Why Routines Are a Lifesaver for Seniors with Dementia
Dementia is a common neurodegenerative disease that affects memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities. Unfortunately, seniors are more susceptible to dementia, and those with it live a very difficult and dependent life. If your loved one suffers from dementia, you are probably well-aware that they need assistance with all daily living activities, including changing clothes, going to the bathroom, eating food, and taking medications.
It can get challenging and emotionally draining. However, a consistent daily routine can help ease it up, while simultaneously allowing your loved one to feel significantly better and lead a quality life. In this post, we’ll discuss how and why daily routines are a lifesaver for seniors with dementia. We’ll also explore what a typical day may look like for your loved one in a memory care community.
The Importance of Routines for Seniors with Dementia
Reduces Stress, Confusion, and Agitation
Seniors with dementia tend to get easily confused, anxious, and agitated when there’s even a slight or sudden change in their routine. The change could be as simple as meeting a new person or going to sleep at a different time.
A person with dementia feels comfortable, confident, and in control doing predictable tasks. The moment they engage in something unpredictable or out of routine, it creates confusion in their mind, leading to agitation and stress.
If you have a loved one with dementia, try to make them follow a consistent routine. It will give them clarity and an understanding of what’s coming next.
Encourages Cognitive Stimulation
The gradual loss of cognitive functions or lack of mental stimulation worsens the case of dementia. But what does it have to do with following routines? Well, in a way, it does. Routine and familiar tasks, such as folding laundry, setting the table, or going out for a daily walk, can keep the brain active and stimulated.
Improves Sleep
Seniors with dementia commonly struggle to have quality sleep. A slight disruption in the sleeping schedule or a little noise disturbance can ruin a good night’s sleep. However, a consistent daily routine that covers meal times, activities, and resting periods helps regulate your loved one’s internal clock. As a result, they’ll have quality sleep at night.
Supports Emotional Well-being
Seniors with dementia may not be able to clearly express their thoughts, but they do feel all the emotions like a normal human. Sadness and irritation are common symptoms of dementia. However, these emotions can be regulated by following a consistent routine. If your loved one knows what to expect each day, they’ll have a sense of purpose and contentment, which alone can enhance their mood and support emotional well-being.
What Routine May Look Like For Your Loved One in a Memory Care Community
A day in a memory care community is different for every resident, depending on what their interests are and what level of care they need. But still, they follow the same routine every day. Here’s what a typical day at a memory care community may look like for your loved one.
Morning: Start the Day with Breakfast
The day in a memory care community starts afresh, where your loved one will wake up at their preferred time. A care staff member will assist with grooming and dressing before setting breakfast in the community dining space. After breakfast, your loved one can do their morning activities. Some residents like to relax and watch the news or a favorite show after breakfast, while some prefer to read, and others may do morning exercises.
Afternoon: Time for a Delicious and Nutritious Lunch
In the afternoon, your loved one is served a delicious and healthy meal cooked daily by culinary chefs. Residents have the choice to either eat alone or dine together with their friends.
Following lunch, residents are usually asked to stay indoors and engage in a quiet activity, especially when the weather is harshly hot outside. Before evening begins, some residents may relax and take a nap.
Evening: End the Day with a Light Dinner
The evening dinner is the highlight of the day, light, relaxed, and fun. Dinner options coupled with warm beverages help with digestion and relaxation. After a light dinner, most memory care communities hold social events, like musical concerts, that are fun yet calming to the soul.
Evening programs are concluded fairly early to avoid the risk of sundowning, which occurs from dusk through night. The day ends with a night routine where your loved one will be assisted with bathing, brushing teeth, and changing into something comfortable like pajamas.
Keep Your Loved One Healthy and Safe Through Consistent Routines at The Harrison of Oklahoma City
Currently, there is no cure for memory-related conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s. However, consistent routines and personalized memory care support may help slow cognitive decline in seniors.
Here at The Harrison of Oklahoma City, we take an innovative approach to memory care to help seniors with dementia follow a consistent routine. We pride ourselves on providing a safe and secure environment, exceptional dining experiences, and round-the-clock care, ensuring our residents live a quality life.
If your loved one’s cognitive abilities are becoming more challenging, maybe it is time to move them to a memory care community. Schedule a tour of The Harrison of Oklahoma City to see how we can help and support your loved one with dementia.
