Have you ever awoken from a dream feeling completely disoriented? The dream seemed so real, and it takes a few minutes to regain your bearings. For someone with dementia, this disorientation is part of everyday life. Our goal in caring for someone with dementia is to help provide as much stability as possible, and one of the simplest ways to accomplish this is to create a dementia care routine.
How Can a Dementia Care Routine Help?
Short-term memory loss makes it challenging for someone with dementia to learn and remember new things. A familiar routine helps build self-confidence, reinforce a feeling of independence, and minimize anxiety.
To create the most comfortable routine for a family member with dementia, try the following:
- Follow their lead. Keep in place any routines the older adult already has established: a morning shower before breakfast, meals at the same seat at the table as always, an afternoon TV program, a walk after dinner, etc.
- Modify as needed. Over time, as the disease progresses, the individual's ability level will change, making it harder to accomplish parts of their routine. The goal should be to regularly strive to provide as many opportunities for independence as you are able, even when modifications are needed.
- Select activities that are connected with lifelong interests. Consider the individual's particular interests and incorporate those in some manner into their routine: music, gardening, fishing, crocheting, etc.
- Make it meaningful. Include time every day for tasks that strengthen the person’s self-worth and sense of purpose based on their abilities: folding laundry, sorting papers, mixing a salad, etc.
Of course we all know that life doesn’t always let us follow a predictable routine. Family caregivers need and deserve to take time off from their care duties for self-care, whether just a few hours every week or an extended vacation. It can be helpful for the individual in your care to have a respite caregiver step in before you take time away, incorporating them into the routine as much as possible. This will make it easier for you to step away, knowing the older adult is already familiar and comfortable with their professional caregiver.
The very best dementia care calls for specialized expertise and training. Our dementia caregivers are experts in providing innovative, patient care and alleviating the difficult symptoms of the disease, and we’re here with as much or little assistance as you need. Contact us any time online or call 519-915-4370 for an in-home consultation to get started with our award-winning Windsor, Ontario home care services.
