This is the 15th installment in the Critical Dementia Skills (CDS) series. For more information on the series, start HERE. You can also click on the CDS tags in the blog for more.
**Join us live for the July 25, 2020 Live Rosary and Dementia Q&A with Care Partner Matt Dineen. Matt will talk about his role as Lisa’s care partner and as a dementia advocate in Canada. 9am CDT/10am EDT at https://www.facebook.com/DementiaRosary.com **
Many websites, blogs, and books discuss the importance of routine when caring for a loved one with dementia. While I’ve not been able to find any research studies that examined the association of daily routine and function, mood, or behavioral expressions, I often take my cues for care partners in my support groups. They have told me that, in general, it is better to have a routine than to not have a routine and that certainly makes sense to me. To be clear, there is a research publication that discusses the impact of insomnia/sleep hygiene on daily routine, a topic which I will discuss in the future; you may have a good routine, but sleep may be a key in its success.
So what are some reasons to consider creating a routine, when we are in a situation that can be anything but routine?
A routine schedule may offer a sense of security for both the person living with dementia. While the memory function may fluctuate and certainly will vary from person to person, a schedule may give our loved one something to look forward to. Make a schedule on an erasable whiteboard of the day’s activities using words or even pictures. Note that this is ideal and it is important to be flexible when the schedule may not go according to plan.
- Waking time
- Meal & snack times
- Menu for the day with pictures
- Activities, special TV programs, stretching/fitness time
- Regular video-chat with family and friends
- Pictures of family and friends
- Bedtime
- …add your ideas in the comments!
We do know that from the research that religious activities can benefit both persons living with dementia and care partners.
- Certain music when waking up, going to bed, eating, etc
- A daily Rosary
- A daily Mass (on-line if you cannot leave the house)
- Prayers before meals
- Regular reception of the Sacraments
Let’s remember care partners! Knowing “what is next” can be assuring to care partners and provide a sense of order in a time when there is so much to do. It can also give them something to look forward to.
- Hobbies or just quiet time to read, pray, or be with your own thoughts
- Lunch with friends weekly or monthly
- Some type of enjoyable fitness activity 3 times a week
- A nap if able to get some help (or if your loved one naps)
Let me know what you think in the comments. Check out the questions to think about.
Questions for you to think, write down, and share in the comments section (any or all):
- Do you think that a schedule usually helps you?
- What activities do you have on your daily routine?
- What usually goes well and what tends to not go well?
- What advice do you have for families?
Thank you for reading this far and for commenting. Let’s tell hundreds more care partners about this concept by sharing the article. God bless you.
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