When someone with dementia starts forgetting dates or seasons, it can cause confusion and anxiety. Here are tips, actions, recommendations, and examples of things you can do or say to help:

1. Use a Large, Visible Calendar

What to Say: “Let’s check the calendar together to see what today is.”
Action: Place a large, easy-to-read calendar in a prominent place, like the kitchen or living room. Cross off each day as it passes to help them keep track of the date.
Why: A visible calendar provides a clear reference point to reduce confusion about the current day, month, or year.

2. Provide Visual Clues for the Season

What to Say: “It’s starting to get chilly. That’s because it’s autumn now.”
Action: Decorate the home in line with the current season (e.g., autumn leaves, spring flowers) or use clothing that reflects the weather (e.g., heavy coats in winter, lighter clothing in summer).
Why: Visual cues, such as decorations or clothing, help them recognize the time of year and understand how the seasons are changing.

3. Use Digital Tools with Date and Time Displays

What to Say: “The clock says it’s Monday, September 15th.”
Action: Set up clocks or digital devices that display both the date and day of the week. Some clocks are specifically designed for people with dementia, with large displays showing the time of day, date, and season.
Why: Having a constant visual reminder of the date and time helps ground them in the present and reduces confusion about what day it is.

4. Create a Daily Routine with Date-Related Activities

What to Say: “Let’s look at the calendar to see if we have any appointments today.”
Action: Incorporate checking the date into their daily routine, such as over breakfast or before planning activities for the day. Include special dates on the calendar, such as holidays or family birthdays, to build excitement and anticipation.
Why: Building date-related activities into their routine keeps the concept of time fresh in their minds, reinforcing awareness of the day and season.

5. Talk About the Season or Events Regularly

What to Say: “Isn’t it lovely that the flowers are blooming now? Spring is such a beautiful season.”
Action: Engage them in conversations about the current season or upcoming events, such as holidays or birthdays, to help orient them in time. Ask them about their memories of favorite seasons or seasonal activities.
Why: Frequent discussions about the time of year or upcoming events help reinforce their awareness and make time concepts more meaningful.

6. Link Dates and Seasons to Activities

What to Say: “We’re going to put up the Christmas tree soon because it’s almost December!”
Action: Plan seasonal activities like decorating for the holidays, planting a garden in spring, or baking holiday treats. These familiar, season-specific activities can help them stay oriented to the time of year.
Why: Connecting the date and season to enjoyable activities creates positive reinforcement and helps them maintain a sense of time.

7. Use Physical Cues for Time of Year

Action: Encourage them to wear appropriate clothing for the season (e.g., hats and scarves in winter, light clothes in summer), and point out the weather when going outside. Let them feel the cold or warmth on their skin to reinforce the current season.
Why: Physical experiences like the temperature or appropriate seasonal clothing help provide sensory reinforcement about the time of year.

8. Encourage Outdoor Exposure

What to Say: “Let’s step outside and feel the fresh spring air!”
Action: Take them outside regularly to experience seasonal changes, such as leaves falling in autumn or flowers blooming in spring. Encourage walks or garden visits to feel the temperature and see the natural environment.
Why: Exposure to seasonal weather and outdoor activities helps them stay in touch with time and the changing seasons.

9. Use Familiar Holiday or Seasonal Markers

What to Say: “We’re getting ready for Thanksgiving—it’s just around the corner.”
Action: Use familiar holidays or family traditions as markers of the year. Remind them about upcoming holidays and involve them in the preparations, like putting up decorations or planning meals.
Why: Holiday traditions are often well-remembered and can help them understand the time of year based on recurring, familiar events.

10. Be Patient and Reassure Them

What to Say: “It’s okay if you don’t remember. Let me help you check the date.”
Action: Gently correct them if they forget the date or season without making them feel bad or frustrated. Offer reassurance if they feel confused or anxious about losing track of time.
Why: Staying calm and supportive helps them feel secure, even when they’re struggling to remember. Avoiding frustration ensures they don’t feel embarrassed about their memory lapses.

By providing visual and sensory cues, incorporating the date and season into conversations, and using daily routines, family members can help their loved one with dementia stay more connected to time, reducing confusion and providing comfort.

Source: Alzheimer’s Society

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