Environmental Suggestions
There are a number of systems that can help with managing the regular payment of bills. Of course not all systems will suit all people. Explaining the bill paying system to the carer can assist them with keeping payments up to date if the person with dementia is admitted to hospital or is away from home unexpectedly.
Routine - paying bills as soon as they arrive.
Diary - using a diary to keep track of when bills are due and when they have been paid can keep carers up to date. Having bill statements near the diary will also assist if the person with dementia or their carer needs to follow up late notices or queries about bill payments.
Noticeboard - using a notice board divided into two sections, one for bills due and one for bills paid will help with organising and remembering. Placing the board in a key area or focal point of the home where it can easily be seen, for example near the telephone, will act as a reminder.
Bills Organiser Binder / Folder - a folder specifically designed for organising and keeping track of day to day bills. These folders can be put together to your specifications, or purchased from office suppliers and some department and specialty stores already made up. The ring binder is set up with a section for bills to be paid and sections for displaying bills once they have been paid. Each section can be categorised into an area (such as utilities, insurance, telephone or the internet) which holds plastic envelopes or sleeves.