When faced with elderly relatives and dementia, the idea of taking care of them in-house can be overwhelming. Normal daily life and familiar routines don’t have to change completely, though; it’s important that they maintain as much autonomy over their daily lives as possible. It’s also imperative to think of the future, and discuss a time when either outside help will be required or the patient will need to be transferred to an assisted living facility.
Dealing with dementia is terrifying, and that’s why it’s important to create a schedule that everyone agrees to and can follow easily. When things get overwhelming or fear sets in, help with dementia care in Duluth is just a phone call away. Qualified, licensed professionals can reduce rifts that arise between families when this cognitive degeneration is in the mix, Getting much-needed help can reduce stress and tensions. Home care is a highly viable option that can be used right away or after a period of family time, when everyone has had a chance to adjust to both the diagnosis and the changes it brings.
Creating a Dementia Care Plan
The first step to creating a schedule is to create structured and appropriate divisions in the day and include activities that are pleasant, easy to accomplish, and low stress. Keep in mind that this isn’t a permanent plan and that constant adjustments will make home life and daily tasks enjoyable for everyone involved. Before creating a plan, be mindful of the person’s interests, likes and dislikes, and abilities. Creating a daily plan full of activities that the patient doesn’t enjoy will create a stressful, disjointed environment. Also keep in mind how they previously structured their day, however loosely their schedule was kept. If they always read the paper before breakfast, include that as part of the new schedule and try to keep other transitions easy and smooth.
Whether they’re a night owl or an early bird, everyone has a time of day that they’re more productive and happiest. Try to tackle bigger projects, like chores and social or intellectual activities during this time. Be sure to schedule large stretches of time for more complicated or difficult tasks like personal care, eating, or physical activities. Not scheduling enough time can make a patient nervous or feel embarrassed if they can’t complete the task before the next scheduled activity. When questions, or for those moments of insecurity, there are always professionals that are available to offer guidance and help create the best dementia care plan in Duluth.
Create a consistent schedule that is easy to follow. Often, individuals suffering from dementia have a hard time falling asleep or waking up, and having consistent times and activities daily will help them understand their new world. When writing a plan, keep in mind that it can include time for spontaneous, easy tasks for added fun, but that structure and routine allows a patient suffering from dementia to feel in control.