Memory Issues and New Environments

Every day we have routines that we follow.  We start the day with personal care, breakfast, and then to work.  When we have a day off, this routine is broken and depending on the routines you have developed, you miss that routine.  You can easily justify why the routine is off, to enjoy the freedom of doing things differently for the day.

For someone with memory issues this loss of routine can be debilitating.  The cognitive ability to process the change may no longer be available to them.  The comfort of having lunch at noon everyday provides stability.  When lunch is moved to 12:15p, even though the change may be small, it is difficult to overcome.  It is uncomfortable.  This could cause a period of irritation.

Dementia creates impaired memory and judgement.  People who have memory issues will rely on prior patterns of behavior and knowledge to manage thru the day.  When those memories start to fade away, the consist schedule of the day and their environment are some of the few consistencies they have left.  The familiarity of their environment is important as a visual reminder of comfort.  They become used to seeing the same bed, dresser, pictures etc and they associate those things with what is theirs.  This translates to comfort and safety.

Have you experienced a time where you took a loved one to dinner or shopping and it didn’t end well?  They displayed behaviors uncommon for them.  They may have appeared confused or upset or refused to eat the meal.  This behavior demonstrates their inability to process the new surroundings.  With the inability to recognize familiar things, they could become upset or have anxiety.  While it is almost impossible to keep your loved one in a familiar environment all the time, there are things you can do to help.

If possible, plan these events with individuals they know and trust.  Take a familiar item along with them, perhaps a small picture album, a blanket or pillow.  Schedule these outings for earlier in the day when they are less tired and more likely to be at their best.

While there is no ‘one size fits all’ for these situations, we hope you will find this information helpful.  You can find more information on dealing with memory issues and Alzheimer’s by visiting Alz.org.  This site is a great resource for patients, families, and care professionals.

Assured Assistance is a non-medical caregiver company based in Shillington, PA. serving Reading, Wyomissing, Sinking Spring and surrounding areas. Assured Assistance provides in home senior care, for seniors who want to remain in their homes but need some assistance to complete everyday tasks. Assured Assistance also provides respite care, home care, and compassionate skilled senior care. In home assistance we can provide includes but is not limited to…Companionship, Errand Services, Housekeeping, Laundry Services, Transportation, Organization Needs, Meal Preparation, Shopping/Groceries, Family Respite Care, Grooming/Hygiene Assistance AND More. We provide service when you want and how you want, anything from 3 hours to 24/7. If you are a caregiver who needs respite, a family member looking to assist your parents in their journey to remain independent or simply looking for help for yourself, call Assured Assistance at 610-796-4737.