Other Helpful Products
- Onamor
- Aug 8, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16
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, and I always got very creative with some of these products.
If you'd like to see exactly how I set up our home, along with the things that worked, the things that didn't, and how I adapted as dementia progressed, you'll find it all in my caregiving planning handbook. You can also learn more on my How I Can Help page.
One of my main objectives was to label everything in the house so either the carer or my mother could find what she needed.. 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).
Colourful Neon Stickers - these scream PAY ATTENTION and I liked to colour code. Example, I used the pink for the medication drawer.
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.
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. Really, anything that needs extra hold.
Gorilla Tough & Clear Double Sided Adhesive Mounting Tape
Double Sided Sticky Tape - these are really quite strong. 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, be careful where you put these - very adhesive.
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).
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.
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