For dementia patients in memory care, mornings can be stressful. These individuals might need to remember what happened the day before or how to dress appropriately. They may also have difficulty recognizing their caregivers, causing them to become anxious. Because dementia is a broad topic with many different symptoms, it can be challenging for caregivers and family members alike to know how best to handle each situation. One thing we know is that people with dementia tend to feel better throughout the day when they have regular routines (such as eating breakfast together every morning). But what if your loved one doesn’t like routines? Or what if they’re excited about starting new routines but forget how they were supposed to do them? In this article, we’ll discuss some ways you can use activity programs in memory care as an opportunity for everyone involved!
Sit Down And Have Breakfast
Studies have shown that people who eat a healthy breakfast every day are more likely to maintain a healthy weight. A diet that includes three small meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner) is often a good way for dementia patients to keep their blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. This helps with brain function because glucose is needed by neurons in order to produce energy-rich phosphate molecules known as ATP molecules.
Engage In Some Light Physical Activity
Physical activity can help people with dementia stay healthy. They don’t need to be marathon runners, but a simple walk around the block or a slow dance in the living room will suffice.
Here are some examples of physical activities that dementia patients can do:
- Exercise in water (exercising in water forces you to move your whole body, which is easier for people with limited mobility)
- Walk through the park or around town without stopping very often (this builds endurance and helps with balance)
- Dance while listening to music (dancing involves many different parts of the brain at once)
Play Some Games To Stimulate The Mind
A great way to keep your loved one’s mind active is by playing games together. Games can range from simple ones like cards or dominoes to more challenging games like chess or checkers. This can be played with groups of people or on a one-on-one basis, depending on the dementia patient’s level of ability and memory. If you want an indoor activity, consider playing board games such as Scrabble or Monopoly®: The Card Game (both of which are available at most retailers). Outdoor games can include Frisbee®, catch, bocce ball, badminton and croquet—just make sure there is plenty of shade nearby!
Get In A Little Bit Of Social Interaction
In addition to getting out into the world, you can also try to get your loved one involved in activities that involve others. Getting involved in social interaction can benefit dementia patients because it can help them feel less isolated, less confused and frustrated, and less scared or anxious.
It’s important to remember that these activities can be something other than big-ticket items. For example, if there is a nearby community center that offers activities like art classes or singing groups with others who are also living with dementia, take advantage of those opportunities.
Have Someone There To Help Them Deal With Any Difficult Moments
If your loved one has dementia, it’s important to have someone there with them who is trained to deal with the condition. That person should be able to give you a few minutes to go talk to the staff member and make sure they are aware of any triggers or difficult moments that may arise.
If your loved one becomes agitated, call for help immediately. No amount of arguing will change the situation until the agitation passes and your loved one calms down, so don’t waste time trying to talk him/her out of anger or frustration.
Conclusion
For all the families who care for dementia patients, we hope these tips will help you create a healthy morning routine that is as beneficial to your loved one as it is to you. Remember that even though dementia patients may have challenges with memory and processing new information, they’re still capable of doing many things independently—and they deserve the chance to do so!
