​ In-Home Memory Care: How to Plan Hourly Support for Loved Ones
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In-Home Memory Care: How to Plan Hourly Support for Loved Ones

In-Home Memory Care: How to Plan Hourly Support for Loved Ones

When you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s, helping them age in place can be difficult, yet rewarding. Some individuals can live independently, but over time, may require additional or hourly support from caregivers. But where do you start? 

Joyful Companions, a professional caregiver service in the Twin Cities, has tips on how to plan hourly support for your loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Reaching out for help from professional organizations is a great way to plan ahead and ensure your loved one receives the support they need. Let’s look at the best way to schedule your loved one’s care. 

Assess Your Loved One’s Needs

Before you create a schedule for your loved one, you first must assess their needs. Health conditions such as Alzheimer’s or dementia present unique challenges. Begin by evaluating their physical, emotional, and cognitive requirements and determine the level of assistance they will need throughout the day. Some tasks they may need assistance with include: 

  • Meal planning and preparation

  • Safety monitoring

  • Personal care cues (bathing/dressing)

  • Medication reminders

  • Social interaction and mental stimulation

Assess Safety Hazards in Loved One’s Home

Individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s may be at risk for falls, wandering, or forgetting tasks like turning off the stove. Ensure that proper safety precautions are in place, such as grab bars, nightlight, and locks on doors. You can also implement a GPS tracker or smart home device to monitor their movement. Schedule regular check-ins during times of heightened risk, such as evening hours when “sundowning” may occur. 

Create a Routine

Medication routines are essential, as is keeping your loved one on a regular daily schedule to avoid potential confusion or fear. Establish a routine to provide structure and reduce anxiety. You can break the day into hourly segments and assign specific activities. An example might look like: 

  • Morning: personal hygiene, breakfast, light exercise

  • Afternoon: lunch, social activities, nap, grocery errands

  • Evening: dinner, relaxation, and calming bedtime routine

Maintaining consistency is essential to avoid agitation and confusion, so the next step is crucial: identifying your caregivers and support. 

Identify Caregivers and Support

Your two primary caregiver and support options are usually family members and professional caregivers. 

For family caregivers, determine the amount of time each person can dedicate to spending time with your loved one. While doing this step, it is important to be realistic to avoid caregiver burnout. Consider rotating responsibilities to share between several family members. 

You can also hire professional caregivers to help. In-home caregivers can help with some household tasks, transportation, cognitive stimulation and social time, and provide essential care when your family cannot. 

With your schedule laid out, reach out to your family and professional caregivers to ensure each block of time is filled. Plan ahead for days when some individuals need time off or have other responsibilities, and ensure that your professional caregiver is available to fill the time. 

Plan for Social and Cognitive Stimulation

Cognitive and social stimulation is essential for individuals with Alzhiemer’s disease or dementia. Feelings of loneliness and isolation can cause major health problems. When one spends too much time alone, these feelings can creep up and make life more difficult and confusing. Cognitive stimulation can help improve their health, with activities such as: 

  • Physical activity like walks, stretching, or simple exercises

  • Puzzles, reading, or telling stories

  • Socialize with a caregiver or other individuals

  • Memory exercises or reminiscence therapy

You can also implement memory aids, such as journals, calendars, or to-do lists to help your loved one remember what they need to do each day. Setting alarms by using a smart home device can help alert them to when something needs to be done. 

And as always, encourage success through accomplishments. Emphasize your loved one’s strengths, simplify routines, and provide visual and verbal cues to help.

Take Advantage of Respite Care

To avoid burnout, be sure to take advantage of respite care, which provides temporary relief for primary caregivers. You can schedule hourly or daily help from respite services, such as Joyful Companions, and allow the primary caregivers to take a break or handle other obligations while ensuring your loved one receives the appropriate care. 

Monitor and Adjust the Plan

Not all plans are perfect, so do not be afraid to adjust the plan if it’s not working. Communicate with your caregivers and professionals to ensure there are no gaps in your loved one’s care schedule. As your loved one’s needs change, you can continue to adjust and refine, and be open to expanding support, such as moving to full-time professional care when necessary. 

Supplement Your Loved One’s Care with Joyful Companions

At Joyful Companions, we understand that you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, but know that there are organizations like ours that exist to help your family care for your loved ones. We provide free in-home consultations, where we can discuss your loved one’s needs and determine how we can help. Together, we can create a supportive care team for your loved one and ensure they are happy and healthy. 

Give us a call today at 763-544-0401 or request more information about our professional caregiver services in the Twin Cities.