Making a Dementia Care Plan

For memory care homes and home care agencies that treat people with dementia, a dementia care plan is essential. Even if your loved one is living at home, it’s a good idea for you to have a plan.

It will help your family get along the same page and ensure that you are prepared for anything. It’s best to prepare a plan if you have to intervene quickly. Your loved one may lose their ability to communicate their wishes as dementia progresses. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a plan in place.

Care plans go beyond simply listing symptoms or medications. The care plan is a 360-degree portrait that includes the individual with dementia’s abilities, interests, likes/dislikes and personal preferences. It provides a solid introduction to your loved ones and how you can improve their quality of life.

You can choose the format of your dementia care in Auckland plan that is most convenient to you, such as a binder, folder or computer file, or any other format that works.

SAMPLE CARE PLAN

Biography

Include biographical and background information.

Health history

• Your medical history
• Your care needs
• Current conditions

Medication schedule

• What medications do you or your loved one take?
• What are the effects of these medications?
• When should you take the medication?
• Who manages them?

Exercise

• Which exercise do you and your loved one like?
• Have they ever been involved in exercise or other sports?
• Which exercise can cause anxiety or confusion?

Schedule and Eating Patterns

• What are your nutritional needs?
• Favourite/least-favourite foods?
• What is the timing of your meals?
• What do you and your loved one enjoy eating?

Personal Care

• Dressing
• Hygiene for personal use
• Swimming
• Toileting

Communication

Any difficulties with speech or language should be included.

Mobility

Please include details about how the person with dementia moves, such as their ability to climb stairs and get in and out of chairs, beds or beds, dress themselves, fine motor skills, etc.

Cognitive ability

• Ability to reason
• Planning ability
• Problem-solving
• Comprehension
• The ability to learn from experience

Personality

• Who is your loved one? Think of traits like positive/negative, introverted/extroverted, calm/energetic, etc.
• What are your likes and dislikes?
• What is their greatest achievement?
• What is their greatest dream?
• What is their greatest fear?

Family, friends and the community

• Who is in regular contact with your loved ones?
• Who do they enjoy socializing with?

Safety

Are there safety concerns? Walking, bathing, wandering, etc.?

Spirituality

Are you or your loved ones spiritual? Religious? Which traditions are they following?

The highest and the lowest functioning times of the day

1. Which time of the day is your loved one most lucid?
2. When are they the most confused?

Brain training activities

Is there any activity your loved one does that can improve cognitive abilities? Crossword puzzles, documentaries, reading, painting, etc.?

Activities

What have you or your loved one enjoyed the most (e.g. movies, music and books, walking, gardening, etc.)? 

1. Which activities are most effective?
2. What activities are not effective?
3. Can you tolerate a deviation from the routine, or is it confusing?

You need to collect a lot of information, as you can see. This list can be used as a starting point. You can add your categories or questions to make them more relevant to your loved ones. The care plan should not be considered a finalized document. It should be reviewed and updated regularly.

You can communicate better with future caregivers and family members if you have a complete picture of your loved ones with dementia. Your loved one will feel more comfortable daily, so make sure you do an accurate assessment.