We spend a lot of time in our kitchens doing routine tasks. Even though it seems routine, the kitchen can be a place where loved ones with dementia can struggle.
Click on the blue circle with the star to learn about where you might see early signs of dementia in this space.
Coffee Pot
Memory loss can disrupt daily life and make familiar tasks harder to do.
Making coffee is something people do every day that could get hard for people who struggle with memory problems or early dementia. They could forget to add water, coffee, or turn the coffee pot on or off.
Tip: Support them in these tasks by encouraging them throughout the process.
* Keep in mind that some people may not want help, and that is okay.
Cupboard
Losing things and not being able to find them
A person with dementia or other memory problems may misplace things and not be able to retrace their steps to find them. They also might put things in places where they do not belong.
Tip: If this happens, do not to call attention to it or correct them afterwards. But, always be on the lookout for this to happen. This is another way to gently help the person by working together to put away groceries or dishes.
Clock
Getting confused with time or place
A person with memory problems or dementia may get confused working with numbers. For example, they may have trouble telling the time or understanding how time passes.
Tip: If you see this, offer gentle reminders of specific moments throughout the day, like breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Reminders can help provide order to their day and a clearer sense of time.
Stove
Harder to do daily tasks
A person with memory problems or dementia may have trouble with every day activities like forgetting to turn the stove off after cooking. The color and contrast of the stove can also make it hard for them to tell if it is on or off. This is where a person's memory problems could hurt themselves or others.
Tip: Place a note by the stove or on the doorframe leading out of the kitchen that says "Is the stove off?" – sticky notes are a great option!
Car Keys
Driving safety is essential
A person with dementia may insist upon driving. They may want to drive alone or drive at night.
Tip: If the person you know is wanting to drive it is best to consult with a primary care provider to ensure their safety.
Driving safety is essential
A person with dementia may insist upon driving. They may want to drive alone or drive at night.
Tip: If the person you know is wanting to drive it is best to consult with a primary care provider to ensure their safety.
Memory loss can disrupt daily life and make familiar tasks harder to do.
Making coffee is something people do every day that could get hard for people who struggle with memory problems or early dementia. They could forget to add water, coffee, or turn the coffee pot on or off.
Tip: Making coffee is something people do every day that could get hard for people who struggle with memory problems or early dementia. They could forget to add water, coffee, or turn the coffee pot on or off.
Difficulty with daily tasks
A person with memory problems or dementia may have trouble with everyday activities, like forgetting to turn the stove off after cooking. The color and contrast of the stove can also make it hard for them to tell if it is on or off. This is where a person’s memory problems could hurt themselves or others.
Tip: Place a note by the stove or on the doorframe leading out of the kitchen that says “Is the stove off?” – sticky notes are a great option!
Losing things and not being able to find them
A person with dementia or other memory problems may misplace things and not be able to retrace their steps to find them. They also might put things in places where they do not belong.
Tip: If this happens, do not to call attention to it or correct them afterwards. But, always be on the lookout for this to happen. This is another way to gently help the person by working together to put away groceries or dishes.
Getting confused with time or place
A person with memory problems or dementia may get confused working with numbers. For example, they may have trouble telling the time or understanding how time passes.
Tip: If you see this, offer gentle reminders of specific moments throughout the day, like breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Reminders can help provide order to their day and a clearer sense of time.
