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Page outline > Introduction > Your approach > The environment > Structuring the day

Introduction

Activities are the things that we do, including getting dressed, doing chores, and even paying bills. They can represent who we are and what we’re about. For the person with Alzheimer’s, they can mean the difference between feeling loved and needed and unloved and unnecessary.

When planning activities and daily tasks to help the person with Alzheimer’s organize the day, think about:

• What skills and abilities does the person have?

• What does the person enjoy doing?

• Does the person begin activities without direction?

• Does the person have physical problems?

Your approach

• Make the activities part of your daily routine.

• Focus on enjoyment, not achievement.

• Determine what time of day is best for the activity.

• Offer support and supervision.

• Be flexible and patient, and stress involvement.

• Help the person remain as independent as possible.

• Simplify instructions.

• Establish a familiar routine.

The environment

• Make activities safe.

• Change your surroundings to encourage activities.

• Minimize distractions that can frighten or confuse the person.

Structuring the day

When structuring the day, consider the following activities:

Morning activities

• Wash up, brush teeth, and get dressed.

• Prepare and eat breakfast.

• Discuss the newspaper or reminisce about old photos.

Afternoon activities

• Prepare and eat lunch, read mail, and clear and wash dishes.

• Listen to music or do a crossword puzzle.

• Take a walk.

Evening activities

• Prepare and eat dinner.

• Play cards or watch a movie.

• Read a book or magazine

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