What are Memory Challenges?
Memory challenges is a broad term for issues accessing short- or long-term memory. When memory is impacted, many other aspects of thought may be as well. Unless they tell you, there’s no way to know, but you can still offer basic human kindness.
Short- and long-term memory challenges present different frustrations for the person experiencing them. Short-term memory is technically 15 to 30 second chunks, and everything else is called long-term memory.
Memory challenges may be caused by (this list is not comprehensive):
- Brain Fog.
- Dementia.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
- Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Internal Organ Conditions.
- Mental Health.
- Malnutrition.
- Sleep Deficiency.
- Medication Side Effects.
- Aging.
As you can see, there are many possibilities for what causes memory challenges, and many of them are not typically part of the discussion. It’s best not to assume why someone has memory challenges.
Of note, experiencing memory challenges is often scary and isolating. Genuine kindness, compassion, and patience from those around someone experiencing memory loss make all the difference.
Referencing Memory Challenges
First, it’s never appropriate to announce that someone else has memory challenges without permission, even if you’re just telling a leadership team so they can help. Consent is key and critical.
If someone knows they have memory challenges, they can specify a preferred way to address them. However, many people prefer to use person-first language when discussing their memory specifically, such as person with memory challenges or person with dementia.
If someone does not know they have memory challenges, it’s a whole different story. The best option for helping them seek care for their memory is to bring this to their attention or the attention of someone they trust.
Creating an Accessible Environment for People with Memory Challenges
Use Clear Signage
Adding clear signage benefits everyone if your chapter meeting or event is in a public place. Where possible, make sure to include your group name on the sign and any directions someone approaching for the first time might need.
It’s best to include arrows to show directions rather than words when designing your signs. In some cases, memory challenges can affect spatial reasoning or word recognition. The visual of an arrow is more standard.
If necessary, consider including common symbols for signs pointing to specific things like a buffet line or bathroom as well. You can use whatever symbols are most common in your region.
Incorporate Smaller Meeting Units
In general, the business part of chapter meetings tends to be one long list of points to hit. While this is great for ensuring everyone is informed, remembering everything discussed can be very challenging.
The solution is to break the business portion into more manageable chunks with distinct segways. For example, different people could cover different parts of the agenda or there could be breaks to discuss a fun Star Trek development. These breaks help people with memory challenges process what they’re hearing.
Provide Written Reminders
A written record allows someone with memory challenges to refer back to something without having to ask, and it can be a great tool. In the context of a chapter meeting, a print copy of the agenda is a good starting point.
Many people with memory challenges experience embarrassment over asking for clarification, so if you can provide a more detailed agenda than the bullet points you use for your speech, it may be helpful.
Designate Helpers
To be clear, helpers are not people who are responsible for someone with memory challenges. If someone needs that level of care, they usually have their own system. Instead, helpers are people who volunteer to be the ones people go to for specific things.
Within a chapter, you might have specific positions like sciences officer or communications officer. People, in general, can direct their questions about that area to that person. Those are the helpers for that specific thing, so the right information is passed out without placing it all on your shoulders.
Additionally, you may want to consider asking for volunteers to help with navigating spaces. If your meeting room is tucked off a back hall, for example, having a volunteer who can walk people from the front door can also be helpful.
Record Meetings
While recording is not always practical, it is a great way to help members with memory challenges and those who cannot attend meetings. These recordings don’t need to use more than a smartphone and a private method of sharing.
Science shows that people recall voices differently from visuals, so a recording may be more helpful to someone with memory challenges than a written agenda when they’re remembering an event.
Use a Calendar
Calendars are a great way to help people remember the meetings. Many calendars allow for recurring events and offer the option to “sign up” so the event appears on their personal calendar as well.
Address the Experience
People with memory challenges are usually aware they’re experiencing something, and many report that while they may not recall the particulars of something, they do remember how people treated them.
People with memory challenges are full-grown adults who are capable of participating in their own conversations. It’s important to directly address them, be understanding, and welcome anyone into the STARFLEET experience.
Feel like this guide is missing something? Let us know at sfcoa@sfi.org.
Want to know more about accessible communication? Check out Accessible Communication 101.