Why Routines Are Essential for Seniors with Dementia

One in 10 adults aged 65 and older live with dementia, with another 22% having mild cognitive impairment.

Learning that your elderly loved one has been diagnosed with dementia can be crushing. But despite your feelings of fear and frustration, you must find ways to support them to help maintain their quality of life.

Establishing routines during the early stages of dementia is one of the best ways to make your loved one feel comfortable and secure. Knowing what activities each day holds establishes a flow of familiarity, soothing dementia patients.

Keep reading to learn about the importance of routines for seniors with dementia, along with some tips to establish your own.

Why Is Structure Important for Older Adults with Dementia?

Routines add structure and familiarity to our lives. Building a daily regimen for your loved one can alleviate stress. As dementia progresses, a senior may experience short-term memory loss, confusion, and agitation. While changes wouldn’t upset them in the past, disruptions to their daily structure can trigger stress in seniors with dementia.

Establishing routines decreases anxiety, helping older adults stay calm, especially before bed. Afternoon to nighttime transitions might cause a state of confusion in dementia patients, known as sundowning. Bedtime routines can mitigate this issue, helping your loved one get a peaceful night’s sleep.

Older adults with dementia thrive on structure. Daily routines let them know what to expect, giving them a better sense of control and stability.

Benefits of Daily Routines for Seniors with Dementia

Some of the most valuable benefits of routines for dementia patients include:

Reduced stress and better sleep quality: Daily structure mitigates stress, helping seniors with dementia stay calm and sleep deeply at night.
Helps maintain independence: Regularly practicing daily tasks and activities can promote cognitive functioning, helping older adults maintain independence.
More time for self-care: Creating a daily schedule helps carve out space for self-care, including exercise, social interactions, and spiritual practices.

4 Tips for Developing Daily Routines

Use these four tips to create a healthy daily routine for your loved one:

Essential daily activities: Ensure your loved one’s routine includes set times for bathing, eating, and other necessary tasks.
Get your loved one involved: Seniors with dementia can feel like they’ve lost control and a sense of purpose. You can prevent these feelings by involving them in daily planning. Learn about their unique preferences, such as how they prepare for the day and modify routines accordingly.
Make time for play: Be sure to include time for meaningful activities your loved one enjoys, such as hobbies and socialization.
Get support: Ask for help when help is needed. Hiring an in-home caregiver gives you peace of mind and keeps your loved one safe.

Award-Winning Dementia Care Services in Susquehanna Valley

Visiting Angels of Lewisburg, PA, provides customized dementia care solutions to seniors with early-stage, mid-stage, and late-stage dementia across Williamsport, Lewisburg, Danville, Lock Haven, Sunbury, and the surrounding areas.

Our compassionate caregivers can assist your loved one with healthy meal preparation, bathing, grooming, dressing, medication reminders, and transportation. They’ll also keep your loved one safe by preventing wandering.