Table 2.

Memory dementia care pathway vignette

How Memory Loss is Affecting Betty's Daily Life	Betty's Identified Strengths	Corresponding Recommendations for Betty
Misplacing items	Visuospatial function intact	Implemented a system at home where the most important items (cell phone, purse, keys, etc.) are left in one well-marked spot in the house. A home occupational therapy consultation was ordered to focus on memory and organizational strategies to reduce clutter and to create systems for better organization of personal belongings, paperwork, and bathroom and kitchen items for improved activities of daily living performance.
Forgetting/missing appointments	Able to read	Advised Betty to use a large calendar on which she could write many details about her appointments including time, location, topic, and phone number. Set up a reminder system for her family to check her calendar on a daily basis. Implemented use of a dry-erase board next to the calendar to list times of daily activities and other important reminders. Betty crossed off each day of the calendar as it passed, using a clock next to the calendar that displayed the time and date.
Withdrawing from activities, including reading and socializing with friends	Only minor problems with language functioning	Modified activities, which do not rely on memory but fit Betty's interests, including water aerobics and using a computer with a visual memory aid displaying a picture and short description for each step for checking and sending e-mails. Referral made to speech-language therapy at home to help formulate visual memory aids. Family trained to assist Betty with writing down 2 stimulating activities per day on her dry-erase board. Audio and visual reminders set up by family on her phone to increase initiation of the selected activities.