Understanding Daily Care Plans for Dementia Patients

Written by

Femi Lawore

Caring for someone with dementia is hard but can be fulfilling. Daily challenges include dealing with memory loss, confusion, and behaviour changes.

A detailed daily care plan is essential to provide the best support. A good plan helps keep the quality of life high and ensures consistent and kind care.

A daily care plan can reduce stress for both the caregiver and the person with dementia. It provides structure and predictability, which can be comforting. By having clear routines and tasks, caregivers can better manage their time and resources.

This article helps families, care workers, friends, and other caregivers understand why daily care plans are important and how to make and use them effectively.

You can register for our dementia training course, which we offer to groups such as care homes, families, and friends to build awareness on dementia care.

This training can help you provide better support.

What is a Dementia Daily Care plan?

A dementia care plan is a detailed, personalised document outlining care and support for someone with dementia. It addresses the person’s specific needs, preferences, and challenges.

In a dementia care plan, you will find some of these information to help the person:

Personal Information:

• Basic details about the person
• Medical history and current medications
• Emergency contacts

Assessment of Current Condition:

• Stage of dementia
• Cognitive abilities and limitations
• Physical health status

Daily Living Assistance Needs:

• Personal hygiene and grooming
• Dressing and undressing
• Eating and drinking
• Mobility and exercise

Behavioural and Psychological Support:

• Common behaviours and triggers
• Strategies for managing challenging behaviours
• Mood management techniques

Social and Recreational Activities:

• Preferred activities and hobbies
• Social engagement opportunities
• Cognitive stimulation exercises

Safety Measures:

• Home environment modifications
• Wandering prevention strategies
• Fall prevention techniques

Communication Strategies:

• Preferred methods of communication
• Techniques for effective interaction

Medical Care:

• Medication management
• Appointments and check-ups
• Specific health concerns and treatments

End-of-Life Care Preferences:

• Advance directives
• Palliative care considerations

Caregiver Support:

• Respite care options
• Training and education needs
• Stress management strategies

Regular Review and Updates:

• Schedule for reassessing the care plan
• Process for making adjustments as needs change.

A good dementia care plan ensures all caregivers, whether family or professionals, follow the same approach. It helps provide consistent care, improve quality of life, and manage dementia symptoms better.

Nurse Care Plan For Dementia

It is also important to talk about specific care plan designed for nurses which you would often find online. This looks strictly at assessment diagnosis, inference, planning up to evaluation.

So, let’s explain that as well.

A nursing care plan for dementia is a detailed guide created by nurses to care for dementia patients. It follows these steps: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

The plan usually includes:

• Nursing diagnoses related to dementia symptoms (e.g., confusion, memory loss, behavioural changes)
• Specific, measurable goals for patient care
• Detailed nursing interventions for each diagnosis and goal
• Strategies for managing symptoms and ensuring patient safety
• Methods for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions
• A schedule for reassessment and updates

This plan ensures consistent, evidence-based care tailored to the individual’s needs and stage of dementia.

Sample of Nursing Care Plan for Dementia by National Grief Awareness Day Website.

You can also see another nursing care plan sample here which you can download on scribd.

Our focus for the article will not be specific to creating a nurse care plan for dementia. We will only touch on creating a dementia daily care plan that helps family and other caregivers provide support for dementia patients.

The Importance of Daily Care Plans in Dementia Care

Dementia is a condition that worsens over time, affecting thinking, memory, and daily activities. As it gets worse, people with dementia need more help with daily tasks.

A daily care plan serves as a roadmap for caregivers, ensuring that the person with dementia receives consistent, tailored care that attends to their unique needs and choices.

Key benefits of implementing a daily care plan include:

1. Providing structure and routine: People with dementia often find comfort in familiar routines, which can help reduce anxiety and confusion.

2. Promoting independence: By tailoring activities to the individual’s abilities, care plans can help maintain a sense of autonomy and self-worth.

3. Ensuring comprehensive care: A well-designed plan covers all aspects of daily living, from personal hygiene to social engagement.

4. Supporting caregivers: Having a clear plan can reduce stress and uncertainty for those providing care.

5. Enhancing quality of life: Thoughtfully planned activities can bring joy, stimulation, and a sense of purpose to the individual with dementia.

Creating a Personalised Daily Care Plan

When developing a care plan for someone with dementia, it’s crucial to consider their unique needs, preferences, and capabilities.

These are some key steps to follow:

1. Assess the individual’s current abilities and needs:

– Observe and document their daily routines, likes, and dislikes.

– Consult with healthcare professionals to understand the stage of dementia and any specific care requirements.

2. Involve the person with dementia in the planning process:

– To the extent possible, include them in decision-making about their care.

– Respect their preferences and life history when planning activities.

3. Consider the person’s background and interests:

– Incorporate activities that reflect their past hobbies, profession, or cultural background.

– Include familiar objects or routines that bring comfort and a sense of identity.

4. Plan for flexibility:

– Allow room for spontaneous activities or changes in mood and energy levels.

– Be prepared to adapt the plan as the person’s needs change over time.

5. Balance activities and rest:

– Include a mix of physical, social, creative, and cognitive activities.

– Ensure there are regular periods for rest and relaxation throughout the day.

6. Account for personal care needs:

– Schedule time for bathing, dressing, grooming, and meals.

– Plan these activities for times when the person is typically most alert and cooperative.

