what is a good daily routine for someone with dementia

7:00–8:00 Morning warm-up

• Greet, open blinds for daylight (helps body clock)

• Bathroom & hygiene (one step at a time)

• Hydration: 8–12 oz water or tea

• Medications as ordered

• Light breakfast with protein + fiber

8:30–9:15 Gentle movement

• 10–20 min walk (inside or outside), or chair exercises

• 5 sit-to-stands + ankle pumps + shoulder rolls

• Stretch hands/forearms to ease stiffness

9:30–10:15 Brain & purpose

• One familiar, success-oriented task: folding towels, sorting photos/buttons, watering plants

• Or music time: favorite playlist, sing-along, simple percussion

10:15 Hydration & snack

• Fruit, yogurt, or peanut-butter crackers

• Bathroom check

10:30–11:30 Personal activity

• Faith practice, simple crafts, reading together, looking at a photo album

• Keep directions short; offer two choices only

12:00 Lunch

• Balanced plate + 8 oz fluid

• Quiet background (no TV news). Sit long enough for unhurried bites.

12:45–1:30 Rest & reset

• Lights down, soft music, legs elevated

• Short nap (≤30–40 min) or quiet time; longer naps can worsen evening agitation

1:30–2:15 Light movement

• Short walk, hallway laps, or gentle PT home program

• Bathroom check, hydration

2:30–3:30 Calm, hands-on task

• Towel folding, sorting playing cards by color, shelling peas, pairing socks

• Or sensory bin (smooth fabrics, lavender sachet), pet time

3:30 Snack & meds (if scheduled)

• Hydration again; avoid caffeine after 2–3 pm

4:00–5:30 “Sundowning buffer”

• Close curtains, turn on warm lamps before dusk

• Soothing routine: familiar music, hand massage with lotion, simple TV (nature), no big decisions

5:30–6:15 Early, light dinner

• Softer foods if chewing/swallowing is tiring

• Offer finger foods if utensils frustrate

6:30–7:15 Wind-down

• Warm shower or sponge bath if tolerated better at night

• Pajamas, lay out tomorrow’s clothes

• Gratitude or prayer; brief call with a familiar voice

7:30–8:30 Sleep prep

• Bedroom cool, dark, quiet; nightlight to bathroom

• Toileting before bed

• White noise if helpful; remove late fluids if nighttime urination is an issue

• One new thing at a time. Keep changes small and predictable.

• One-step instructions. “Stand up.” (pause) “Turn.” (pause)

• Two simple choices. “Blue or green shirt?”

• Validate, then redirect. “I see you’re worried. Let’s have tea, then we’ll check.”

• Hydrate often. Aim for 6–8 cups/day unless restricted by the doctor.

• Label and lay out. Big labels on doors/drawers; clothes in order of dressing.

• Safety beats speed. Non-slip shoes, clear floors, grab bars.

• Connect first: eye level, gentle tone, use their name

• One step at a time: short, concrete directions; offer two simple choices

• Validate, then redirect: “I hear that you want to go to work. Let’s have lunch first and then call [friend/coworker].”

• Use the senses: familiar scents, textures, and music can anchor and soothe

• Falls/near-falls: clear rugs/clutter; sturdy footwear; grab bars in bathroom; ask for PT evaluation

• Kitchen hazards: auto-shutoff kettle; lock up sharp tools/cleaners; label cabinets

• Night wandering: motion nightlights, door chimes, ID bracelet, regular daytime activity

• Med management issues: one pharmacy if possible; pill organizers; RN teaching visit