Have you ever woken up from a dream feeling totally confused? The dream seemed so real, and it takes a few minutes to regain your bearings. For someone with Alzheimer’s, this confusion is a part of everyday life. To help a loved one feel more secure and stable, establishing a daily routine for Alzheimer’s patients is an easy-to-implement solution that helps reduce stress for both the individual with Alzheimer’s and family caregivers.
How Can a Daily Routine for Alzheimer’s Patients Help?
Short-term memory loss makes it challenging for someone with Alzheimer’s to learn and remember new things. A familiar routine helps build self-confidence, reinforce a sense of independence, and reduce anxiety.
To establish the most comfortable daily routine for Alzheimer’s patients, try the following:
- Follow their lead. Retain any routines the senior already has established: a morning shower before breakfast, meals at the same seat at the table as always, an afternoon television program, a walk after dinner, etc.
- Adjust as needed. Over time, as the disease progresses, the person’s ability level will change, making it harder to accomplish parts of their routine. The objective must be to always strive to provide as many opportunities for independence as you can, even though modifications are needed.
- Choose activities that are tied to lifelong interests. Think through the person’s specific interests and incorporate those in some manner into their routine: music, gardening, fishing, crocheting, etc.
- Make it meaningful. Include time each day for tasks that strengthen the person’s self-worth and sense of purpose, according to their abilities: folding laundry, mixing a salad, sorting papers, etc.
Needless to say, we all know that life does not always allow us to follow a predictable routine. Family caregivers need and deserve to take time off from their care duties for self-care, whether that’s a couple of hours weekly or an extended vacation. It can be beneficial for the senior in your care to have a respite caregiver step in before you take time away, incorporating them into the routine whenever possible. This can make it simpler for you to step away, knowing the older adult is already comfortable and familiar with their professional caregiver.
The most effective dementia care requires specialized training and expertise. Golden Harmony’s dementia caregivers in Raleigh, NC and nearby areas are experts in providing innovative, patient care and easing the difficult symptoms of the disease, and we’re here with as much or little assistance as you need. Reach out to us any time at 919-426-7522 for a free in-home consultation to learn more about our wide range of award-winning in-home care services.