The advantages of routine memory care show the relevance of dementia care programs.
Daily routines can be beneficial to both the caregiver and dementia patient. A scheduled day allows caregivers to spend less time figuring out what to do and more time doing meaningful and enjoyable things.
Even minor changes to the activity care plan for dementia patients, such as exercising in the morning instead of the afternoon, might cause your loved one to become more stressed. This compounded tension can throw off the schedule, thus causing more compounding stress. Read on to know what care plans for dementia should look like.
Meals can be unpleasant for people with dementia; meals may not taste the same as they used to, and food preparation may be difficult. Depending on the degree of dementia, even the physical act of eating may be tough.
Nutrition is critical for these elderly, especially because memory care patients are at an increased risk of losing weight, so a dementia care plan should prioritize meals. A healthy breakfast is a great way to start the day for everyone, but it's especially important for those with memory problems since it sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Personal care can range from simple duties (like getting dressed in the morning) to hygiene (like bathing and brushing teeth) to cosmetics (e.g., putting on makeup and styling hair). Personal care allows memory care patients to feel clean and appealing, manage their health, and maintain a regular schedule.
Just because someone has dementia doesn't imply they've lost their ability to be creative. Painting, painting, crafts, knitting or crocheting, writing, and performing music are excellent ways for memory care patients to enhance their creative talents and break up the monotony of the day that many seniors experiences.
There should also be opportunities to spend time in nature, particularly in the mornings and evenings. Look for possibilities to join walking clubs, meditate, or spend peaceful time in the community's courtyard — or even gardening.
Lunch becomes more than a meal: it becomes an activity that drives the rest of the day. It's vital to remember that diet is critical for sustaining health as we age, but it's especially important for people who have Dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
A balanced care plan should address any dietary issues and provide practical and flexible solutions that allow the person to preserve dignity while receiving the nutrients they require.
Staying physically active contributes to overall health, improves mental well-being, and fits into the all-important routine. Exercise such as yoga, water aerobics, and gardening offer variety, but a daily walk as part of a care plan for dementia will yield health benefits.
Ensure that exercises are tailored to the individual's talents, preferences, and needs. Ensure you keep these adaptations in mind when making a monthly care plan.
A memory care patient's day should not be overly crowded; it should include relaxing time. Napping, listening to an audiobook, going through a family photo album, or listening to music are examples of relaxation.
Not all dementia patients will be able to unwind on their own. Look for dementia care programs that include customized, person-centered interventions based on previous hobbies and interests.
Setting aside time in a dementia care plan to reminisce — whether by looking at old photos and videos or recalling stories from the past — helps the brain flare up and improve cognitive abilities. Reminiscing can also give comfort: while the present may not always be certain, memories of happier times in the past can be soothing.
Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, and solitaire are all enjoyable cerebral hobbies for seniors, as are card and board games, which add a social component. Furthermore, smartphone apps are available for many popular games and puzzles and apps specifically intended for memory care patients.
Many elders look forward to not just eating supper but also preparing it if they are able. The care plan should address any adaptive equipment or interventions to ensure that the resident has the most independent and dignified experience possible.
The hour after supper is an important aspect of a dementia care plan because it allows loved ones to unwind and prepare for the next day. Memory care patients can unwind after a long day by listening to audiobooks, calling or Skyping relatives, taking an evening walk, or enjoying the company of friends.
Overall, the last part of your daily care plan should result in a calm and peaceful evening, particularly if the individual is worried in the afternoon or evening.
The best practices of reliable long-term care facilities are required to establish care plans for each resident or participant in dementia care centers, skilled nursing facilities, health centers, and adult day care settings across the United States.
Long-term dementia care institutions prioritize keeping dementia patients interested and providing good patient care.
If you're interested in learning more about the best activities for dementia patients in care homes for your loved ones, visit Senior Strong today.
