Table 1 Examples of goals and strategies employed for cognitive rehabilitation

“I will be able to use the iPad to send emails”

Compensatory: Use cue card for step-by-step instructions. Use of iPad stylus pen is easier than finger. Practice alongside carer or therapist.

Restorative: Action-based learning: keep iPad and cue card visible to prompt use. Use flowchart to break activity into smaller steps.

“I will be able to find my purse, keys, hearing aid and reading glasses”

Compensatory: Identify places for items to be left. Place prompt cards in other likely places where participant leaves items to encourage appropriate placement of items. Place prompt card by front door to ensure participant has items before leaving house. Use colour to support object recognition: coloured cord put on glasses; coloured ribbon put on purse.

“I will be sociable during mealtimes and appear to take an interest in conversation rather than just concentrating on eating”

Compensatory: Hearing assessment and new hearing aid. Notebook to record information participant could use in conversation.

Restorative: Increasing awareness of other peoples’ perception of the participant. Active listening alternately with eating and putting knife and fork down to make eye contact, listen and converse.