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2. Memory (short term, intermediate, or long term memory is often a major problem.)

Your memory may work better one day and not as good the next.  Some ideas other brain-injured people have found helpful include:

       Daily book (with date and times) is useful for appointments, estimating time to get to these appointments (traveling time), other activities, etc.

       Watch with several alarms can be helpful as an aide to remind one to do activities like taking medications.  Usually watches of this type can be purchased for less than twenty-five dollars.

       Portable tape recorder to record important things, for example: What your doctor or nurse is recommending.  A small, easy to carry tape recorder of good quality can be purchased for a reasonable cost.

       A Personal Data Assistant (PDA) can be very useful especially if you are familiar with computers.  However, it may be wise to check with the doctor before making this purchase.

These items above are helpful and give the brain-injured individual a feeling of independence.

Personal reminding by the caregiver can also provide assistance.

Brain Injury, whether mild, moderate, or severe, dramatically changes the life of the infected individual, along with the lives of the caregivers, and friends.

Starting therapy as soon as possible significantly increases the brain-injured chances to return to their normal life activities.

Copyright: 2003-2004 by Richard DiCrescenzo, CNA

Richard DiCrescenzo

1031 Nuuanu Avenue, #2705

Honolulu, HI 96817