When someone is living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, they can easily get confused and frustrated by not knowing what is going to happen next. That’s why a routine is a good idea. A familiar daily routine helps anyone feel more in control of their life. Doing the same thing at the same time every day is also a great way to develop good habits you can stick to. Who would remember to brush their teeth if they just did it at random times during the day?
So, how can you create a memory care routine that brings both joy and comfort? Here are some key benefits and how to incorporate them.
Reduces Stress
With a daily routine, people know what to expect. As time goes on, dementia symptoms make it difficult for a person with dementia to begin, plan, and finish activities. This is why familiarity and routine are so important for your loved one. Familiar activities and routines don’t just help a person with dementia feel at peace; they also help them maintain their sense of control and independence if they can still perform the activity well. Additionally, a familiar pattern of events can help the daily routine’s schedule become ingrained in the long-term memory portion of your loved one’s brain.
Improves Sleep
Don’t you love getting into your pyjamas, pulling your blanket over you and settling down to sleep? Perhaps you listen to music or read before going to sleep. What would it be like if you suddenly had to go to sleep unexpectedly, with no time to relax beforehand, when it seems to be the middle of the day? This is what sleeping can be like for someone with dementia. That’s why a routine is helpful. A consistent routine is a good way to regulate the body’s internal clock, allowing you to feel relaxed and making it easier to fall and stay asleep. After all, sleep quality has a direct impact on memory, energy, and overall health for everyone.
Increased Feeling of Security
Ageing is a complex and challenging process in any situation, evoking intense emotions and uncertainty. Anyone can be unsure about what the future brings, but when you have dementia, this feeling is compounded. Thankfully, a reliable routine can help a person with dementia feel safer and confident by bringing a predictable, familiar environment. A routine also makes it easier to plan activities with friends and family, such as meeting each week at the same time.
Reduces and Helps Manage Symptoms
Though dementia and Alzheimer’s are progressive conditions, they have less of an impact on the part of the brain that controls procedural memory. This means it is easier than you might think for your loved one to remember and follow a structured routine every day as part of their memory care. Plus, without a routine, life can be more stressful and anxiety-inducing. So, a routine is also good for preventing a person with dementia from getting overwhelmed and for preventing negative symptoms.
What Should Go Into a Routine?
Think about what your loved one liked and did before their diagnosis, or in the early stages of dementia. When did they get changed, brush their hair, shave, eat, and go to the toilet? Did they have a snack while watching a favourite TV show? What were their favourite snacks? Were there any accessories or clothes they wore every day? Get to know or remember these favourite parts of your loved one’s routine so that you can facilitate memory care activities that mirror your loved one’s typical prior life. Try to find out favourite songs, music, TV shows and films, as well as cherished hobbies and leisure activities. Engage your loved ones in these activities for security and comfort.
Stay Flexible
You might assume that a daily memory care routine means making a plan and sticking to it. This is true to a certain extent. However, it’s also best to be flexible. For example, if it turns out to be rainy, it’s alright to skip the trip to the park and work on another engaging indoor activity instead.
It is best that your loved one gets to do as much as they can for themselves for as long as they can, even as their condition progresses. At some point, your loved one will begin to need your assistance. But these routines will help them retain their skills. You may be surprised at how your loved one can help you with tasks, as long as they’re at their level.
The key to a successful daily routine is incorporating activities that align with your loved one’s abilities. Do this and you’ll bring them comfort and understanding, no matter how confusing the world gets for them. Spending the day without surprises will relieve their anxiety, help them release energy, and minimise unwanted behaviours. Contact Videri for a care enquiry learn how we can assist you.
