Caring for seniors with dementia can present intense challenges, especially when they begin losing track of time. It's essential to help them maintain a sense of time for both their mental and emotional well-being. In this blog post from Senior Helpers Treasure Coast, we'll provide helpful strategies for caregivers to create a structured environment that makes time more apparent. We'll also discuss the best ways to alleviate their temporal confusion without correcting them.
Let's get started and discover how you can support your loved one in navigating the complexities of time and days while living with dementia.
Structuring the Environment
One of the best ways to help seniors with dementia track time and days is by creating an environment that makes it easier for them to understand the passage of time. This can be achieved through bright lighting, visible clocks, and clear schedules.
Turn On Bright Lights During the Day
Ensuring there is plenty of light during the day is instrumental in regulating the circadian rhythm of seniors with dementia. This means keeping curtains open and windows clean, and even using additional lamps if needed.
Bright lights during the day can help your loved one understand that it's daytime and time to engage in activities. On the other hand, dimmer lights in the evening signal bedtime.
Display Visible Clocks
Clocks with large numbers and easy-to-read displays can help seniors with dementia more easily track time. Choose a clock type that your senior loved one prefers. Placing clocks in key areas, such as the living room, kitchen, and bedroom, can provide them with constant reminders of the current time. This both reassures them and instills confidence.
Post Schedules and Calendars
Establishing a daily routine can bring a sense of structure to seniors with dementia. By creating a simple schedule or calendar and displaying it prominently, you can help your loved one understand what to expect throughout the day. This can include designated mealtimes, medication times, and recreational activities.
As with having access to clocks, being able to refer to calendars and daily schedules is reassuring to seniors with dementia.
Soft Environmental Cues
While offering a structured environment is important, it's essential to strike a balance and not be too stringent with time and date corrections.
Don't Be Too Stringent With Time and Date Corrections
Constantly correcting a senior with dementia about time and date can lead to confusion and agitation. It's better to focus on their emotional well-being and making them feel comfortable than strictly adhering to precise timekeeping.
Use Subtle Cues to Help Seniors Understand Time
Understated environmental cues can often be more effective in helping seniors with dementia maintain a sense of time. These cues can include mealtimes, favorite TV programs, and daily activities. Encouraging your loved one to participate in these cues can provide a gentle reminder of the time and day without causing stress.
Additional Tips
As you create a strategy for helping your loved one keep track of time, keep these tidbits in mind:
Avoid Frustration
Be patient and understanding with your loved one during this challenging time. Remember that confusion about time and days is a common symptom of dementia, and it is essential to approach the situation with empathy.
Seek Assistance
If you need further advice or support, don't hesitate to seek help from medical professionals or support groups dedicated to dementia care. They can offer valuable insights and resources tailored to your specific situation.
Is It Time for In-Home Care?
Are you finding that you need assistance caring for your loved one? Whether you need respite care or help with your loved one's daily routine, Senior Helpers Treasure Coast can help.
If you live in Salerno, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, or Sebastian and need help caring for a senior with dementia, contact us at Senior Helpers Treasure Coast for compassionate and professional assistance. Our team is dedicated to providing the support you and your loved one need.