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 personalised document that outlines the specific needs and preferences of someone living with dementia. It focuses on both the physical and emotional needs, including daily routines, medical care, safety, and activities that improve overall well-being.

Creating a care plan usually starts with a thorough assessment by healthcare professionals, family members, or caregivers, who look at the person’s mental abilities, communication needs, and personal history.

The main aim of a dementia care plan is to improve the person’s quality of life while making things easier for the caregivers. It takes a well-rounded approach, trying to keep the person’s dignity and independence for as long as possible.

Key parts of the plan may include a set daily routine, activities that match the person’s interests, and ways to communicate effectively.

A care plan is not fixed—it should be updated regularly as the person’s condition and needs change. By working together, healthcare providers, family members, and the person with dementia can create a supportive environment that respects their wishes and helps them stay as well as possible throughout the progression of the disease.

Key components of a dementia care plan

A dementia care plan is a personalised document that outlines the specific needs, preferences, and goals of a person living with dementia.

The key parts typically included in a dementia care plan are:

1. Individual Assessment: This is a thorough evaluation of the person’s mental abilities, health, lifestyle, and personal interests. It helps create a care plan that is tailored to their unique needs and history.
2. Life History: This includes details about the person’s family, education, work, and important life events. Understanding these details helps caregivers know the person better and provide more personalised care.
3. Daily Routine: A structured daily routine is very important for people with dementia. The plan should outline regular times for things like waking up, meals, activities, and bedtime to help provide stability and reduce confusion.
4. Goals of Care: Clear and measurable goals are set to improve the person’s well-being. These might include goals like maintaining independence, ensuring safety, managing symptoms, or improving their quality of life.
5. Personal Preferences: The plan should include the person’s likes, dislikes, and preferred activities to ensure care is enjoyable and respects their individuality.
6. Health and Medical Needs: This section covers medical history, current medications, dietary needs, and any specific health concerns that need to be watched or managed.
7. Behavioural Management: Identifying possible behaviour changes and outlining strategies for managing them effectively is essential for providing appropriate care.
8. Social Interaction: Including plans for social activities and time with family and friends can help reduce feelings of loneliness and improve emotional well-being.
9. Support for Caregivers: The plan should also recognise the needs of the caregivers and may offer resources or strategies to help them in their caregiving role.
10. Regular Review and Updates: The care plan should be updated regularly to reflect any changes in the person’s condition or preferences.

A dementia care plan can help guide caregivers in providing support that improves the quality of life for people living with dementia when it includes these key components.

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.

Dementia Daily Care Planning

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. Night time Considerations:

– Strategies for managing sleep disturbances

– Safety measures for nighttime wandering

Example of a Dementia Daily Care Plan

Example of a daily care plan for someone in the early to middle stages of dementia can look like this:

1. 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)

2. 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)

3. 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

Dementia Care Plan Components

At the initial stage of care, several aspects need to be considered. A dementia care plan is a detailed document outlining the care and support required for a person living with dementia. The daily care plan is a subset of the overall care plan for someone living with dementia.

Some key parts that are usually included in a overall dementia care plan:

1. Personal Information:

• Name and preferred name
• Date of birth
• Languages spoken
• Important life events and personal history

2. Medical History:

• Current health conditions
• Medications and treatments
• Allergies and sensitivities

3. Daily Living Assistance:

• Help needed with personal care (e.g., bathing, dressing, grooming)
• Mobility needs
• Eating and nutrition preferences

4. Cognitive and Behavioural Support:

• Current cognitive abilities
• Behavioural patterns and triggers
• Ways to manage difficult behaviours

5. Social and Emotional Needs:

• Favourite activities and interests
• Social connections and support network
• Emotional well-being strategies

6. Communication:

• Preferred ways to communicate
• Methods for effective interaction

7. Safety Measures:

• Home adjustments for safety
• Fall prevention strategies
• Plans to prevent wandering

8. Goals and Outcomes:

• The person’s goals in different areas of life
• Clear, measurable care goals

9. Intervention Strategies:

• Plans to help the person reach their goals
• Flexibility to adapt to changing needs

10. Review and Evaluation:

• Regular checks to reassess the care plan
• Process to update the plan when needed

A good dementia care plan should focus on the person’s strengths, preferences, and needs. It should be flexible enough to adapt to the changes that come with dementia and involve the person in decisions as much as possible.

Implementing and Adapting the Dementia Daily 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.

Steps to Implementing an Effective Dementia Care Plan

Implementing a dementia care plan is an important process that involves several key steps and considerations:

1. Assessment and Personalisation: Start by carefully assessing the person’s abilities, needs, and preferences. This includes gathering information about their medical history, memory, daily tasks they need help with, and things they enjoy.
2. Involve the Person with Dementia: As much as possible, include the person in decisions about their care, respecting their wishes and personal history.
3. Create a Detailed Plan: Develop a care plan that covers all parts of the person’s life, including their personal details, daily needs, support with behaviour, social activities, and safety measures.
4. Share the Plan: Make sure all caregivers and family members know about the plan and understand it. You can use things like calendars or whiteboards to show daily routines.
5. Be Flexible: Be ready to change things depending on the person’s mood, energy levels, or any unexpected events. Have alternative activities in mind and be ready to simplify tasks when needed.
6. Monitor and Adjust Regularly: Keep checking how well the plan is working and make changes when necessary. This includes regularly updating and sharing information about the person’s needs and condition.
7. Encourage Independence: Support the person to do as much as they can by themselves, and only help when needed.
8. Create a Safe Environment: Reduce distractions during activities and make sure their living space is safe and easy to move around in.
9. Use Visual Cues: Label important items and rooms to help the person with orientation.
10. Plan for the Future: Think ahead about their future care and include any decisions about end-of-life care if needed.
11. Use Technology: Consider using tools, like computer systems, to help manage and keep track of the care plan.
12. Work with Healthcare Professionals: Work closely with doctors and other healthcare providers to make sure care is coordinated.

Following these steps helps caregivers create a dementia care plan that improves the quality of life for people with dementia while respecting their dignity and independence.

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 for Dementia Care

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.