How to Create a Daily Activity Schedule for Dementia Patients?

Planning a daily routine and activities for dementia patients is important. As dementia progresses, seniors struggle to concentrate and learn new activities. Here are a few steps of the routine activities from morning to evening for dementia patients, and it’s the best way to access memories and communicate.

Morning Routine
Create a calm and structured morning schedule for the rest of the day. Dementia patients are usually more alert in the morning, so plan daily activities that are perfect for personal care and slow mental activities.

Morning Activities for Dementia Patients:

• Make them wake up at the same time daily.
• Helps with gentle stretching or a morning walk in the garden.
• Bathing and dressing with caregiver assistance.
• Nutritious breakfast (including fruits, fresh juices, and herbal tea).
• Listen to calming music or songs to boost up mood
• Do a simple word game or puzzle.
  
  

While planning meals, you can also consider the best edibles for dementia patients, such as foods rich in omega-3s, berries, leafy greens, and hydration-rich snacks to support brain health.

Midday Activities Routine
Midday is perfect for boosting activities that activate the brain and body. This is the time when many dementia patients still have the energy to participate actively before feeling tired later in the day.

Popular Midday Games and Activities:

• Simple games for dementia patients like card sorting, memory match, or puzzles
• Watering plants or do light gardening
• Arts and crafts such as coloring or painting
• Baking simple recipes together
• They can read books or novels loudly if it’s possible.
• Caregivers help them to go for a walk in a park or around the neighborhood.

These activities for dementia patients help maintain memory function. Choose tasks they used to enjoy before dementia, which brings a sense of familiarity and comfort for them.

Always try to stick with regular mealtimes and seat them in the same spot each day to build familiarity. You can include best edibles for dementia patients, such as mashed vegetables, soups, and soft protein-based meals.

Afternoon & Evening Activities
Usually in the afternoon, they need a break or nap for relaxation to restore energy for evening activities. In the evening, you can do gentle activities with dementia patients that don’t overstimulate the brain.

Comforting Evening Activities for Dementia Patients:

• Listening to calming music or nature sounds
• Folding towels or sorting buttons (repetitive tasks can be soothing)
• Watching birds from the window or sitting outdoors
• Looking through family photo albums or memory boxes
• Engaging in soft pet therapy if possible
• Short, guided meditation or breathing exercises
  
  

As the sun goes down in the evening, minimize loud noises and bright lights. Try to give them edible food or a light dinner and a small bedtime snack for better digestion. Stick with the same bedtime routine with soft lighting and minimal screen time that helps them sleep peacefully.