Having a structured daily routine with the proper level of activity can greatly improve the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s. It can also help ease the stress of loved ones and caretakers. The goal is to create an environment that guarantees success and it can be accomplished with proper planning. Here is a rundown of some helpful tips for creating a good routine for your loved one.

1. Set up the environment to encourage participation in familiar and meaningful activities such as gardening, crafts, laundry etc.

2. Establish consistent routines and schedules

3. Plan activities to promote some form of exercise for at least 40% of the day

4.

5. Organize necessary materials and equipment in advance

6. Remove or reduce potential distractions

7. Incorporate the individuals life experiences in activities

Planning Activates

For the person with Alzheimer’s, activities become purposeful events that establish a comfortable and familiar routine for each day. Activities can also enhance a person’s sense of dignity and self-esteem by giving purpose and meaning to his or her life. Activities can be passive or active. Some people may participate in an activity, while others may only observe or watch.

Planning the Day

A planned day allows you to spend less time and energy trying to figure out what to do from moment to moment. When planning, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What activities worked best and which didn’t? Why or why not?

2. Were there times when there was too much going on or too little to do?

3. Were spontaneous activities enjoyable and easily completed?

4. Was the person bored or distracted? Is it time to introduce a new activity?

Example of a Daily Plan

Morning

– Wash, brush teeth, get dressed

– Prepare and eat breakfast

– Discuss the newspaper or reminisce about old photos

– Take a break, have some quiet time

Afternoon

– Prepare and eat lunch, read mail, wash dishes

– Listen to music or do a crossword puzzle

– Take a walk

Evening

– Prepare and eat dinner

– Play cards, watch a movie

– Take a bath, get ready for bed

More tips for planning the right activities

1. Structure daily activities according to the preferred routine of the individual

2. Plan daily exercise early in the day

3. Alternate exercise type activities with more restful projects (snacks and hydration are important activities too)

4. Plan activities that stimulate the senses

5. Allow for quiet time

6. Take afternoon walks to connect and reflect

7. Encourage more mental activity during the later afternoon and early evening

When performing certain activities loved ones should incorporate a process called task breakdown.

Task Breakdown

– Task breakdown is the process of helping a loved one to accomplish an activity one step at a time

– It is one of the most powerful techniques that caregivers have

– Task breakdown helps your loved one to make sense of various activities of daily living by providing instruction in simple and easy to follow “bite size pieces”

Why is it Important to Break Down Tasks?

– Good communication outcomes

– As dementia progresses it becomes increasingly difficult for the person to focus on more than one or two ideas at a time – adjust approach as needed

– Inability to initiate activities. Need to push “re-start” button

– Don’t rush. The completion of the task is not the goal!

Hopefully these tips are helpful for those with loved ones in need of memory care. There are many Alzheimer’s care facilities that specialize in creating daily routines for their residents. If you have a loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it is encouraged that you research the benefits of these facilities.

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Author Bio: Searching for Alzheimer\’s Care in San Diego? Look no further than Activ Care at Bressi Ranch for a nursing home specializing in dementia care.

Category: Advice
Keywords: alzheimers, nursing home, dementia, memory care, assisted living, carlsbad, san diego