January 2026 Blog – Tips and Strategies for a Successful New Year on the Dementia Journey
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Successfully Navigating the New Year
As we enter 2026, a whole new year lies ahead of us filled with plans and promises.
When on the Dementia Journey it may feel overwhelming and discouraging to consider another year of navigating dementia with all its ups and downs.
It is a great idea to spend some time reflecting on how you would like the new year to look like for you and everyone on this dementia journey. Reflect on the memories you would like to include this new year. Think about some of the challenges you had this past year and how you can better navigate it in 2026. Journaling is a great practice to organize your thoughts in one spot and to help you focus on what matters most.
Let’s set you and your loved one up for success for the 2026 year. Now is the time to think about a meeting with a professional financial planner to see how you can optimize your financial situation. Now is the time to make sure you update your calendar to reflect important celebrations and holidays and start thinking about how you can include your loved one living with dementia. Now is the time to consider changes that may need to be made to your loved one’s environment for safety and ease of engagement.
Tips and Strategies to Navigate the New Year
Home Safety organization and planning
It’s important to consider the living environment and adaptations and the changes needed as the dementia journey advances.
* Declutter the bathroom space (countertops and shower)
* Consider placement and safety of grab bars in the bathroom and at exits or entryways.
* Declutter walkways throughout the house and pick up loose carpets that pose a fall risk.
*Label cabinets and drawers in the bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.
* Lock poisonous liquids and substances away.
* Consider using in-home monitors for safety.
* Consider using air tags for tracking purposes.
Financial Security: Organization and Planning
With economic changes come inflation and increased financial strain. It is important to continue to assess your financial situation and do advance planning.
Consider a family meeting with all involved parties to discuss ongoing needs and anticipate new needs.
Points to consider may include:
* POA set-up
* Financial planning for the future – meet with a financial planner.
* Setting your loved one up with automatic bill pay and limiting their access to credit cards
Dementia disease management organization:
It is crucial that a person living with dementia has a medical team professional that is in charge of the following :
* Regular check-ups
* Bloodwork
* Medication reconciliation
* Medication set-up (lock boxes/alarms)
Things to consider for your loved one:
* Specialized PCP/GUIDE practitioner follow person’s journey in the home and provide support to all involved
* Setting your person up with a medication lockbox and alarm for increased medication safety
Day-to- Day organization and planning considerations.
Botes Memory Method’s philosophy is that each person is deserving of a meaningful day and with a meaningful day, joy is created for all involved.
Making sure that your person has a day-to-day and week-to-week schedule that includes the following will help put you on a journey to success and joyful interactions:
* Toileting schedule
* Hydration schedule
* Nutrition and snack schedule with recipes
* Running Grocery list
* Medical follow-up schedule
Joyful engagements: at least 30 min a day of JOY (this can include outings; walks; sitting outside with a favorite drink or snack; music; creating art or crafts; gardening; visiting with a friend)
Include an opportunity for movement at least 30 minutes a day; 5 days a week