How to Create a Dementia Care Plan
Noticing that your loved one is showing signs of dementia is always heartbreaking, but getting ahead and creating a care plan will help ease the nerves and make the entire process flow a lot smoother. Having this plan in place will help keep your loved one active and make daily tasks easier for both of you. Caring for a loved one with dementia can be intimidating, so here are a few steps to include when creating a dementia care plan.
Personal Care - Your loved one needs to continue to feel clean and attractive. Make sure they take their medications on time, bathe regularly, brush their teeth, and do any other personal care that is a part of their normal routine. Your loved one deserves to feel their best.
Breakfast - Meals can be difficult for caregivers and those that are suffering from dementia. Food may not taste or smell the same as they remember, and they may even have difficulty eating. These individuals need to get their full nutrition every day to avoid weight loss. Starting the day with a nutritional breakfast is good for everyone.
Activities - Be sure to continue pushing your loved one to participate in cognitive tasks such as knitting, puzzles, or reading. If they are artistic, encourage them to paint, draw, or play music. Anything that will help work their cognitive functions and thinking skills is worth a try!
Lunch - One recommendation for lunch is to allow your loved one to participate in some part of the process. Whether it be in the meal preparation, serving food, or even cleaning up afterward. This will help create that social relationship your loved one may miss!
Rest - Someone receiving memory care should not be overwhelmed by activities throughout the day. Everyone has a different preference when it comes to rest, but this just allows your loved one time to unwind. Some ideas include napping, listening to an audiobook, listening to soft music, or even looking through photos.
Exercise - It is also important that those suffering from dementia get enough physical exercise. Take your loved one on a walk, exercise in the yard, or even play indoor balloon tennis! Any of these activities will help stimulate their brain and hopefully boost their spirits.
Dinner - This is a prominent meal for socializing, nourishment, and signaling the end of a day! Continue to help your loved one feel included in the meal process, and make sure they are getting all of their necessary nutrition.
Reminiscing - This is a great way to end the day after caring for your loved one. Just sitting around together and talking about your old memories and traditions can help your loved one to recall certain details and remind them that they aren’t alone in this. Show them love, support, and affection. You both will cherish these memories.
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a full-time job, and it is important to be prepared. If you would like help in creating a dementia care plan or advice on some new activities, give us a call at The Club at Wellington at (561) 429-6168.
