When loved ones are diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, families often have trouble processing their emotions. Anyone in that situation would, of course, want to support their family member to the extent possible—but they may not know which steps to take. Establishing routines for dementia patients gives them familiarity and comfort when they need it most.
Why Routines Matter
A daily routine for dementia patients may help them deal with the short-term memory loss they experience. As the disease worsens, patients may become so confused that they’re unsure of who and where they are. With a set routine, seniors regain a sense of expectation and control, which allows them to participate in meaningful activities.
Routine also decreases feelings of depression and anxiety. At certain times of day—including late afternoons and early evenings—seniors with dementia may become agitated, angry, and confused. Known as sundowning, the condition can be managed with a healthy routine.
Daily Routines for Dementia Patients
Below is an example of a good daily routine for seniors with dementia or memory loss.
Morning
- Start by preparing for the day and helping your loved one bathe, dress, and brush their hair.
- Having breakfast. Engage with your relatives by asking them to help with food preparation, sharing conversations, and getting them involved in cleanup.
- Planning calm activities. Looking through old photos, doing crafts, and listening to music can all jog a failing memory.
Afternoon
- Having lunch. Seniors can help prepare food and clean up afterward.
- Quiet indoor activities. Jigsaw puzzles, scrapbooking, word games, and movies are all great ways to stimulate cognitive processes and slow memory loss.
- Exercise. After spending some time indoors, head outside for exercise and fresh air.
- Break time. Seniors often need time for a short nap.
Evening
- Dinnertime. As with breakfast and lunch, ask your senior loved one to help you prepare the meal and clean up afterward.
- Family time. Play games or watch movies before preparing for bed. After taking a hot bath, getting dressed, and brushing their teeth, your family member will be ready for a restful night’s sleep.
When making a routine for someone with dementia, leave wiggle room for different activities. A versatile schedule will help you move from one activity to another when your loved one’s needs change.
Be Willing to Be Flexible
While most people have routines, dementia patients tend to do things differently, and their ability to perform certain tasks may change as their condition worsens. When creating a routine for a senior, include activities that naturally flow together or can easily be swapped.
Get Them Involved
Dementia patients sometimes feel as if they’ve lost their sense of purpose and control, but an effective routine will get them out of that mindset. As mentioned earlier, asking them to help with food preparation and chores will give them the purposeful feelings they miss.
Is It Time for Memory Care?
While creating daily routines is beneficial to dementia patients, some families notice that their loved ones’ needs are too significant to address in-house. It’s painful to realize that your senior relative needs more care than you can provide, but it’s also selfless.
Whether you are dealing with caregiver burnout or the senior in your life needs round-the-clock care, we are here to help. By setting up routines and knowing when to seek help, families can give their older members the support they need to get through the most trying times of their lives. Use our online form or call to set up a tour of our community.
