Understanding Memory Through an Occupational Therapy Lens
Memory is something most of us take for granted—until we start noticing changes. Forgetting where you placed your keys, missing an appointment, or struggling to recall a name can be frustrating. For older adults, these moments can cause concern, especially if they happen more frequently. As an occupational therapist, I help individuals navigate these changes and maintain independence, confidence, and quality of life.
What Is Memory, Really?
Memory is not just one skill—it’s a collection of processes that help us take in information, store it, and retrieve it when needed. Occupational therapists often talk about different types of memory, such as:
Working Memory – Holding information briefly in your mind to complete a task (e.g., remembering a phone number long enough to dial it).
Short-Term Memory – Storing information for a few seconds or minutes (e.g., remembering a list of groceries).
Long-Term Memory – Storing facts, experiences, or skills over the long term (e.g., remembering your childhood home or how to ride a bike).
Prospective Memory – Remembering to do something in the future (e.g., taking your medication at 8 PM).
Each of these plays a role in daily activities—from managing finances and cooking meals to socializing and taking medications safely.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
From an OT perspective, memory isn't just a brain function—it's tied to how we live our lives. We look at how memory challenges affect a person’s ability to carry out meaningful activities, and we work together to create strategies that support independence.
Here are a few ways OT can help:
Assessment: We evaluate how memory is impacting daily routines and determine what supports are needed.
Compensatory Strategies: These include practical tools like calendars, alarms, checklists, and labeling systems to work with your memory rather than against it.
Cognitive Training: Guided practice through structured programs like the Baycrest Memory and Aging Program helps people learn about memory and how to strengthen it.
Environment Modifications: We help create a home setup that reduces memory demands and supports successful routines.
Habits and Routines: Repetition and routine are powerful tools. We work on building consistent habits that make tasks easier to remember and complete.
Case Example: Turning Forgetfulness Into Confidence
One of my clients, a woman in her early 70s, came to me because she was having trouble remembering to take her medication during lunch and was frequently forgetting scheduled appointments. This was starting to affect her health and leave her feeling anxious and frustrated.
Together, we explored her daily routine and identified areas where simple changes could make a big difference. We set up a weekly pill organizer and linked her lunchtime medication with a habit she already had—making tea. A visual reminder (a sticky note on the cupboard) and a small alarm clock set for her lunchtime helped reinforce the new habit.
For appointments, we created a centralized calendar system that combined a large-print wall calendar with a digital version on her phone. We practiced how to enter new appointments immediately and added a second reminder the day before.
Within a few weeks, she began taking her medication consistently and felt more in control of her schedule. More importantly, she felt less overwhelmed and more confident managing her day-to-day life.
When to Seek Support
Not all memory changes signal something serious—but it’s worth seeking help when changes begin to interfere with daily life. Occupational therapy offers a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore what’s happening and how to adapt.
If you or a loved one is experiencing memory challenges, know that support is available. With the right tools and strategies, it’s possible to maintain independence, stay engaged, and feel more confident navigating everyday life.