Minds and bodies undergo significant changes with age. These changes can lead to a decline in cognitive ability. A decline that interferes with daily living is known as dementia.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia affects more than 6 million Americans. That figure is expected to double by 2050.
Memory care facilities in Houston, Texas are here to help.
It’s natural for home caregivers to want to know the best ways to support a loved one with dementia. One critical aspect of dementia care is establishing a routine. The Connections program is here to explain the importance of structure for older adults with memory loss.
Let’s discuss the importance of routines for seniors with dementia, everyday habits for caregivers and people with memory loss, and how to keep loved ones busy.
Why Routines Matter for Seniors with Dementia
Routines are essential for seniors with dementia because they provide structure and familiarity.
As dementia progresses, it can be difficult for seniors to remember everyday tasks:
- Eating
- Drinking water
- Dressing
- Bathing and hygiene
- Answering the phone
A routine can guide these tasks and provide a sense of security and predictability. The structure can help reduce anxiety and agitation, which are common symptoms of dementia.
Dementia and Daily Routines
There are several standard routines that can be helpful for people with memory loss. Family caregivers can also find relief in establishing set times for daily activities. Caregivers need to add time for themselves in their daily events.
Morning Routine
A consistent morning routine can help seniors with dementia start their day on the right foot. This routine should include waking up at the same time each day, taking medications, and eating breakfast.
Waking up with the sun is an ideal way to establish the circadian rhythm. This practice can promote better sleep patterns.
Exercise Routine
Exercise is crucial for seniors with dementia, as it can improve cognitive function, mood, and physical health. Establishing a regular exercise routine can help seniors stay active and engaged.
Once again, physical activity promotes better sleep and keeps the brain busy.
Mealtime Routine
Mealtime routines should include sitting down at the same time each day for meals, using familiar dishes and utensils, and providing assistance as needed.
Good nutrition is essential for people with dementia. Remember to make more time than you think for eating meals. Be prepared to serve meals one dish at a time instead of everything on one big plate. Sometimes people with memory loss can become overwhelmed by too many choices.
Regular meals and snacks help maintain a consistent daily schedule. The body can adapt to wanting certain things at routine times.
Relaxation Routine
Seniors with dementia can benefit from relaxation routines, such as listening to music or participating in guided meditation. These routines can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Caregiver Routines to Five Tips to Prevent Burnout
Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion resulting from supporting others.
Family caregivers are often tasked with things they have never done. As dementia progresses, so do the needs of a loved one. Quickly a caregiver can experience burnout due to:
- Feelings of frustration
- Anxiety and depression
- Loneliness and isolation
- Lack of sleep
- Poor diet
- Physical and mental exhaustion
- Unhealthy coping mechanisms
Taking regular breaks every day is a crucial strategy to prevent caregiver burnout.
Caregivers must prioritize their self-care and well-being to provide adequate care to their loved ones. Regular breaks can include short periods of rest, relaxation, or engaging in activities that bring joy and pleasure.
Here are five relaxation tips for caregivers of someone with dementia:
- Deep breathing: Deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Taking a few minutes to focus on slow, deep breaths can help calm the mind and body.
- Meditation: Practicing mindful meditation can help caregivers stay present in the moment and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Apps like Headspace or Calm can be helpful resources.
- Guided imagery: Guided imagery is a technique that involves visualizing calming and peaceful images. This technique can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Yoga: Gentle yoga poses and stretches can help release tension in the body and promote relaxation. Online classes or yoga apps can be helpful resources.
- Taking a walk: Taking a short walk can help caregivers clear their minds, get fresh air, and reduce stress.
Caregiver burnout is a significant issue for those caring for someone with dementia. Regular breaks and prioritizing self-care can help prevent burnout and promote well-being. Use memory care communities, respite care, Houston support groups, and family networks as resources when supporting a loved one gets to be too much.
Creating an Activity Calendar for Seniors with Dementia
Keeping seniors with dementia busy during the day is crucial for their physical and mental well-being. The memory care community at The Farrington at Tanglewood follows an activity calendar that ensures residents learn, move, and connect regularly.
Have a friend or family member help draft a calendar of activities to stick to a routine of engagement and enrichment.
Aim for activities that are failure free. Sensory activities and tactile experiences like playing with sand, organizing socks, or a hand massage are excellent examples. Giving a loved one activities can instill a sense of purpose and belonging.
Here are a few additional ideas to put on an activity calendar for someone with dementia.
Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are a great way to engage seniors with dementia. These activities can help stimulate creativity, provide a sense of accomplishment, and promote relaxation. Art can help communicate the words people with dementia sometimes cannot find.
Games
Simple card games, puzzles, and board games can be great for keeping the mind agile. These games can help improve cognitive function, promote socialization, and reduce boredom.
Music
Music can have a powerful effect on dementia patients. Listening to familiar songs can help evoke memories and emotions, promote relaxation, and reduce anxiety. There is growing evidence that Alzheimer’s does not affect the part of the brain that recalls songs and rhythm.
Social activities
Engaging in social activities is crucial. Highly social people are less likely to develop dementia. However, people with memory loss need regular interaction too. A few ideas include:
- Attend meet-ups with people from a support group
- Have a family game night
- Ask a friend to host a small party
- Take a guided tour at a place of interest
Reminisce
Look through photo albums or host a storytime with friends and family. Organizing a scrapbook or memory journal can be an excellent way to combine multiple activities.
Routines and meaningful activities can provide a sense of structure and familiarity in an otherwise confusing and overwhelming world. A daily routine can help loved ones feel more comfortable, safe, and secure, reducing anxiety and agitation. These rituals maintain a sense of independence and control. It is essential to overall well-being.
Comprehensive and Personalized Memory Care in Houston, TX
The Connections program for memory care is available in our community, The Farrington at Tanglewood. Designed by Dr. Sandra Petersen, our dementia care team supports individual residents’ daily routines.
Connections uses neuroplasticity therapies that slow memory loss. Moving, learning, and connecting with others are excellent opportunities to create new neural connections. The brain can adapt despite memory loss from Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Providing individualized care to loved ones with memory loss is our highest priority. By assisting with daily living activities and medication management, residents have the time and confidence to participate in engaging activities and chef-prepared meals.
Everything we do works to:
- Combat feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Improve well-being
- Give family caregivers relief
- Inspire joy and new relationships
See the Routine of a Houston Memory Care Community in Person
Connections is here to support your journey as a caregiver. Contact us to see how our memory care community in Houston can help.