Daily Routines for a Person with Dementia
A person with a dementia may need help with their daily routines. It may be hard for them to accept help. Needing help can make the person feel like they are losing their freedom and independence. It can also be hard for the caregiver, especially when helping with tasks that are normally private. For help knowing which tasks a person with dementia can safely do and which ones they need help with, you may want to speak with a occupational therapist, nurse practitioner, physical therapist, nurse or social worker.
When planning daily routines, keep these tips in mind.
- A set routine is best. It causes less stress and worry.
- Do not rush the person. It can make the person more confused.
- Break the task down into simple steps. Give one step directions.
- People with dementia are very aware of the moods of people around them. Try to remain calm and patient.
- People with dementia can fatigue quickly. Rotate busy times with rest.
- Allow the person to make choices when able. Try to limit the number of options so there is less pressure on them.
- Keep the person aware of date and time by using clocks and calendars.
- Think of things your loved one enjoys and try to keep them involved in some way. For instance, if they were once a musician, the person might enjoy listening to music. A homemaker who can no longer use a washing machine may still enjoy folding laundry.
- Break down tasks into simple steps.
- Even simple tasks can promote social interaction with others.
Daily Routines
Common Problems |
Possible Solutions
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|---|---|
Eating
Forgets to eat or to drink fluids. |
Remind them with telephone calls, alarms, or notes.
|
Leaves food to burn on the stove. |
Unplug stove and/or oven. Use the microwave oven. Have meals brought to the home. Eat meals at an adult day center. Hire an aide to prepare meals. Move to a place with round-the-clock care.
|
Throws food away; hides or hoards food; uses spoiled food. |
Check on the person often. Hire someone to assist with cooking meals. |
Gets confused in a restaurantmenu choices.
|
Suggest one or two choices rather than showing the whole menu. |
Not able to prepare a meal. |
Have the person help the caregiver with tasks such as tearing lettuce, setting table, and drying dishes.
|
Eats all the time. |
Set and keep certain meal times. Distract the person with other tasks. Provide low-calorie snacks such as fruit.
|
Not able to use utensils. |
Offer finger foods.
|
Has weight loss. |
Talk with person’s doctor . Suggest well-liked foods.
|
Bathing Is afraid of bathing |
Help the person feel in control. Keep the same bathing routine. Use familiar towels and soap. Be gentle. Listen to soothing music while bathing. |
Dressing Forgets to change clothes. |
Lay out new clothes at night. Remove dirty clothes from room. If the person wants to always wear the same outfit, have more than one. |
Not able to decide what to wear. |
Reduce the number of choices. Set one outfit out at a time. Allow more time to decide. |
Has trouble dressing. |
Lay out clothes in order. Hand person one clothing item at a time. Use Velcro. |
Grooming Forgets to do daily hygiene tasks. |
Stick to a routine and do not rush. Brush your own teeth so they can copy you. |
Toileting Not able to find bathroom. |
Use visual cues such as sign on teh door, bright colored rugs. Avoid items that look like a toilet, such as a trash can. |
Is not able to control bowel or bladder. |
Toilet every 2 to 3 hours. Limit fluids after 6:00 PM . Consult with the person’s doctor or nurse. |
Medications Does not take pills. |
Use telephone cues or alarms. Use pill box to set up daily or weekly pills. |
Takes wrong pills. |
Remove all old or unused pills. Move to a living place where pills are supervised. |
Cleaning Loses things. |
Reduce clutter. Label drawers. |
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Not able to keep home clean. |
Keep tasks simple. Find some helpful things to do like dusting or folding clothes. Hire a home cleaning services. |
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Adult day centers are a good way for a person with dementia to have social time. The events are matched to the person's skills and provide a sense of self-worth. They also give the caregiver a break. The Benefit Specialist for your County Aging Unit or Area Agency on Aging, community social workers, and others who work within the aging system can provide more details about adult day centers.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a great source of information. You can contact them at 1-800-272-3900 or www.alz.org.
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of WI is another great resource. You can contact them at 1-888-308-6251 or www.alzwisc.org
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 01/22/2013
Copyright © 10/04/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5264
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