When dementia begins to attack the brain the need for structure and routine does not diminish but may be more difficult to maintain.
Healthcare professionals will talk about Activities of Daily Living, commonly shortened to ADL. It includes the things we do every day such as washing, dressing, grooming, eating, exercising and engaging socially.
When an person develops dementia, it is important to try to maintain these routines. These can often be seen as somewhat of a comfort zone.
When you are providing direct care to a person with dementia, one temptation may be to do tasks for them. This is not always helpful, and this can take away vital independence which can reduce their skill set much quicker than the illness would have done naturally. Additionally, taking this independence away can lead to frustration for the person with dementia.
There are a few ways to try and help maintaining a routine.
| Break the task into individual steps |
| Provide clear and simple instructions |
| Show empathy and encouragement |
| Offer praise |
By working as a team you are more likely to support the person effectively, and limit any frustration or anxiety that either of you may feel.
Every person is unique and what will work for one may not necessarily work for another.
