Senior Living News

At Autumn View Gardens, our memory care service includes personalized plans that let the staff connect with residents. Carefully crafted daily routines provide structure and familiarity for those with dementia and their caregivers.

Here are some examples of daily routines that can provide that safe space those with dementia can come back to when things get a little tough.

What Is Meant by Meaningful Routines?

A meaningful routine engages people. For those with dementia, it offers a daily schedule that addresses spiritual, emotional and physical needs. These routines should encourage independence, social engagement and personal enrichment through varied activities.

Things to Consider When Setting Up Routines

Routines should be tailored to each individual, which is why personal care plans play such a critical role in caring for those with dementia. Some things to consider when setting up routines include:

• Mobility and ability. The stage of dementia will determine a great deal of what your loved one will be able to accomplish. They may also have mobility issues that could prevent them from participating in the routine.
• Preferences. Try to match your loved one's routine as closely as possible to the one they had before they became ill, as that was what they initially preferred.
• Invoke nostalgia. Include little things that made their routine fun, such as listening to music while bathing or using a favorite lotion.

Items to Include in Your Daily Routine for Loved Ones With Dementia

The daily routine you create for your loved one should encourage structure and comfort. It's also important that they have as much autonomy during these routines as possible to promote wellness. This will reduce stress and confusion.

Waking and Bed Times

Waking and bed times should be consistent every day to establish the circadian rhythm. A good circadian rhythm may slow down neuroinflammation (inflammation of the nervous tissue) and neurodegeneration (loss of neuron structure and function) in those with memory loss or other cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's. Sleep deprivation may also place other bodily functions at risk and increase the chances of cardiovascular disease.

Hygiene Routines

A proper hygiene routine can set the tone for the day. The morning and evening hygiene routines are more or less the same and include brushing teeth, changing clothes and grooming. With these routines, it's easier for residents to know what to expect next, even if they're experiencing cognitive decline. For those in the early stages of dementia, this routine can be a tether to the life they once knew.

There are also hygiene routines that need to be followed throughout the day. For those who have trouble with their toilet routine, regular toilet breaks should be scheduled throughout the day to improve comfort.

Structured and Unstructured Activities

Memory communities use care plans to ensure residents experience fulfillment. If you're the primary caregiver at home, you can still maintain structure through a documented activity plan. Keep it on the refrigerator so everyone can see it, including your loved one. A typical daily routine might look like this:

• 7 AM  - Wake up, use the toilet and drink a glass of water.
• 7:30 AM - Take care of personal hygiene and get dressed.
• 8 AM - Drink morning coffee or tea and light reading or Bible study.
• 8:30 AM - Eat breakfast and take medication if needed.
• 9:30 AM - Light activities, such as walking the dog, chair pilates or light stretching, and drink a glass of water.
• 10 AM - A structured activity such as a music lesson, language classes or hobby. Loved ones who used to play musical instruments should continue playing, as it can create new neurological pathways, which are very important for those experiencing cognitive decline. The ability to play an instrument is a skill that remains with those who have dementia.
• 12:30 PM - Eat lunch.
• 1:30 PM - Light reading or unstructured activities. These let your loved one seek out the activities they want to do but ensure there's sufficient accessibility to do them. Clearly mark things that allow easy access, such as photo albums, music, movies and books. Secure the environment to encourage as much independence as possible. Drink a glass of water.
• 3 PM - Snacks and tea. This is also a good time to incorporate some social activities such as board games.
• 5:30 PM - Supper and evening medication, if it's required. Drink a glass of water.
• 7 PM - Evening grooming routine. Drink a glass of water.
• 8 PM - Light reading or Bible study.
• 9 PM - Bedtime.

This routine is only an example and should be tailored to the needs of your loved one. It's also important to remain calm and flexible when you need to change the plan. Your loved one may not have the desire or capability to see the activity through. Forcing an activity might cause disruptions and confusion for your loved one. It's also important to include hydration in your daily plan to ensure your loved one consumes enough water.