Caring for a Patient with Dementia

1. Bathing

1.1. Ensure that they're comfortable

1.2. If necessary, provide assistance so they are able to get themselves to the bath/shower

1.3. Ensure that water is a good temperature for them

1.4. Provide assistance in helping them shower/bathe if necessary

1.5. Allow them to be independent and by letting them do what they can by themselves

1.6. Protect their privacy

1.7. Give them options (ex: do they want to have a bath or shower, what type of shampoo or body wash they would like to us)

2. Oral Care

2.1. Help them brush their teeth if they are unable to do so themselves

2.2. If they are able to brush their own teeth, allow them to do it independently and observe so you can provide assistance if necessary

3. Toileting

3.1. Ensure they are comfortable

3.2. Protect their privacy

3.3. Make it as easy as possible for them to get on and off of the toilet as possible (grab bars & raised toilet seat)

3.4. Be patient and don't rush them

3.5. Assist them if necessary

4. Sleeping

4.1. Have a nightly routine before bed

4.2. Ensure bed is comfortable

4.3. Make sure that their room is a comfortable temperature for them

4.4. Allow them time to prepare for bed

4.5. Allow them to watch television or listen to music if this is what they enjoy doing to wind down before going to sleep

4.6. Help them feel safe. There are several ways that you can do this such as putting a picture of a loved one on their night table

4.7. If necessary, help them get into bed and get comfortable.

5. Hobbies

5.1. Find out from individuals or their family members what hobbies they enjoyed doing before they had dementia and do these if possible

5.2. Give them a variety of activities they can choose from

5.3. Do activités with them such as doing puzzles, drawing, or reading.

6. Eating

6.1. Find out the things that they enjoyed eating prior to their diagnosis and continue to give them these foods

6.2. Provide them with healthy meal options

6.3. Give them a few choices of meals or snacks to choose from

6.4. Be patient and give them lots of time to eat

6.5. Make sure that food is s good temperature (not too hot or cold)

7. Dressing

7.1. Allow them to pick out their clothes (could pick s few outfits out and allow them to choose one themself)

7.2. Ensure that they are comfortable

7.3. Provide them with help if they need it/ would like it

7.4. Encourage independence. If they are able to get dressed on their own let them.

7.5. Protect their privacy (make sure curtain or door is closed)

7.6. Lay out clothes in order of how they should put them on

7.7. Make sure that they dress appropriate for the whether so they are not too hot or too cold

7.8. Allow them plenty of time to get dressed

8. Exercise

8.1. Talk to the individuals with dementia and their family members to figure out what activities they enjoyed doing prior to dementia

8.2. Provide individuals with help if necessary

8.3. Ensure they are walking in a safe area (nothing they can trip over, etc)

8.4. Ensure that they wear comfortable/well fitting shoes to improve balance and reduce risk of falling.

8.5. Allow them to choose where they would like to walk. If they prefer to walk outside, allow them to walk outside.

9. Reminiscence

9.1. Talk to them about their family and friends

9.2. Encourage family and friends to visit

9.3. Talk to them about what they're favourite hobbies and activities are

9.4. Ask them about their past

9.5. Ask them about their favourite memories

9.6. Create a memory box with them