Start future-proofing your home
There are steps you can take to make life easier for you at home – for example moving things around and making changes to the layout, lighting and décor so that it’s easier to manage your symptoms on an ongoing basis. This might involve making space by dealing with clutter or things that are easily sorted out, such as large items of furniture that you no longer have a use for.
So, to start making your home more dementia-friendly, get sorting. You might want to ask a trusted friend or loved one to help you make lists of what you have, including what you don’t need and what must stay.
Also have a think about what you’ll do with the things you’ll no longer want or have a need for in future. This can take time, so while there’s no need to panic, start a list so you can keep track of who to donate what item to, or where you’d like your belongings to go if you should have to move to residential care – and if that might happen – what you’d like to take with you, if possible.
In terms of your belongings, it might be worth thinking short, medium and long term, so there’s no confusion or mix-up further down the line.
An easy way to do this is with our handy and secure online planner, which helps you get your personal affairs in order and plans in place. Some of the things you can do in the planner includes creating a personalised checklist, so the people you choose to share it with will know what's important to you.
Get support with organising
It can be difficult dealing with personal possessions and belongings when you’ve recently been diagnosed with dementia. But you don’t need to make decisions alone. If deciding what to do with your belongings is causing you stress, ask for help. Talk to a family member or loved one about it.
It’s much easier to ask a friend or family member to help you go through stuff and help you make your mind up about what to do with items you no longer want or won’t have a need for in future. They can give you an opinion and help you weigh up the pros and cons when it comes to individual items and help you sort things out.
Here's how to make a start:
Sort clutter now – From paperwork you no longer need to unsorted photos that need putting in albums or frames, all of these things are easily dealt with, but might require some assistance from others. Ask someone to help you shred sensitive paperwork that contains your address, personal details or legal and financial information.
Make lists – What can go now? What would you like to keep long term? Start a list to keep track and include notes like: ‘Keep now, but can go to Nephew Jack in future’.
Think about storage – Not sure what you’d like to do with larger items? Storage facilities, although expensive, can buy you some time while you decide.
Donate – Charity shops and registered charities are nearly always grateful for donations of unwanted items and some come and collect larger items, i.e. furniture.
Make your wishes known – Our online planner is a great way to do this.
Speak to those you’d like to donate items to – or ask loved ones to have a conversation for you – and ask them if they’d like to receive certain items of yours, either now or in future. Make a note of the conversations so they’re recorded and let loved ones know there’s a list and where it’s kept. For ease you could use our online planner here which is easily shared between the people you choose to share it with.