needs extra hold.
Gorilla Tough & Clear Double Sided Adhesive Mounting Tape
Double Sided Sticky Tape - these are really quite strong. I used them for the motion lights and some other items that I thought could use a stronger adhesive. I've found that these don't come off easily - but this is what I wanted so they worked for me. Just a heads up.
Pill Organisers
There are several options available. Some pillboxes come with AM/PM sections, while others include reminders (if you’re not using a clock or other digital reminders). Alternatively, you can have the chemist set up a blister pack, so only the medications needed for that day are taken. Most pharmacies offer this service, but the one in our area in Scotland did not.
When dementia progresses, your loved one may forget to take their tablets. This is where you note the dosages on the pillbox for the caregiver to dispense in the AM or PM. Fortunately, Mama did not take many medications, and reminders no longer worked, so I left it to the carer to give them to her each day.
Weekly Pill Organiser
Automatic Pill Dispenser
First Aid Boxes
Bright Side Mini Hospital Storage Tin - I used this to store medication. Easy to find when I was halfway across the world.
90 Piece Premium First Aid Kit Bag -A must for us. Especially since I had carers coming in.
ZOUK Premium Cot Bed Mattress Protector. I got a couple of these. It's a back up just in case.
Back Up Lights
Lepro Camping Lantern Battery Powered, Portable Small Camping Tent Lights.
For when the electricity goes out. This is actually rare in Scotland - well my area so this was before dementia. I don't Mama would have known how to turn these on unless someone did it for her but I always like back ups so there's this.
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