Daily structure is vital to seniors with dementia because it provides clarity, increases safety, and boosts mental and emotional health. Many unexpected situations can occur, especially as the condition progresses, so having a schedule can help you and your elderly loved one prepare better. Below are some of the ways a routine can help with dementia care.
Lowers Anxiety Levels
Worrying about potential health conditions, such as difficulty speaking and cognitive decline, can cause a senior with dementia to experience stress, which could increase anxiety and damage areas of the brain responsible for regulating emotion. However, maintaining a routine can relieve stress and keep your loved one in a good mental space.
Maintaining a routine also lowers anxiety because you can plan activities based on your loved one’s preferences. For example, if your loved one likes getting dressed, eating certain foods, or doing certain activities at specific times, you can incorporate them into the schedule. Doing so may prevent depression and anxiety by keeping your loved one’s daily life as close to normal as possible.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia home care. Families can rely on Companioa by Institute on Aging (IOA) to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
Enhances Sleep
Getting adequate rest is one of the ways for seniors with dementia to boost their cognitive health. During sleep, the brain flushes away toxins that build up during the day. Without proper sleep, the brain cannot remove substances like beta-amyloid, a protein associated with plaques in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s, causing them to build up and speed up the progression of dementia.
Encourage your loved one to take short naps earlier in the day instead of close to bedtime. Avoiding long naps also enhances nighttime rest.
Increases Independence
Lack of clarity can cause faster cognitive decline while increasing depression. Therefore, you need to keep your loved one active and on a routine schedule that can lower stress and increase independence. Your loved one will focus on bathing and other hygiene necessities throughout the day, look forward to fun activities with you or others, and be ready for meal and exercise times.
A regular schedule lets your loved one know what to expect and can help them continue doing things independently. As a result, you’re boosting your loved one’s confidence and independence. Personalize the activities based on your loved one’s abilities, and stay nearby to ensure they do the activities safely, stepping in and taking over as necessary.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional in-home dementia care. Families can rely on Companioa by IOA to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
Gives Caregivers More Free Time
As a family caregiver, you must find ways to take breaks, whether for a few hours each day or some days off during the week. Doing so allows you to engage with other individuals within your family as well as friends, providing necessary socialization. Failing to take time away could lead to negative emotions and cause resentment.
Consider hiring a home caregiver to assist with your loved one’s care. A caregiver can step in and help you establish routines based on your loved one’s abilities.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be a challenging task for anyone. The responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted provider of dementia care at home. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need more extensive assistance that their families are not able to provide. Companioa by IOA is here to help. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call today at (415) 750-4111.