Have a small "to go" bag ready for unexpected trips or events. 

Sample items to include:  

• pen and paper for tic tac toe or hangman
• magnet and some paper clips for a paper clip fishing game (simply pick up the paper clips from a table with the magnet)

Add your own tips in the comments.

We all need help, but many of us have a difficult time asking for it.  Doing everything yourself can lead you towards caregiver burnout so be sure to ask for and accept help when it is offered. Caregivers occasionally report that friends have stopped calling or that no one is reaching out.  Sometimes people don't reach out because they don't know what to say or what you may need.  It's okay to initiate conversations with friends and loved ones letting them know what would be helpful. 

When times get tough and emotions run high, it is important to remember that difficult behaviors are caused by the disease and not the person.

When your emotions or temper become increasingly difficult to manage, WALK AWAY.  Taking a short break to cool off can make a big difference.

Rather than listening to just any music, try to listen to music your loved one is familiar with. Sirius XM or even many cable channels have music by era. The ideal music would be tunes that they listened to while they were a teenager or in their early twenties.

Create a list of the care recipient's favorite movies and television shows.  Watch these old shows together and reminisce about how times were growing up. Take a break while your care recipient relaxes with some old classics.

Some sample games:

• Cards
• Matching games
• Dominoes
• Checkers
• Board games
• Cross word puzzles
• Large print puzzles

If you are caring for an avid sports lover, you may try mini golf, Wii bowling, a beanbag toss or attending a Little League game. You can also arrange for several people to get together to watch a big game on television.  Or, perhaps you can try sorting through and organizing sporting cards.

GLSS has created a Caregiver Toolkit that supports enhancing the lives of someone with dementia and their caregivers using items selected from evidence-based research.  These items can all be found online and were purchased through amazon.com. We have included the item list and a description of their benefit if you would like to replicate the kit.  This list can also be used as suggestions on obtaining items of your choice that may also satisfy these areas or meet a personal budget.

• Creating Moments of Joy by Jolene Brackey.  This book offers emotional support to the caregiver by shifting the focus from fear and loss to peace and hope.  It reminds the reader that although the person they care for may have changed a bit, they are still very much a person of value that should be seen and celebrated.  The book also offers suggestions on meaningful activities that help restore a sense of purpose in individuals living with dementia. 
• The Original Memory Loss Digital Calendar Day Clock.  This large digital clock clearly states the time, date, day, year and AM or PM.  It intentionally does not have any abbreviations and is glare free and high resolution for easy viewing.  The clock also can be set to eight different languages and military time if desired. Since memory loss disorients people to time and place, a person living with dementia needs to have access to this information to feel safe and secure. Professionals in the field stress the importance of habilitation therapy which focuses on altering or simplifying the environment to assist individuals with dementia to maintain independence.  This device is designed with that belief in mind to encourage a person's individual ability to have success navigating their environment.  It also assists the caregiver in the reduction of repetitive questioning about time and date.\
• Easy Grip Flatware Set.  This three piece set includes a fork, knife and spoon designed with a larger grip that is easier to manipulate for someone who is having difficulty with fine motor activities.  The ability to feed oneself is one of the most vital and basic activities of daily living.  Keeping this utility intact is crucial to contributing to overall feelings of functionality and purpose.
• Adult Coloring Books.  An adult coloring book equipped with coloring pencils will be provided in the toolkit as a package set. \nArt Therapy has been widely studied and research suggests that the expression of art promotes relaxation and improved mood.  The Alzheimer's Foundation of America affirms that art making can excite the imagination in people with dementia, an area of the brain that stays intact late into the progressive disease.  Exploring means of relaxation, self-reflection and creativity can foster feelings of self-worth and dignity.