Activities
Here are a few suggestions that I find helpful when caring for a loved one living with dementia
Music
Listen, Sing and Dance
Art
Paint, Draw and Create
Outdoors
Garden, Walk and Swim
Games
Puzzles, Cards and Building Blocks
Activities
Here are a few places to go for change of setting activities
Green
Parks and Trails
Blue
Beaches and Lakes
White
Community Centres and Malls
Red
Family and Friends Home
Routine
Please see below a suggested daily schedule
Morning
Listen to music, sing along, complete a puzzle and incorporate chair/light Exercise
Afternoon
Engage in "chores" - folding laundry, cleaning counters, making the bed, etc
Evening
Play cards, create with building blocks, social engagement and light dancing
Bedtime
Watch lighthearted calming tv such as sitcoms, sport games and family films
Suggestions to Reduce Sundowning
First
Reduce time between dinner and bedtime - time inactive allows for confusion and delusions to become present
Second
Introduce activities into daily routine - examples include puzzles, blocks and art
Third
Maintain at table after dinner doing activities for as long as possible before bed
Rest
It is important to wake naturally - waking someone up will add to disorientation and confusion
Theodore Roosevelt
"Believe you can and you're halfway there"