From both training and experience, our staff members know how crucial routine can be for seniors with dementia. Having a reliable routine can:
- Reduce stress
- Ensure daily needs are met
- Create feelings of comfort and confidence
Our SHINE memory care program provides consistency and routine for our residents with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory-related disorders. How do we create a care plan for dementia and implement a daily routine for our residents in memory care?
We’re here to share our top dementia care tips to build a routine that incorporates health, hygiene, and joy. Read on to get started.
Morning Routines for Dementia Patients
When you’re creating a care plan for dementia, aim to get your loved one’s day started at the same time each day. Before diving into enjoyable activities, you’ll want to prioritize certain activities of daily living. These include:
- Getting out of bed
- Bathing and grooming
- Dressing
- Taking medications
Your loved one should also eat a nutritious breakfast. A balance of whole grains, protein, fruits, and vegetables can provide a stable source of energy to fuel the start of the day.
Morning Activity Ideas
Some seniors with dementia may find mornings difficult, especially if they’re at an advanced stage and don’t always know where they are or what year it is.
To improve dementia care, start the day with calm and familiarizing activities. This can include:
- Listening to music
- Looking at old photos
- Playing with a pet
According to the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, musical memory is largely unaffected by dementia. Play music your loved one will recognize from an earlier time in their life and encourage them to sing along or keep time by clapping.
Midday Schedule for Dementia Patients
As you complete your loved one’s morning routine, check in with their energy level and mood. Some seniors may experience their peak levels of energy at this time, while others may benefit from a short nap.
After completing one or two midday activities (or after your loved one takes a nap), prepare and eat lunch.
Midday Activity Ideas
Midday is a great time to engage seniors with dementia in some mental stimulation. You can do so by:
- Working on arts and crafts
- Doing a jigsaw puzzle
- Playing games
This is also an optimal time to practice light exercise by taking a walk or doing tai chi. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, seniors with dementia receive the same benefits from exercise (such as improved balance) as seniors without dementia.
Afternoon Care Plan for Dementia Patients
The afternoon is a great time to incorporate social and mental activities into your daily routine for dementia patients. Don’t forget to make time for potential activities of daily living, like using the restroom.
At Rittenhouse Village at Portage, you’ll find that many of our Celebrations, activities, and events occur in the afternoon, including those that are specifically catered toward memory care residents.
Afternoon Activity Ideas
Pick afternoon activities that combine a bit of physical activity with creative thinking. These may include:
- Gardening or arranging flowers
- Tidying up the house
- Visiting with family and friends
If your loved one is up to it, join in group activities to get additional benefits of socialization. This can support cognitive activity and mood while combatting isolation.
Evening Routines for Dementia Patients
According to the Mayo Clinic, some seniors with dementia may experience late-day confusion, also called sundowning. This can lead to changes in mood and cognitive functioning.
Evening routines should begin with a nutritious and filling dinner. Follow with a low-stress activity before preparing your loved one for bed.
Evening Activity Ideas
Prioritize quiet activities that don’t involve multiple steps or excess concentration. For example, you might:
- Watch an episode of a familiar show
- Read aloud from a favorite book
- Do some guided deep breathing and light stretching
Don’t forget to leave enough time for the final activities of daily living, like brushing their teeth and putting on pajamas.
Tips for Creating a Dementia Daily Schedule
If you’re part of your loved one’s care team, how can you create a schedule of your own? Here are a few additional tips for creating a daily schedule for an individual with dementia.
Build in Extra Time
Don’t expect to check every box in our list of activity suggestions. Instead, keep the list handy so you can pick one or two items from each, depending on your loved one’s energy levels and mood. By avoiding over-scheduling your loved one, you can ensure that there’s extra time to complete necessities (or spend on enjoyable activities).
Involve Patient Participation
Pay close attention to your loved one’s abilities and incorporate them into each day’s plan. For example, you might enlist their help setting the table for dinner or folding laundry. By giving them tasks you know they can typically complete, you can keep them engaged and boost their confidence throughout the day.
Use Familiar Cues
As your loved one’s memory changes, familiarity becomes more important. Offer activities from their life before dementia, such as watching a favorite TV show or reading a favorite book. Use consistent cues, such as opening the blinds in the morning and closing them at night, to help your loved one stay rooted in time.
Reduce Dementia-Related Stress
Building a daily routine for dementia patients can make it easier for you and your loved one to avoid stress triggers. For example, you can start to eliminate complicated or multi-step tasks that may cause frustration. You can also learn how your loved one’s attention and energy ebb and flow and plan activities accordingly.
Caring for Dementia Patients Is What We Do Best at Rittenhouse Village at Portage
Do you need help creating a care plan for dementia? While this guide is a useful starting spot, dementia care will become a full-time job as the disease progresses. Partnering with a senior living community like Rittenhouse Village at Portage can help.
We offer several tiers of senior care, including our SHINE memory care program. This makes it simple to upgrade your loved one’s care as needed without having to move them to a whole new community. Schedule a tour to find out if we’re a good fit for your family.
