A recent story in The Times out of the UK referenced current findings that practicing simple daily routines could help people living with dementia stay independent longer. Too often as caregivers our tendency is to take tasks away from the people we support because the task frustrates them. Or we take the task away because it takes them much longer than we could otherwise do it for them.
Far better for them, and ultimately for us, is to encourage independence. If the skill frustrates them, consider ways that you could modify the activity or provide coaching instead of doing it for them. And if they are able to get the task done, but it takes a long time, then we can help by modifying the schedule to allow enough time for them to complete the task themselves.
Watching Zinnia videos from our Activity of Daily Living channel like, Let’s Get Dressed, Get Ready to Shower, or Use the Toilet can promote independence by both reminding a person of the steps involved in daily activities, and generating interest in engaging in that activity. Research has shown that watching these videos on a regular basis helps reduce stress and anxiety around performing these tasks.
Videos in the Zinnia Caregiver Education channel like Successful Toileting, for example, explain how caregivers strike a delicate balance between respecting independence while providing necessary assistance.
As caregivers, it is important that we pay attention to what a person is still able to do rather than focusing on skills they have lost. Encourage them to use those skills whenever possible, making sure they do not feel rushed. And always show appreciation for a job well done!
Practising simple daily routines could help dementia patients to stay independent for longer
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