Help the person stay active
Regular exercise will benefit their physical and mental health, reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, and help lower blood pressure. It will also reduce anxiety and stress and release endorphins, hormones that make us happier. Walking, cycling, swimming or exercise classes are all good choices. Accompany them on walks and remind them they haven’t had a walk on a given day. Ideally, the person should aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking daily. There will be good and bad days, so this may not always be possible. However, short walks around the block in the fresh air are better than nothing. All activity adds up.
Vary their exercise routine
Encourage the person to try different forms of exercise to benefit them in different ways. Walking is good for cardiovascular fitness and improves heart health, while yoga or general stretching will benefit the person’s flexibility, allowing them to move around more easily. Lifting weights or even shopping will help maintain muscle strength. They may be willing to follow some exercise classes on TV if they don’t want to attend a local class.
Play music every day
Music is a great mood booster and can reignite old memories. If the person was musical before, playing an instrument will help with mood. If the person has a piano, encourage them to play it regularly, as it will be good for engaging their mind as well as relaxing. The singer Glen Campbell was still able to play guitar in his final days. If they aren’t musical but enjoy music, create a playlist of their favourite songs or artists and play it every day.
Provide positive support
Being a carer is not just about the many physical tasks you will need to perform. The person will come to rely on you for company and social interaction, especially if they don’t have many other visitors. Don’t underestimate the value of simply being there for the person. If you can, join them on social activities or walks or watch their favourite TV show with them.
Encourage a good sleep routine
Routine is a good thing for a person with dementia, so encouraging them to get up and go to bed at the same time will work well. Ensure their room is conducive to a good night’s sleep and not too hot or cold. Avoid giving the person caffeine drinks in the evening. If the person regularly wakes at night, they may need a nap during the day. However, if this persists, encourage their family to speak to the person’s GP to see if anything can be done about sleep issues.
Ensure the person has a healthy diet
While sugar cravings can often occur in a person with dementia, and they may want more cakes and biscuits, encourage a healthy diet. Meals may need to change as their dementia progresses. The person may prefer smaller snacks more often than three meals a day. Serve fruit and healthy snacks – leaving chopped fruit in a bowl with yoghurt by their favourite seat will encourage healthy snacking.
Give the person a task
A person with dementia won’t want to feel helpless. Even if they can’t do all the things they used to do, or some things take them longer than before, they will still benefit from a sense of purpose, like everyone else. If they seem at a loss for what to do, get them involved in household tasks. Ask them to water plants, fold towels or do anything that gives them a sense of accomplishment.