Let’s look at it this way

1. Let’s look at it this way Problem solving

2. What’s important ? • Routine • Stability • Contentment • Being safe • Being happy

3. WHAT TO DO? • TALK • THINK • TINKER • TACKLE • TRIUMPH

4. Notes – reminders – wherever possible in own handwritting – you’ll take notice of your own handwritting before anyone else’s • Use colours – bright and garish – to draw attention and to show contrast - Black writing on yellow background is best. • Stickers - use stickers to draw attention or to there’s something there • eg Patio doors. • Furniture – if there are sharp corners , plane them down if possible, or add brightly coloured tape to make them obvious. • Pipe insulation can be used to cover the corners of furniture and sharp edges. • Brightly coloured corners available in Mothercare, Argos etc.,

5. Noticeboards / Whiteboard / Cork board • Diary • Guest book / Visitors book • Notebook • Communication book • Only chose the use of one book – reduce confusion - Use an A4 diary – leave open where visible ie kitchen worktop – someone will need to or prompt to turn the page. • Use reminders on mobile phone • Use mobile phone to store photos of carers etc., as prompts

6. Clocks – loud ticking will prompt someone to look at it . Office clocks include date. Day Clocks – have days of the week. Have one in bedroom where is can be seen to help with orientation in the mornings - Digital Clocks when unable to comprehend analouge – ensure there’s a contrast . Weekly timetables • Keep things in the same place • Key fobs – key rings – Coloured or patterned Yale Keys. • Medication – pivotel . Vena linked.

7. kitchen • When things need replacing – try and buy same brand or same design • Paint lines on stove knobs – make on an off more obvious - Use nail varnish to mark where knob/button needs to be. • Fridge door – prop the fridge up slightly to encourage to swing close • Label cupboards – use pictures – Photos much better than animated pictures – own handwritten notes. Try reduce the amount of items in cupboards. Could take cupboard doors off. Or place most important things outside on kitchen worktop. • Sink – install a mesh insert to avoid blockages • Iron – replace with automatic switch off

8. lounge • Keep it as familiar as possible • Try and reduce clutter and remove anything that could be seen as an obstacle • Have rummage drawers • Make sure lighting is good • Try and have photos and ornaments • Changing the carpet? try to choose plain and not too busy • Large remote controls available in Argos etc.,

9. bedroom • Keep everything familiar • Have a higher bed to ease getting in and out • Make sure a clear path to the toilet • Automatic lights • Contrasting sheets, duvet and pillows

10. bathroom • Try and keep it warm • Remove or disguise the bin – it could be misidentified • Should the door be changed ? Consertina door , or rehang to open outwards • Avoid white toilet seat – contrast is important . Colour the toilet water to help men aim ! • If walls and suite are white – look at stickers or tape to define where one ends and the other starts.

11. Adding food colouring to the bath can help see the water and gain idea of its’ depth . • Shower door ? Would it be safer or easier to change to a curtain? • Ensure adequate lighting. • Remove lock?

12. outside • High-vis jacket for outside • Agreed route / routes • Carry AS card • Mobile phone • Buddie system

13. Other Suggestions on the day • Some pharmacies are developing the role of someone who will check venalinks • Use of carers cards – from the Red Cross • Register with GP as carer • Assistive technologies at : • http://www.atdementia.org.uk/ • Alzheimer’s Australia • http://www.alzheimers.org.au/ • Alzheimer’s Society • http://alzheimers.org.uk/ • http://www.alzheimer-europe.org/index.php/EN • http://www.alzscot.org/