At Bayshire San Dimas, we understand how overwhelming it feels for the family to find that their loved one is dealing with memory issues. Their search for the proper care partner leads them to choose a memory care community. Besides providing residents with a safe and secure living environment, one of the most vital aspects for which they work is a structured daily routine that gives residents a sense of regularity and familiarity in their day-to-day lives. But have you ever wondered what a typical day at a memory care looks like? Don’t worry! If you haven’t, today we’re going to take a closer look at how these specialized settings provide care and support to residents to complement their daily routines eventually.

A Sample Memory Care Daily Routine

A typical day for a memory care resident is divided into five cycles: morning, midday, afternoon, early evening, and evening. These daily routines are structured yet flexible in certain aspects, meaning they are designed to suit everyone without being one-size-fits-all. Here’s what a day in memory care looks like:

Morning

The first light of day wakes residents and signals to them it’s time to welcome a new day at their new home—a memory support community. The staff focus on making their first interaction of the day calming, reassuring, and gentle. For this, they might play gentle music or conduct a light group exercise session that fosters socialization and cognitive stimulation, and then proceed towards other key morning routines. Afterwards, they proceed with familiar routines such as grooming, dressing, and enjoying breakfast in a communal setting.

Midday

Later morning, or better said, midday, is when residents engage in activities that promote comprehensive well-being, i.e., both mental and physical. This is when they participate in cognitive activities, such as reminiscence therapy (looking at old photos), puzzles, art projects, or music therapy. After that, they have their lunch, as the specialized culinary team serves meals that aren’t just delectable but also nutritious.

Afternoon

After residents relax post-meals, it’s time for them to participate in engaging activities that encourage socialization and healthy living. These include activities such as arts and crafts workshops, cooking/baking lessons, puzzles, reading, one-on-one time with a caregiver, or group outings. Memory care communities also encourage visits from family and friends.

Early Evening

This is when memory patients start experiencing a condition called sundowning—a condition characterized by increased confusion, anxiety, and agitation that occurs or worsens in the late afternoon and evening as daylight fades. To combat these issues, memory care focuses on introducing calming activities for residents, such as listening to music, looking at photos, reading books, or watching a favorite show.

Evening

It’s the final phase of winding down. Residents enjoy their personalized meals and then engage in winding-down activities, such as aromatherapy and sensory experiences, music therapy, folding laundry, hand massages, or guided breathing exercises. Many residents even enjoy drinking herbal teas, which further promote relaxation and de-stress.

Key Support Elements

Memory care communities address every possible symptom residents may experience. From personalized meal support to tailored cognitive support & sensory routines, they take care of it all. Here are some of the most vital elements that these specialized care communities work towards.

Personal Care

Memory care staff assist residents with personal care tasks as memory loss affects their ability to bathe, dress, and groom themselves. They focus on helping residents maintain their independence while assisting them with the required tasks.

Meal Support

Residents enjoy nutritious meals that are also scrumptious. These meals are offered in a social setting that’s equally calming for everyone. The staff assist residents with eating difficulties and work to accommodate special diets.

Cognitive Support & Sensory Stimulation

To instill positive attitudes and emotions among residents, memory care communities organize engaging, therapeutic activities such as music therapy, art, and reminiscence therapy.

Physical Health

Communities encourage routines that include regular physical activity. One way they work to boost physical activity is by organizing walking and exercise classes that help residents maintain strength and mobility. At the same time, they also care about residents’ rest periods.

Safety & Security

The entire memory care community space is designed to be safe, with compassionate staff available around the clock to provide the necessary support. Residents are allowed to personalize their space with familiar objects and photographs that help them feel secure and comfortable.

Flexibility

While residents do follow structured routines, they are never tied to them throughout the day. They can adjust their day to their mood, energy, or health needs, according to their own preferences. They can adapt their routines to their mood, energy level, and health on any given day.

Bayshire San Dimas—Access Tailored Memory Care Programs

At Bayshire San Dimas, we recognize how unique the challenges and issues posed by conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s are for memory patients. They need specialized, tailored support, which they get at a memory care community. From meal planning and cognitive and mental wellness-supporting activities to assisting with daily activities and supporting optimal physical health, a memory support community takes care of all these aspects of a resident’s life.

Receiving support from trained, compassionate staff allows them to follow daily routines, which, in turn, benefits their overall well-being, as they no longer feel lonely or unattended. Following these set routines helps them better understand their peers, leading to more fruitful and meaningful interactions. Additionally, these established, predictable schedules allow them to manage their anxiety, confusion, and agitation.

If you’re looking for a homelike memory care community that provides structure, comfort, and consistency, contact Bayshire San Dimas. By scheduling the same activities at the same time each day, we make it convenient for the residents to maintain consistency in their daily lives. Our compassionate staff of trained caregivers is available round the clock to provide the assistance and support residents need. Schedule your tour today to get a first-hand experience of all the amenities and services that await you at our senior memory care center.