Providing dementia care can be mentally, emotionally, and physically tiring. Caregivers who are family members and friends often spread themselves too thin with work schedules and family obligations. That leaves little time for their own needs. Luckily, there are many solutions for caregivers that make delivering dementia/Alzheimer’s care easy and less hectic. The Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living has some ideas and tips for these caregivers, as well as options for memory care.
Maintain a Routine
Maintaining a routine may seem obvious to an experienced caregiver, but it can also be hard to implement. Loved ones with dementia are often better able to function when their sleep patterns and activities of daily living are fairly regular. They may be less likely to be confused or resistant if they wake up and engage in the same or very similar routine of bathing, grooming, dressing, and eating breakfast, for example. That can also assist with medication regimes.
Occasionally, caregivers may be prompted to a regularly scheduled activity by those in their care. However, the responsibility of organizing regular activities lies with caregivers for the most part. If more than one family caregiver is involved, a set routine can help everyone stay on course throughout the day.
Organize with List Making
A visible list or set of lists can help all involved with caregiving. It can be easy to forget appointments or scheduled outings when engaged with the basics of caregiving, such as brushing teeth and toileting. Here are a few of our favorite ways to keep everyone informed and on track:
Personal Care Checklist
Personal care checklists help keep morning and evening routines very similar, which can be comforting for the person receiving dementia care and efficient for the caregivers. While it may seem silly to write down every task, this especially helps when the unexpected occurs, and usual caregivers must find temporary replacements.
Daily Calendar
Your daily calendar is where scheduling information can be posted every day. This can include medical appointments, community social gatherings, and even details about when to take medications. You can make these up at the beginning of the week or on the previous evening.
Fun Activities
When there are lots of things on your to-do list, it can be easy to forget about the fun stuff. Start keeping a list of enjoyable activities. That way, when the person receiving dementia care exhibits extra energy or restlessness, it will be easy to choose a pleasing activity.
Respite Care Helps Both Patients and Caregivers
When you are taking care of a loved one with dementia, keeping up with organizational memberships or hobbies can seem impossible. The caregiving schedule can also interfere with the ability to have a personal social life, an important aspect of self-care. The Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living offers a short-term stay option within our assisted living umbrella. An excellent way to give family caregivers a break, we accommodate short stays for people with dementia in our memory care community.
Whether you are going on a business trip or a much-needed vacation, your loved one will be well cared for in safety and security. We offer activities, daily personal assistance, 24-hour supervision, and pleasant surroundings. Our short-term stay package lasts for up to two weeks. While this is a break in routine, our experienced caregivers can help smooth the transition.
When Is It Time for Memory Care?
It can be difficult to decide whether you or your loved one is ready to move to a secure senior care community. That is why The Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living offers a transitional care option. Your loved one will receive a comprehensive assessment with an in-house physician who specializes in geriatric care. While receiving care from staff specially trained in dementia protocols and caregiving, you and your loved one can determine whether it is a good fit.
Discover Dementia Care Options in NJ
Delivering dementia care is an experience that can be both fulfilling and positive, and these tips can assist in keeping an even schedule. Our respite care options can help refresh both caregivers and those living with dementia. If you have questions about our respite care services, contact us by calling 732-649-3502 or sending an email to [email protected].