Memory issues with seniors sneak up on you a little bit at a time. Maybe your mom doesn’t recognize a neighbor who’s been living next door for twenty years, or your dad gets lost going to the grocery store he’s been using since they moved to the area. It’s a whole new world of constant doctor appointments, safety considerations and hard to have conversations. With this in mind, a memory care plan is a lifeline to cling to during a justifiably overwhelming time.
What Is a Memory Care Plan?
You’ll find that memory care plans are essentially a detailed roadmap for caring for your loved one as dementia progresses. This plan captures who your family member is as a person, what matters most to them, and how you’ll maintain their comfort and dignity as their needs change.
You’ll use this plan to make decisions about everything from daily routines to living arrangements. It helps you communicate effectively with doctors, caregivers, and other family members. Most importantly, it ensures your loved one’s preferences guide their care, even when they can no longer express those wishes clearly.
Building Your Memory Care Plan
Capturing Their Life Story
Start by documenting what makes your loved one unique. What time did they always wake up? Did they prefer coffee black or with cream? Were they someone who needed quiet time in the morning, or did they jump right into conversation? These seemingly small details become crucial when creating routines that feel natural and comforting.
Write down their career history, hobbies, and relationships that shaped them. Note their cultural background, religious practices, and family traditions. This information helps future caregivers understand not just what your loved one needs, but who they are beneath the diagnosis.
Each and Every Day
People with dementia often feel less anxious when they know what to expect. Your plan should outline their ideal daily routine, but keep it flexible enough to accommodate bad days or changing abilities.
Document their preferred meal times and favorite foods. Note whether they’re more alert in the morning or evening. Include activities that have always brought them joy, even if they’ll need to be modified over time.
Safety First
As you create your plan, honestly assess current safety risks in their environment. You might need to remove scatter rugs, install better lighting, or hide car keys. Document these changes so other family members understand why modifications were made.
Consider technology that can help maintain independence while ensuring safety. This might include medication dispensers with alarms, motion sensors for nighttime bathroom trips, or simplified phones with large buttons and pictures.
Coordinating Medical Care
Keep detailed records of all healthcare providers, including contact information and each person’s role in your loved one’s care. Document current medications, dosages, and any side effects you’ve observed. Include information about insurance coverage and advance directives.
Your plan should also note how your loved one typically communicates pain or discomfort, especially as verbal communication becomes more challenging.
Make Changes As Needed
Your memory care plan isn’t something you create once and forget about. As dementia progresses, you’ll need to update and modify your approach regularly. What worked last month might not work today, and that’s completely normal, so schedule regular family meetings to discuss what’s working and what isn’t.
Everyone Has A Voice
Whenever possible, involve your loved one in planning decisions. Even in moderate stages, they may have clear preferences about certain aspects of their care. Asking, “Would you rather have help with bathing in the morning or evening?” respects their autonomy while addressing necessary care needs.
Remember that this plan serves your entire family, not just your loved one with dementia. Include strategies for managing caregiver stress, maintaining relationships with other family members, and accessing community resources when you need support.