Alzheimer's Stories
  • Home
    • About
    • The Book + Free Chapter
  • Warning Signs
  • Caregiver Tips
    • Better Communication
    • Handling the Holidays
    • Take the Caregiver Stress Test
    • How to Find the Fun
    • Emotional Rollercoaster
    • Is It Time for Professional Help?
    • Long Distance Caregiving
    • Safety at Home
  • Blog
  • Home
    • About
    • The Book + Free Chapter
  • Warning Signs
  • Caregiver Tips
    • Better Communication
    • Handling the Holidays
    • Take the Caregiver Stress Test
    • How to Find the Fun
    • Emotional Rollercoaster
    • Is It Time for Professional Help?
    • Long Distance Caregiving
    • Safety at Home
  • Blog

Musings on Memory

Who's Planning Your Day — Caregiver or Patient?

8/22/2016

 
When you care for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia, they become the main focus — everything revolves around them.

It begins by trying to keep the patient calm, safe and happy. Who doesn't want to avoid an angry outburst or tearful crying episode? So, routines and obligations gradually are relaxed to keep the peace.

You may skip doctors appointments because you can't get your person in the car. You may prepare and eat extra meals because just consumed food is forgotten, and dining is a pleasant activity. You may stay up all night to keep your now nocturnal person company and out of danger.

This seems okay, and even necessary at first. But, before you know it you're immersed in a world that doesn't make sense.

Don't let the person with dementia call the shots.  

Make a Daily Plan

It's hard to stick to a routine when caring for someone with Alzheimer's, but there is a payoff.
Notebook and pen for planning daily activities.
  • If you're active during the day, your Alzheimer's person may sleep longer at night.
  • Planned pursuits will give you pleasant ways to spend time together.
  • Structured activities that match interests and abilities can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
  • It doesn't matter how well the activity is performed, it matters that your person enjoys it.
Caregiver and mother with Alzheimer's shopping for vegetables.
A regular schedule of outings — such as walks around the block, or rides in the car — can make it easier when you have appointments because it will be part of your routine to get up and go.

A planned day will keep everyone occupied and can reduce undesirable behaviors like overeating, or sleeping during the day.

The Alzheimer's Association suggests you create a daily plan based on your person's likes and dislikes. Click here for a sample plan and more ideas. It's also important to choose activities you enjoy, too.


Yes, there will be days when your plans are discarded.

But, when possible, try to have a rough outline of a schedule to make your caregiving experience easier and more enjoyable for both of you.

Comments are closed.

    Copyright 2020 by
    Karen Favo Walsh.
    ​All Rights Reserved.

    Topics

    All
    Caregiver Guilt
    Daily Schedule
    Don't Do The Dishes
    Driving
    Hiding And Hoarding
    Is It Dementia Or Alzheimer's?
    Learn The Lingo
    Names Don't Matter
    Positive Ways To Deal With Long-term Illness
    Sandwich Generation
    The Persistence Of Memory
    Unexpected Role Of Caregiver
    World Alzheimer's Day


    My Book for Caregivers

    Chapter 1: Free Download
    Picture
    Buy the Book on Amazon

This site is an extension of the book, Alzheimer's Stories. My goal is to offer relevant information to family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease. This website doesn't pretend to be more than friendly advice. Please consult medical professionals when making decisions about your loved one's health. Please read our full disclaimer. Copyright 2000-2020 by Karen Favo Walsh. All Rights Reserved.