Dementia is a common disease among older adults but this in no way lessens the associated struggles. While there is no cure, a massive benefit for those with memory issues is a consistent routine that focuses on simplifying day-to-day tasks and easing strain. Ultimately, by keeping up with an established routine, that structure and stability will help with dementia and preserve memories.
Helpful Tips
When creating a schedule, it’s vital to have one that’s not only structured, but also stimulating and as familiar as possible. Older adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s thrive with care plans tailored around their favorite activities, friends, and interests.
Below is an example plan that can serve as a basis for you — so feel free to change it up as much as you need!
Schedule Example
8:00 AM
Maintaining hygiene is an important part of self-esteem and self-care. Starting the day off with familiar daily rituals like bathing, brushing teeth and hair, and eating breakfast can help keep an older adult grounded.
To personalize their morning schedule even more, you can include various things like hygiene products with their favorite scents, their favorite breakfast foods, and favorite outfit pieces. Just these three things have been known to help trigger improved memory preservation, so any other ways you choose to tailor a schedule will do more wonders in stimulating the brain.
11:00 AM
Implementing reading and watching the news into a routine is a good way for those with dementia to stay familiar with the present. One of the main challenges for those with dementia is the sense of being left behind, so keeping up with current events can help lessen that stress. Reading can also bring back happy memories and can help maintain focus when a break from television is needed.
1:00 PM
Lunch is the perfect time to incorporate memory exercises using foods. Making an older adult’s favorite food helps recall memories and to make new ones at the same time. If someone with dementia is able to do so, cooking a meal together will give them a sense of accomplishment. After lunch, adding a cognitive activity to their routine will provide some mental exercise and avoid boredom. There are many different options, from puzzles to word games.
3:00 PM
The early afternoon is a good time for older adults to rest, but you can also use the time to incorporate memory recall. As they nap, play music from their favorite movies or artists, or use songs that hold significance. This will help continually exercise the memory recall functions in their brain, even while resting.
5:00 PM
Just like lunch, dinnertime is another opportunity for memory recall. But, as the day winds down, finish dinnertime with a nostalgic activity. Find some photo albums or scrapbooks with photos from their favorite memories and ask them to talk about it! Recalling the stories behind each photo is a great way for older adults to reinforce their memories and bond with their audience.
9:00 PM
Developing a bedtime routine is just as important as a morning one. Create one that focuses on finishing the day on a high note with things like the older adult’s favorite comfort show, a snack, or a quiet pastime they enjoy. This not only helps older adults wind down but still keeps their brains active enough to find pleasure in what’s going on around them.
What to Remember
With a little planning and effort, you can easily develop a routine for an older adult that’s consistent and fulfilling. Ensuring an older adult is comfortable, happy, and safe are the ultimate goals here, so have fun with tailoring their plan with a mix of activities. Not only will they be able to retain their old memories, but you’ll be the reason they are making new ones!
Additional Resources
For some additional resources on routine and schedules in dementia care, check out these articles:
- The Importance of Routine for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care: https://extendedfamilyinc.com/blog/the-importance-of-routine-for-dementia-and-alzheimers-care/
- Why a Daily Routine is Helpful for People with Dementia: https://www.agingcare.com/articles/daily-routine-for-people-with-dementia-156855.htm
- Helping with Activities of Daily Living: https://dementiacarenotes.in/caregivers/toolkit/adl/
