How to Create a Daily Plan for People With Alzheimer’s
When it comes to caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, having a daily plan can make everyone feel more at ease. As a caretaker, you’re not only charged with helping the person complete basic daily tasks, but you also have to ensure that they are as comfortable as possible.
Under normal circumstances it’s easy to forget to do something, which is why having a plan when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other type of dementia is all the more important. When it comes to a more involved plan that centers around an individual’s wellbeing, having a daily care plan laid out can make a world of difference in successfully navigating through the day.
When creating a plan, consider:
- Basic hygiene
- Meals
- Chores
- Preferred activities of the individual (e.g., reading, watching TV, games, etc.)
- The individual’s natural routine (e.g., naps, grooming, bedtime, etc.)
- The individual’s preferences, dislikes, interests, etc.
- The individual’s skills and abilities
- Physical limitations
- Stage of the disease
Let the individual’s personality and needs be the primary basis for an effective daily plan. Get them involved by taking their likes and interests into consideration. Be creative in working around their physical limitations. Even something as small as inviting the individual to help with daily tasks, such as setting the table, can go a long way in providing them with a sense of accomplishment.
We also recommend being flexible. Not every day will be the same and the individual with Alzheimer’s will change as the disease progresses. There’s a delicate balance between structure and flexibility, but a strong daily plan can most certainly help things go a little smoother.
Based in Miami, FL 24/7 Nursing Care provides nursing and companion services for both short-term and long-term care plans. All of our services are customized to each individual’s unique lifestyle and needs, including daily care plans. Contact us for a free initial in-home consultation.
Additional resource:
Creating a Daily Plan | Caregiver Center | Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Retrieved June 09, 2016, from http://www.alz.org/care/dementia-creating-a-plan.asp?WT.mc_id=enews2016_06_09
