Daily Checklist for Seniors With Memory Loss

Memory loss can make everyday tasks for senior citizens difficult and frustrating. Small things, like forgetting to vacuum, or leaving clothes in the dryer are annoying, but forgetting to take daily medications or leaving the stove on after cooking can be dangerous. Having a printed daily checklist can help someone avoid those situations and give an individual with memory loss more control of their life.

Designing a Daily Checklist

• An effective daily checklist is one that someone can print and copy and have a new form every day. These lists can include as many or as few details as needed, and can be modified if the need arises. Use a new copy every day. The list should include a place to write the date, and blank lines to add tasks or items that need to be done infrequently or on a temporary basis. Examples include such as preparing for visitors or keeping an appointment.

Rules for a Daily Checklist

• While a daily checklist is simple enough, using one requires being diligent about marking off tasks while utilizing a new checklist each day. Seniors with mild memory loss problems may be able to get into this habit with relative ease. However, those with severe memory loss may need extra assistance from a caregiver or friend to remember to use the checklists properly.

Daily Checklist Items

• The individual's daily routine and level of memory loss will dictate which items should be on a daily checklist. Checklists for those with mild memory loss may include simple instructions, like "Take medications," "Cook dinner," or "Shower and dress." For someone with moderate to severe memory loss, the list should include the exact medications they need to take (with times if applicable) and cooking reminders such as "turn off the stove" and "put unused food away." Other items include reminders to get dressed, lock the doors, take a shower, put on deodorant and brush teeth.

Benefits of Daily Checklists

• Lists can be helpful for anyone, even those not suffering from memory loss. For seniors who have a hard time remembering things, daily checklists help maintain an independent lifestyle. They also help caregivers and loved ones keep an account of where and how the person may need assistance, and whether the memory loss is getting worse. When the senior gets additional medication details, daily checklists help maintain good health, and household tasks allow the individual to maintain a safe, healthy environment.

Cons of Daily Checklists

• Daily checklists are a tool that some associate with no longer being independent. Keeping a checklist can be a frustrating reminder of declining capacities and aging. It may be perceived as insulting to be told to use one. When someone refuses to use one, they run the risk of forgetting to take medications or to maintain household safety. Another con is that daily checklists may not take into account unforeseen changes to the daily routine.

Enhancement Checklists

• Enhancement checklistsprovide more detail for daily activities and to keep daily checklists from becoming overwhelming. A bedtime checklist would be considered an enhancement checklist and may include a list of items to be done in the evening (e.g. set alarm clock, lock back door). Enhancement checklists for meal planning, cleaning, and medications are common. It's a good idea to have one for running errands or shopping and should show the person's address in case of an emergency.

Daily Checklist Example

• An example of a daily checklist for someone with moderate memory loss is as follows:

  Date:

  Bathe

  Brush Teeth

  Make Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

  Clean up from Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

  - Turn off all appliances

  - Put food away

  - Load dishwasher

  Check laundry hamper. If full, start a load of clothes.

  Check date book for appointments

  Balance check book

  Call daughter

  Take prescriptions

  - Medication A - 8:00 am

  - Medication B - 8:00 am

  - Medication C - noon

  - Medication D - 10:00 pm

  Put away laundry

  NOTES: