The Advantages Of A Healthy Routine For People With Dementia

When a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, one of their biggest fears is losing independence and control over their life. This disease For caregivers, establishing a daily routine can be a helpful tool in managing the care of a person with dementia.

In this blog, Balfour Senior Living breaks down what dementia is and what the symptoms of it look like. We go over why developing a routine is important to someone with dementia and offer some of our techniques for creating one for them. If you are seeking dementia care in Louisville for your friend, family member, or loved one, be sure to look at our options for memory care facilities.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in cognitive function that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is not a specific disease, but a group of symptoms that can be caused by a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common cause of dementia.

Dementia affects people differently, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. In the early stages, a person may experience difficulty with memory, language, and problem-solving. As the condition progresses, they may have more difficulty with tasks of daily living, such as grooming, dressing, and bathing. They may also experience changes in mood, personality, and behavior.

The Importance Of Routine

Sense Of Order

Maintaining a daily routine can be highly beneficial for people living with dementia, particularly in the early stages of the condition. A predictable routine can help them navigate their world and provide a sense of structure and order to their days, which becomes increasingly important as their awareness of time diminishes.

Routines tend to be stored in long-term memory, which is often less affected by dementia compared to short-term memory, therefore, routines can be continued even during the middle stages of the disease.

Reduces Anxiety 

Another benefit of a daily routine for individuals with dementia is a decrease in anxiety. People with dementia may become more agitated and frustrated with their cognitive and physical decline as dementia progresses. Adhering to a routine can provide a sense of calm and stability, which can help reduce agitation and challenging behaviors caused by anxiety.

Engage In Familiar Activities

People with dementia often have difficulty with short-term memory loss, making it challenging for them to learn new tasks. They may have trouble retaining instructions or maintaining focus for extended periods.

Daily routines can help alleviate these symptoms by providing familiar activities for them to engage in. They may be aware of the fact that they will lose their ability to perform many daily tasks, so they need to continue doing these things for as long as possible. This approach reinforces a sense of independence, improves self-esteem, and may even help them retain these skills for longer periods.

Balfour Senior Living’s Life Enrichment programming allows residents to participate in specialized activities that are catered towards stimulating their intellect as well as allowing them to socialize. This program is tailored to meet the various needs of residents, including their psychological, physical, and medical needs. Our professionals who are trained in dementia care in Louisville work closely with medical staff to make sure that each participant’s unique goals and needs are addressed.

Decrease Stress

Not only does proper dementia care in Louisville decrease stress in people with dementia, but also the family members they may live with. A predictable living situation and routine can make the days for people with dementia less stressful and smoother. When they are less irritable, there is a greater chance for positive interactions and connections with others.

In our memory care facilities, our trained, onsite nursing staff are well-equipped to handle the needs of your beloved elder family member. As every resident with dementia comes from a different background and experiences varying symptoms of the illness, we work closely with our residents to understand their needs and keep up with them as they progress and their needs change. At Balfour Senior Living, you can trust our staff to give your loved one a continuum of care.

Creating A Daily Routine For People With Dementia

Below are a few strategies we use at our dementia care in Louisville that may help you create a routine that works for your elderly loved one with dementia. As you develop a daily routine for them, make sure that you are keeping it consistent with what they are already familiar with. Steer clear of adding changes to their world as it can lead to greater confusion and irritability. So if they are used to doing their hair a certain way or they always enjoy a dessert after dinner, stay consistent with that.

• Be Open To Compromise

As the condition advances, it’s important to be adaptable and alter the daily routine to suit any changes in abilities, while still encouraging your loved one to do as much as they can independently. This may take longer than doing everything yourself, but showing patience is crucial and will help maintain a sense of autonomy and success. Take a break or switch it up if they seem agitated or bored.

• Engage In Physical Activity

It is essential to remain flexible and adjust the routine to accommodate the changes in abilities while encouraging your loved one to do as much as they can independently. Even simple activities like taking a walk together or doing yoga together can be beneficial. As part of our Life Enrichment, Balfour Senior Living offers daily fitness classes including yoga, stretching, aquatics, and walks around our outdoor spaces.

• Get Them Involved

Allow them to help with small tasks around the house such as folding laundry, sweeping, or gardening. Be sure not to correct them if they struggle to do these tasks properly. The aim of getting them engaged with chores and small tasks is to reinforce their self-confidence and their individuality.

Additionally, try to make other more mundane tasks part of their everyday routine. This could include anything from doing their hair, taking a bath, or eating their meals. Making small tasks a big part of their day allows them to have a sense of accomplishment.

• Incorporate Time In Their Activities

Creating routines with cues for the time of day or day of the week can provide a sense of security for those with dementia, even if they are unaware of the time. This can include incorporating activities such as watching a favorite television show, enjoying a special meal, or using nonverbal cues like opening and closing blinds, drying dishes, or adjusting lighting to indicate different times of the day. These cues can be especially helpful in the later stages of dementia when communication becomes more difficult.

• Music As Therapy

Research has shown that music can have many benefits for people with dementia, as musical appreciation and aptitude are often among the last abilities to be lost. Music can give rise to emotions, help recall memories, and assist in activities. Physical activity such as dancing can also help with emotional expression and create a sense of security through closeness with a partner. Singing, listening to music, and watching singing classes also activates different areas of the brain, such as the left side, right side, and visual areas. We put on occasional live music performances at our dementia care and Louisville and other locations for our residents to enjoy. We always welcome talents from our residents, so if your senior loved one has a musical background, we are glad to have the extra entertainment from our residents.

Dementia Care In Louisville Can Help

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, and at some point, it may become unsafe for both of you to continue doing so. If the person with dementia starts to wander, has difficulty moving around, becomes agitated or aggressive, or you have other concerns about their safety or your own, dementia care in Louisville could be their best option.

At Balfour Senior Living, our trained memory care staff have the necessary skills and experience to provide dementia care in a trusted facility that aims to offer the best assistance to those with dementia. Whether you are looking for permanent or occasional care, we have options for your family member. Our Dementia Day Program aims to provide relief and stimulation to those who have memory illnesses through daily activities and events in a community-based setting. To find out more about our memory care facilities and our Dementia Day program, get in touch with our leasing counselors today and have your questions answered.