Components of a Daily Care Plan

A comprehensive daily care plan for someone with dementia should include the following elements:

1. Morning Routine:

– Wake-up time

– Personal hygiene (bathing, tooth brushing, grooming)

– Dressing

– Breakfast

2. Daily Activities:

– Physical exercise (e.g., walks, gentle stretching)

– Cognitive stimulation (e.g., puzzles, reading, reminiscing)

– Creative pursuits (e.g., art, music, crafts)

– Social interactions (e.g., visits from friends, group activities)

– Household chores (adapted to the person’s abilities)

3. Meals and Snacks:

– Regular mealtimes

– Healthy snacks between meals

– Hydration reminders

4. Rest Periods:

– Quiet time for relaxation

– Naps if needed

5. Evening Routine:

– Dinner

– Calming activities to prepare for sleep

– Personal hygiene

– Bedtime routine

6. Nighttime Considerations:

– Strategies for managing sleep disturbances

– Safety measures for nighttime wandering

Sample Daily Care Plan

Here is an example of a daily care plan for someone in the early to middle stages of dementia:

Morning:

7:00 AM – Wake up, use the bathroom

7:30 AM – Assist with bathing and dressing

8:00 AM – Prepare and eat breakfast together

9:00 AM – Morning walk or gentle exercises

10:00 AM – Cognitive activity (e.g., reading the newspaper, discussing current events)

11:00 AM – Household chore (e.g., folding laundry, watering plants)

Afternoon:

12:00 PM – Prepare and eat lunch

1:00 PM – Rest or quiet time

2:00 PM – Creative activity (e.g., listening to music, painting)

3:00 PM – Social activity (e.g., visit from a friend, phone call with family)

4:00 PM – Afternoon snack and hydration break

4:30 PM – Light physical activity (e.g., gardening, short walk)

Evening:

5:30 PM – Prepare and eat dinner

6:30 PM – Evening relaxation (e.g., watching a favorite TV show, looking at photo albums)

7:30 PM – Begin bedtime routine (change into nightclothes, brush teeth)

8:00 PM – Calming activity (e.g., listening to soft music, gentle massage)

9:00 PM – Bedtime

Implementing and Adapting the Care Plan

Once you’ve created a daily care plan, consider the following tips for successful implementation:

1. Communicate the plan:

– Share the plan with all caregivers involved in the person’s care.

– Use a visible calendar or whiteboard to display the day’s schedule.

2. Be flexible:

– Allow for changes based on the person’s mood, energy levels, and unexpected events.

– Have alternative activities ready in case planned activities don’t work out.

3. Monitor and adjust:

– Regularly assess the effectiveness of the plan and make changes as needed.

– Be prepared to simplify activities as the person’s abilities change over time.

4. Encourage independence:

– Allow the person to do as much as they can on their own, offering support only when necessary.

– Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps if needed.

5. Create a supportive environment:

– Minimise distractions during activities.

– Ensure the living space is safe and accessible.

6. Use visual cues:

– Label important items and rooms to aid orientation.

– Use pictures or symbols to represent activities in the schedule.

7. Incorporate meaningful activities:

– Include tasks that give the person a sense of purpose and contribution.

– Adapt former hobbies or interests to match current abilities.

8. Practice patience and positivity:

– Offer praise and encouragement for participation in activities.

– Focus on the process rather than the outcome of tasks.

Challenges and Solutions

While implementing a daily care plan, you may encounter some challenges.

These are some common issues and potential solutions you need to put in mind:

1. Resistance to activities:

– Offer choices between two activities to provide a sense of control.

– Try again later or switch to a different activity.

2. Sundowning (increased confusion or agitation in the late afternoon/evening):

– Plan quieter, calming activities for the evening hours.

– Maintain a consistent bedtime routine.

3. Sleep disturbances:

– Limit daytime napping and caffeine intake.

– Ensure the bedroom is comfortable and conducive to sleep.

4. Difficulty with personal care tasks:

– Break tasks into smaller steps and provide gentle guidance.

– Choose clothing that is easy to put on and remove.

5. Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities:

– Simplify activities or try new ones that match current abilities and interests.

– Engage in activities alongside the person to provide companionship and encouragement.

The Role of Advance Care Planning

While focusing on daily care is crucial, it’s also important to consider long-term planning.

Advance care planning (ACP) is an essential aspect of dementia care that allows individuals to express their wishes for future care and treatment.

Ideally, ACP should begin soon after diagnosis when the person with dementia can still actively participate in decision-making.

Key elements of advance care planning include:

– Discussing and documenting preferences for future medical care

– Appointing a healthcare proxy or power of attorney

– Creating an advance directive or living will

– Considering end-of-life care preferences

By addressing these issues early, families and caregivers can ensure that the person’s wishes are respected throughout the progression of the disease.

Conclusion

A well-crafted daily care plan is an invaluable tool in providing compassionate, person-centered care for individuals living with dementia.

By focusing on the unique needs, preferences, and abilities of the person, caregivers can create a supportive routine that enhances quality of life, maintains dignity, and promotes a sense of purpose.

Remember that caring for someone with dementia is a journey that requires patience, flexibility, and ongoing adaptation.

Regular review and adjustment of the care plan, combined with open communication among all involved in the person’s care, will help ensure the best possible outcomes.

By implementing a thoughtful daily care plan and considering long-term care preferences through advance care planning, families and caregivers can provide comprehensive support that honors the individual and helps them live life to the fullest, despite the challenges of dementia.

If you need training for your staff to support people living with dementia, please contact our course advisor: enquiries@caringforcare.co.uk or 01782 563333.

We are always available to provide training guidance and support. Also note, we provide train the trainer course on dementia as well as dementia awareness training for small and big team.