How to Add Routine into Caring for a Loved One with Dementia
If you are the caregiver of an elderly parent who is in the beginning stages of dementia, you may be seeking out ways to help your parent stay independent for as long as he can.
Senior Care in Media PA: Dementia Routine
Since dementia mainly affects short-term memory, helping your parent build routine into his daily life will help him transition better as well as keep a sense of the time of day, as well as the day of the week. These consistencies will provide him the comfort and security he needs to enjoy his days and reduce his anxiety. As his caregiver, it’ll also help you to know what to do when and to plan around your parent’s day with a little more structure.
1. Keep any routines already established in place. Now is not a good time to start introducing a lot of new routines if you can help it. If your parent has always read the newspaper with a cup of coffee each morning, keep that going by providing his daily paper and coffee. Those types of consistent routines will help his mind adjust to a new day beginning. If you have specific days of the week for tasks or visits from his senior care provider, do your best to keep those the same as well.
2. Make them a part of the routine. If your parent can participate in a routine, it will provide him a source of significance for each day. On laundry day, if he can no longer fold the clothes well but can match up the socks, make that his task each laundry day.
3. Incorporate mundane tasks into the daily routines. Something as simple as getting the mail can become a focal point for your parent to find sense and purpose in his day. Even though it might be easier for you to grab the mail as you enter his home if it’s a routine that gives him purpose, save that mundane task for him each day.
4.Add an exercise routine. Physical activity will benefit your parent both mentally and physically. If you can’t always be there to accompany him on his after breakfast walk around the block, have your senior care provider help on the days you aren’t able, or ask someone else to join him. It’s important to both keep him active, but also keep him safe as he is active.
5. Have activities that establish a sense of time. Helping your parent be aware of what time of day it is will give them a more solid grip on reality. If your parent always watches the local news before bed, that routine can remind him that it’s evening and help him transition to bed each night.
6. Be flexible. As capabilities diminish, some routines may need to be altered. For example, in the beginning, he might have been able to walk around the block safely, but over time, it might become clear that he needs an escort. Keep the routine but alter the way it is done to stay in line with what he can do.
Living with dementia can possess many difficulties but it can also be a great time to connect with your parent in ways you never knew you would. By taking efforts to control the areas that you can, you’ll be better prepared for the unexpected.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Senior Care in Media PA, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care.
Call today: (484) 206-4544
Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
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