Medicine and hygiene reminders for someone with Alzheimer's

• Pillbox

Whether the person in your care takes multiple medications or just one, a weekly pillbox helps him or her remember to do so day by day. Try attaching a cue card to the box with simple instructions covering when and how to take each medication (with meals, at night). If he or she has trouble remembering a pill that must be taken at a specific time, set a reminder alarm if you can -- or an alarm for yourself so you can call to give a phone reminder.

• Hygiene prompts

Keeping important personal hygiene items visible reminds the person to do personal-care tasks. For example, keep toothpaste out on the counter next to the toothbrush rather than in the medicine cabinet.

• Clean sweeps

Clutter and mess can confuse and distract people with Alzheimer's, causing them to forget where they placed or stored items or making them less able to handle certain tasks, like paying bills. Toss old periodicals and junk mail weekly. If someone comes in to clean the home, be sure the employee tidies surfaces and clears old papers -- without drastically rearranging things, which can be confusing.