The Importance of Consistency in Alzheimer's Care at Home

For seniors aging in place with Alzheimer’s disease, consistency isn’t simply a nice-to-have—it’s an important component that improves their day-to-day. However, it can be difficult for seniors to create their own routines, not to mention gain the motivation to stick with them, particularly when struggling with the disease. The good news is that caregivers trained in Alzheimer’s care can not only introduce routines but also help seniors—and their families—understand why they matter.

Making Seniors Safe

As Alzheimer’s slowly impacts memory and thinking, the world becomes more confusing and unpredictable for many seniors. Reliable daily routines help them feel less anxious and give them the tools they need to stay grounded. Common routines that caregivers trained in Alzheimer’s care might implement include eating meals or waking up at the same time every day.

These routines also make seniors feel safer. When they know what to expect next, like their morning coffee, afternoon walk, or evening prescription, they are less stressed and upset. Additionally, when cognitive capabilities are declining, it can be comforting to know that the brain can recognize today’s usual pattern even if it can’t remember yesterday’s routine.

Building Trust

Of course, home care offers its own built-in routine, as seniors have the same caregiver in the home on a consistent basis. This allows them to create real relationships with their caregivers as they age in place, unlike moving to an alternative housing situation where staff changes occur all the time.

For seniors with Alzheimer’s, hearing a caregiver’s voice, seeing their smile, or feeling their soft touch can help them feel less confused. Even when identities are forgotten, the emotional memory of a trustworthy, loving person stays with them. Another plus that stems from this continuity of care is that caregivers get to know each senior’s likes, dislikes, triggers, and way of communicating, which helps them deliver more personalized and effective support.

Maintaining Functional Capabilities Over Time

Following a routine might also help seniors receiving Alzheimer’s care maintain their functioning abilities for a longer time. Eating, dressing, and taking a shower at the same time and in the same way every day become automatic behaviors that don’t require much thought. This allows seniors to take a more active role in their own care despite the impact of the disease, which helps them keep their dignity and independence.

Decreased Behaviors

In Alzheimer’s care, common issues include agitation, wandering, and sundowning, which are all behaviors that people with the disease often struggle with. However, studies have shown that having a stable environment and well-structured routines can help reduce these challenging behaviors. The thought process is that when seniors get consistent care that meets their requirements and sticks to known patterns, they have fewer times when they are confused, which decreases their frustration and confusion.

Having the support of reliable caregivers who are trained in Alzheimer’s care on their side makes it easier for seniors to remain in their own homes. Add to that the routines they are able to put in place and the encouragement to be consistent from day-to-day and it’s easy to see how much this support truly matters.

Sources:
https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/tips-caregivers
https://www.trualta.com/resources/blog/sundowning-changes-in-routine-why-consistency-matters
https://www.nccdp.org/the-four-rs-of-dementia-care-a-guide-for-caregivers/

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Parker, CO, contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts At Home Denver Metro today. Call 303-632-8786.

Touching Hearts at Home Denver Metro is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Denver, Aurora, Parker, Centennial, Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Cherry Creek and surrounding areas.