Tips for People With Dementia 

Tips for Everyday Tasks for People Living With Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias get worse over time. Even simple everyday activities can become difficult to complete. To help cope with changes in memory and thinking, consider strategies that can make daily tasks easier. Try to adopt them early on, so you will have more time to adjust.

You can:

• Write down to-do lists, appointments, and events in a notebook or calendar.
• Set up automated bill payments and consider asking someone you trust to help manage your finances.
• Have your groceries delivered.
• Manage your medications with a weekly pillbox, a pillbox with reminders (like an alarm), or a medication dispenser.
• Ask your doctor to provide a care plan and write down care directions (or have a family member or friend take notes during the visit).

Sleep Tips for People Living With Dementia

Dementia often changes a person’s sleeping habits. You may sleep a lot, or not enough, and wake up many times during the night. Poor sleep quality can make dementia symptoms worse.

Tips for better and safer sleep:

• Follow a regular schedule by going to sleep and getting up at the same time each day, even on weekends or when traveling.
• Develop a relaxing bedtime routine with lowered lights, cool temperature, and no electronic screens.
• Avoid caffeine and naps late in the day.
• Have a lamp that’s easy to reach and turn on, a nightlight in the hallway or bathroom, and a flashlight nearby.
• Keep a telephone with emergency numbers by your bed.
• Talk to your doctor if you have problems sleeping.

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