- Prepare Yourself
- Rest, relax, exercise, do something special for yourself.
- Get up early and have your bath.
- Read and study some aspect of dementia so you are better informed.
- Make a plan for the day – allow for alternatives.
- Prepare the Environment
- Clear the clutter away. Have all materials/equipment available.
- Plan for a minimum of people and interruptions.
- Turn off TV, stereo, etc. Use soft, favorite music if you wish.
- Arrange for any necessary help.
- Prepare the Person with Dementia
- Awaken gently.
- Follow his/her rhythm. Avoid rushing, stress and expectations.
- Make necessary activities such as grooming, dressing, and bathing enjoyable. Take your time and chat as you work, share a cup of tea, allow for frequent rest periods.
- Simplify everything- clothes, procedures, routines and expectations.
- Focus on what the person can do. You supply the pieces he/she can’t do.
- Avoid asking questions. Give information instead. Wrong: “Do you want something to drink?”
- Right: “ Let’s have a cup of tea together.” • Don’t criticize. Try to find the part of the situation that is positive or funny.
- Enjoy the Day
- Gentle wake-up or natural wake-up, small conversation, juice or tea.
- Toilet routine, groom hands, face and tea.
- Breakfast in robe. Avoid cutlery, fussy table settings and hard-to-manage food. Serve favourites one at a time.
- Rest and talk about good times, old memories and family. Use pictures to assist with remembering.
- Dress in simple, comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Assist with toileting.
- Go for a gentle walk – hold the person’s arm or hand. Chat about good times and memories.
- Rest with music, a pet, give a shoulder massage – give something to drink.
- Serve a simple lunch – finger foods, favourites. Use a tray and eat where the person is. If they must move about, give them something to eat on the move.
- Short walk, time in an enclosed garden or favorite enclosed room. Surround with favorite objects, pets and music. THIS IS REST TIME FOR THE CAREGIVER – and the person with dementia.
- Include in some “helping” activity sweeping, scrubbing fruits/vegetables, polishing silver, dusting, folding. Ask them to help you. Any effort is perfect – even if they make a mess!
- Rest. Develop a safe, comfortable area where the person can rest or move about or “work” without the confusion of the whole area.
- Long walk/short drive/ story reading/music. Arrange for someone to assist primary caregiver with this activity. Use Day Care, therapeutic companions, home support and volunteers.
- Simplified dinner. Allow time, serve favourite foods and include the person in conversation.
- Present liquids in many different ways (e.g. popsicle, eggnog, shakes). Invite one friend or family member to join you. Walk or dance for brief exercise.
- Provide a gentle, comfortable bath or shower.
- Help the person with night attire.
Source: Freely adapted from Moyra Jones Resources, Moyra J. D. Jones