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05th Apr 2023

This whiteboard idea can help family members with dementia

HerFamily

Having a loved one with dementia can be so tough.

Anyone with a family member or friend suffering from dementia will know how distressing it can be. Depending on how far the disease has progressed, sufferers may need 24/7 round-the-clock care.

Others may not yet be as bad and at this stage, it’s all about putting strategies into place to help the person and the people around them manage the illness.

A daughter of an elderly lady with dementia has gone viral after she posted a picture of a whiteboard she uses to reassure her mum when she’s not with her.

She writes down positive affirmations in different coloured pens that include:

“Your meals are paid for. You’re okay. Everyone’s fine.

“You are not moving. No one else is moving.

“Keep drinking, it will help your memory.

“You don’t owe anyone any money. You haven’t upset anyone.”

It also included reminders such as to drink water. The picture was posted on Reddit with the caption:

“A simple whiteboard left in her sight line in her sitting room. Helped to reduce constant anxious phone calls.”

The idea was praised by many people, some of whom have done similar things in the past and have had success with it.