EnableMe | enableme - stroke recovery and support

“When I was younger, if I needed a word or a fact it was at my fingertips. Now it’s like an arthritic and elderly gentleman has to sit up and go down many, many flights of stairs very slowly and go rummage in dusty drawers.” Best-selling author Neil Gaiman

Relying solely on memory to get through the day is tricky. It’s a bit like willpower – it can let you down. Incorporating memory compensation techniques into daily life relieves the effort of constantly trying to remember. It also reduces stress as it helps ensure fewer things go wrong because something’s been forgotten.

Memory compensation comes down to two things – the power of routine and the helpfulness of tools.

Routine

Keep important things such as your keys or glasses in the same place so you always know where to find them.

As soon as you think “I need to remember to take that with me tomorrow” get up and put it in your bag or at the front door.

Establish routines for preparing for days or events, doing the same thing in the same order each time. This helps ensure nothing is missed. Use checklists during tasks that require a number of steps and make a “to do” list daily.

“Keys, wallet, phone” is a good mantra as you leave the house. If you have particular things you need to remember, like turning something off, make up your own mantra. Start by writing it on a note on the front door until it becomes second nature.

Tools

Use a calendar or diary to note every appointment so nothing is missed.

Make a note that you’ve done small jobs as you do them. You can use your diary, notebook, calendar or even take a photo on your phone.

Take notes, especially at appointments, and keep them all in one place. Use your diary or a notebook. Avoid making notes on random bits of paper and on the backs of envelopes.

Bring someone with you to appointments if you think that you may be receiving a lot of new information.

Use a dosette box for medications so you know if you’ve taken that day’s dose.

Use phone alarms or even your oven timer to alert you to do something at a particular time.

If you have memory compensation strategies that work for you, please share them below.

Jude (Social Worker, StrokeLine)

Hi,

I have a couple of memory compensation tips that most times work for me.

Like if i want to water the garden or have a tap running , before i start I put a picture of a water tap or waterfall on my Island bench. You can cut them out of a colourful magazine and stick them onto cardboard so they standup. My thoughtful and crafty granddaughter stuck a picture of a battery charging onto a folding cardboard that i use to remind myself that my mobility scooter is on charge.

Outside I put things in front of my path like washing baskets etec to remind me of what i was doing,

like hanging up the washing . it helps with the two step memory. I still forget things or look at things with a mental blank but I don,t put the picture boards away until I have worked out what I need to do.

Have fun making up pictures reminders, Hope this Helps . Dean

Hi Dean,

That is fantastic - I would love to share your idea with the Facebook community - is that Ok?

Diana

Hi Diana,

That would be okay as long as there are no direct links to me.

I don't have the ability due to my cognitive fatigue to respond to lots of comments .

It takes me some time.

Dean.

Absolutely - no links. Have you seen this conversation about cognitive fatigue?

Yes, I have now and have read other comments , I can really identify with other stroke survivors experiences.

I learn a little more each time including why I must be patient with my daily life and be thankful for the good days.

Bye for now.

My memory tip is that I write what I need to remember down.

I have diary which I choose each year with utmost care and I write it down.

When I wasn't able to write as well I still made som.e sort of effort to keep my life documented in a way which meant something to me.

All of these tips are very good, however, I find when in conversation, I tend to forget a word. and I cannot remember what it is that I want to say. I find this difficult and hard for the listener.

I then have to think of another word to continue, however, it must be 3 years since I have had my stroke, and I should be getting better now, however, I seem to be getting worse; Does anyone have any ideas how to help'

Ron Stagg