A dementia care plan can help take the unpredictability out of caring for a loved one who is living with dementia. Structuring the day’s activities and putting together a dementia routine reduces stress and anxiety experienced by both the carer and the person living with dementia.
Planning a dementia care routine establishes a familiar daily pattern for the person living with dementia. With a dementia care plan in place, the carer and person receiving care know what to expect day in, day out. In addition, repetition of routines can help individuals feel safe, comfortable and calm some of the challenging symptoms of dementia.
What is a dementia care plan?
Effective care planning is essential as we age, especially when it comes to dementia care. A well-organised dementia care plan not only benefits the caregiver but also enhances the quality of life for the individual receiving care. Dementia care plan examples include from a simple written document outlining times and activities to a comprehensive visual aid. As long as it helps the carer and the person living with dementia get structure and enjoyment out of their day.
When living with dementia, disruption to someone’s everyday routines can cause unnecessary anxiety and stress. A dementia care plan is a useful addition to your toolkit when helping your loved one living with dementia manage their condition and their day to day life.
By incorporating personalised schedules, activities, and reminders, a well-crafted care plan not only provides structure but also enhances cognitive function and fosters a sense of independence and dignity for the person living with dementia.
Why is a routine important for people living with dementia?
Dementia symptoms are progressive, meaning that the symptoms gradually get worse over time. People living with dementia slowly lose their ability to keep up with their daily routines, personal care, and social activities. This is how care plans can help individuals maintain their routines and continue to find enjoyment in their lives.
Routine ensures that individuals living with dementia know what to expect at each time of the day. The familiarity of routine helps to alleviate the stress and anxiety that can be experienced by people living with dementia.
Carrying out activities or chores together at set times each day can also give your loved one a sense of independence. Short-term memory is typically affected first. However, habits and routines are more deeply ingrained and tend to become affected during the later stages of the condition. Therefore, upholding routines can ensure that your loved one remains engaged, involved and present in their day-to-day lives.
What should a dementia care plan include?
As with any care plan, a dementia care plan should be tailored to provide personalised care. Dementia affects each individual differently, with the condition progressing at varying speeds and symptoms presenting in a number of ways. When putting together a care plan, the person living with dementia should be the focus.
A care plan should revolve around the individual’s needs and preferences, ensuring that their health is maintained and they continue to experience the joys of life.
Considerations to bear in mind when designing a dementia routine include:
- The stage of the condition: your loved one’s needs will change as the condition progresses. Your care plan should be adaptable and reviewed regularly to ensure it evolves alongside their needs.
- Meal times: do you know what times your family member likes to eat? Factoring in their typical meal times and favourite meals can help set comfortable and familiar routines for your loved one.
- Exercise: physical activity is important for everyone and people living with dementia are no exception. Exercise is beneficial for their health, well-being and mood. Whether this takes the form of a walk in the local park or simple stretches, exercises should be tailored to the individual’s ability.
- Enjoyment: to take the boredom out of routine, fun activities should be included in a dementia care plan. Try asking your family members and friends to suggest some enjoyable activities for you to do together.
- Social activities: from dementia support groups to meeting up with friends, keeping up with social activities should be a regular feature of a dementia routine.
- Rest: setting regular bedtimes or nap times ensures that individuals living with dementia get the rest they need.
- Cognitive exercises: taking the time to practise cognitive exercises with your loved one can help to slow down mental decline and improve memory.
Benefits of home care for people living with dementia
We know that dementia can seem like a challenging issue to face for families, but with the right professional care and support, people with dementia can still enjoy an active and fulfilling life in their homes.
Our dementia home care includes a bespoke care plan that is completely tailored to the individual’s needs.
The benefits of our home care for people living with dementia include:
- Familiar environment: dementia home care reduces confusion and anxiety as the person living with dementia is surrounded by the familiar comforts of their home environment and daily routines.
- Social interaction: home care provides the individual with a companion whom they enjoy regular chats with. Social interaction can also help to boost cognitive function.
- Maintaining independence: with a carer on hand to help, individuals living with dementia can continue to carry out their daily routines, chores and personal care.
- Repetition and routine: set routines reinforced by a home carer can help to form healthy habits. From eating at regular times to remembering to drink enough water, these are important habits to form and maintain.
- Tailored dementia care: a carer with experience in dementia care can provide personalised care for your loved one. The carer’s expertise in this area means that they understand the symptoms and effects of the condition, handling any issues with professionalism.
- Flexible care: as is the nature of the condition, your loved one’s needs will change as it progresses. Choosing a home care plan ensures that your loved one experiences one-to-one, flexible care in their own home as their dementia care plan goals change.
‘Outstanding’ dementia care for full-time support at home
Trinity Homecare offers CQC-rated ‘Outstanding’ dementia care in the comfort and familiarity of home. Our dementia home care enables your loved one to live with dementia without foregoing their independence and satisfaction in life.
For the past 25 years, we have provided the highest levels of home care for people living with dementia. At Trinity Homecare, we appreciate that diagnosis of dementia can be an isolating and frightening experience, but we passionately believe that it is absolutely possible to live well with dementia. We’ve produced a library of resources specifically to answer all of your questions surrounding dementia.
For more information, check out our guide to dementia home care or contact us today to speak to our friendly team.
