Adapting routines to the changing abilities of the person you care for

It is important to adapt routines as the abilities of the person living with dementia change.

Here are some common routines to establish during the day for a person living with dementia.

In the morning

Wake up at the same time every day

• Adaptation: help might be needed to wake up because the person with dementia may not be able to set the alarm correctly.

Have breakfast at a fixed time. In the earlier stages of dementia, your family member or friend might be able to make their own breakfast.

• Adaptation: the person with dementia may need someone to lay out ingredients. Later on, they may need more help with preparing and eating breakfast.

Performing grooming activities, such as brushing teeth, bathing/ cleaning, getting dressed. In the early stages, the person you care for may be able to do all of these activities without help.

• Adaptation: items such as the toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. can be laid out in the bathroom in plain view to prompt the activity. In the later stages of dementia, it may be necessary for someone to do these activities for, or with, the person living with dementia.

For more tips, please refer back to  Lesson 4. Personal care in this module