How To Create A Routine For Your Loved One With Dementia
In our last blog, we discussed the importance of creating a routine; we now know that daily routines and schedules are essential for those that suffer from dementia. However, how do you create a schedule? What are the best things to include? The truth is, routines will look different for everyone. The good news is that we can lay out a few tips for you to use as a guideline as you develop a schedule for you and your loved one.
Start with making a list of considerations; this list should include your loved one’s likes and dislikes, as well as their strengths and interests. Make a note of what time of day your loved one seems to perform the best; additionally, go ahead and write down how they usually (or used to) structure their day.
Let them help. Staying involved is vital for those with memory loss. Allowing them to help you fold laundry or wash dishes gives them the ability to maintain their motor skills and even cognitive skills; be sure to greet them with patience and praise to help reinforce their confidence in themselves.
Include daily activities; these activities should always include something they enjoy, but the activities also need to challenge them cognitively. A few activities to include are household chores, puzzles, physical exercise, and activities that get their creative juices flowing (such as music time).
Consider the non-negotiables and where you will include these activities; non-negotiables include their hygiene needs, medication, sleep time, and nourishment. When you start setting up the actual schedule/routine, these need to be the first thing you lay out. Always give a grace period around these things as well; you never know what each day will bring when you are caring for someone with dementia. Their abilities may be drastically different than they were the day before, so give time for grace as some activities may take longer than they did a few days before.
Allow time for socialization. We all need time with our peers; this is especially important for those who struggle with dementia because they are more likely to isolate; this is due to their fear that they will disappoint or frustrate those around them. Not only does isolation affect their mental state, but it can also affect their physical state; seniors who are isolated are more likely to experience hypertension, cardiac failure, and other heart issues. A great way for seniors to socialize is through assisted living and memory care communities, as they often offer many different activities throughout the day. Other ways include having your loved one attend bingo games, exercise classes, group outings, and regular phone calls with friends and family.
Creating routines and ensuring your loved one completes each task can be difficult, especially when you have a close relationship and they are refusing to participate. A memory care community can help; we know that routines are essential for those with memory loss. That is why we create customized plans and routines for each resident and hire staff trained specifically in memory care. If you think it may be time for a memory care community, give us a call or fill out our web form. We would be happy to discuss next steps with you to see if our community is the right fit for you and your loved one.