Dry Erase Boards and Dementia Friendly Hospitals

Grandma was in the hospital A LOT in the last 4 years of her life. Many hospitals did not understand how to communicate with an Alzheimer's patient.

The staff would try to explain medical procedures. There were too many instructions. Grandma did not know where she was, or why they were doing things to her.

I knew that a Dry Erase Board was the answer!  I used them a lot in school when I was younger!  I actually told the staff at NYU Hospital about the benefit of using one. They were impressed and ordered them for Alzheimer's patients! YES!

I suggested that they follow the 5 W's on the Dry Erase Board. (Who, What, When, Where, Why and sometimes How).

Example of writings for the Dry Erase in a Hospital:

You are at NYU hospital (who)

You broke your hip (what)

The hospital is going to help (why)

Keep directions simple.

When I used it with grandma I wanted to be sure she was not in pain!