The Benefits of a Daily Routine
A consistent daily routine provides structure and comfort for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Planning activities for a person with dementia works best when you continually explore, experiment, and adjust the activities based on the mood and the abilities of your loved one with dementia. The goal is not in how well your loved one completes the activity, but about the joy and sense of accomplishment they get from doing it.
For the Person with Dementia:
Reduces Confusion and Anxiety: Predictable schedules help minimize the disorientation and stress that often accompany dementia.
Supports Memory Function: Repetition of daily tasks reinforces memory and makes certain activities easier to perform.
Improves Sleep and Wake Cycles: Regular routines help regulate circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep patterns.
Encourages Independence: Familiar routines enable individuals to participate more confidently in daily tasks, preserving a sense of autonomy.
Enhances Mood and Behavior: A structured day reduces frustration and can lead to fewer behavioral outbursts or agitation.
For the Caregiver:
Reduces Caregiver Stress: Predictability allows for better planning and reduces the likelihood of crises or disruptions.
Improves Time Management: Knowing what to expect each day makes it easier to allocate time for caregiving duties, self-care, and other responsibilities.
Facilitates Early Detection of Issues: A regular routine makes it easier to spot changes in behavior or health that might indicate a problem.
Strengthens the Relationship: Shared routines can foster bonding and provide comforting familiarity in the caregiver-patient dynamic.
Increases Effectiveness of Care: Structured activities like meals, hygiene, and exercise can be more efficiently carried out within a routine.
Things to Consider When Planning Daily Activities
Abilities
Allow for some flex time for spontaneous activities.
Interests
Personal likes and dislikes
Strengths
History of daily structure (how did your loved one structure their day before diagnosed with dementia?)
Highest functioning time of day (does your loved one have more energy in the morning or later in the day?)
Plan regular bedtime and waking time (to promote an optimal sleep pattern)
Consistency is key.
Below is a sample Daily Schedule and here is a link to a Daily Schedule template.
Resources:
Alzheimer’s Association: Daily Care Plan, https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/daily-care-plan
