Why Planning and Organization Matter

After brain tumor treatment, changes in the brain can affect important thinking skills that help with planning, organizing, and starting tasks. These skills are necessary for managing day-to-day activities like cooking, taking medications, and keeping up with appointments. Developing strategies to support these abilities can help patients to be more independent in their day-to-day lives. This article provides practical ideas to help brain tumor patients regain control over their routines and reduce stress.

Simple Strategies for Managing Skills

Break Tasks into Small Steps: Large tasks can feel overwhelming, but breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps can help. For example, instead of “clean the house,” break it down into steps like “vacuum the living room,” “wipe the kitchen counters,” and “empty the trash.”

Use Visual Aids: Tools like calendars, planners, and checklists can help you keep track of what needs to be done. Write down appointments, chores, and other tasks, and check them off once completed.

Set Reminders: Use alarms or phone reminders to stay on track. Reminders can help you start tasks on time or remember important activities like taking medications.

Create a Routine: A consistent routine can reduce the mental load of figuring out what needs to be done. Try to schedule tasks at the same time each day or set certain days for specific tasks. For example, do laundry on Mondays and go grocery shopping on Fridays.

Minimize Distractions: Distractions like TV or loud environments can make it hard to focus. Try to work in a quiet space and keep only the materials you need for the task at hand.

Prioritize Tasks: Identify tasks that are most important and complete them first. Breaking down tasks high priority, low priority, and tasks to delegate categories can help ensure that essential responsibilities are addressed promptly.

Ask for Help: It’s okay to ask caregivers or loved ones to help with planning or organizing. They can provide reminders, help organize items, or offer support when things feel overwhelming.

Activities to Promote Planning and Organization

Cooking with a Plan: Cooking a meal is a great way to practice planning and organization. The activity requires patients to follow a recipe, which includes planning (gathering ingredients) and organizing (following the steps in order). Starting with simpler recipes can help build confidence, and as patients progress, more complex recipes can be introduced. This task encourages patients to manage steps logically and practice timing, which mirrors the structure needed for organizing other tasks​.

Creating Visual Checklists: Visual checklists are helpful for individuals who may struggle with remembering steps in a task. A checklist can be used for various activities, like cleaning a room or preparing for an outing. Patients can work with caregivers to create the list, and then use it independently to guide them through each step of the task. This helps improve task sequencing, a critical aspect of organization​.

Board Games: Games like “Scrabble” or strategy-based games encourage participants to plan their next move while keeping the end goal in mind. These games not only promote fun but also help develop planning, problem-solving, and organizational skills, as players must decide on their next step based on available options. This is a low-pressure way to build these skills while engaging with others​.

Tips for Caregivers

Be patient when supporting a loved one. Instead of taking over a task when they become frustrated, encourage them to use the strategies they’ve learned to promote independence. If you notice them skip a step in a task, kindly remind them of the correct order. If this occurs frequently, consider creating a visual aid or finding one online that outlines the task step-by-step, placing it where they can easily see it. Encourage the use of simple tools like sticky notes, calendars, or phone reminders to help them stay organized. Participate in activities together to reinforce these strategies and build their confidence. Lastly, provide a calm, organized space to help patients stay on track with tasks and routines.

In conclusion, by using effective strategies and tools, brain tumor patients can take better control of their planning and organizational tasks, making daily routines more manageable. With caregiver support and structured environments, patients can navigate these tasks with more ease and confidence.

References

American Brain Tumor Association. (n.d.). Living with a brain tumor. https://www.abta.org/about-brain-tumors/living-with-a-brain-tumor/

The OT Toolbox. (n.d.). Organization activities for kids. https://www.theottoolbox.com/organization-activities-for-kids/

Tools to Grow, Inc. (n.d.). Planning and organizing resources. https://www.toolstogrowot.com

University of Washington Medical Center. (2008). Initiation, planning, organization, and brain injury. https://www.washington.edu