What do I do now?

Families often tell us they struggle with what to do first when they receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and/or dementia within the family unit.

It might take careful planning and organization to keep routines like they were before the diagnosis. Try to start establishing a routine soon after a diagnosis so it can be practiced, and habits can be formed. The Caring Place can be the first place that your family starts a routine. Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and now offering a 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. option, our staff and outstanding volunteers, welcome our participants and provide a loving and nurturing environment for them.

People with dementia can become apathetic or depressed or simply forget to do certain things/tasks. Under these circumstances, the person may not feel motivated to do things, such as exercise or engage in a puzzle. They may forget that a puzzle was available to them. They may have trouble deciding what to do each day. So, routines may be essential to help accomplish daily tasks.

When you have structure and daily routines, you reduce the barriers to doing these activities. You can simplify the cognitive demand on a person by having them engage in their routine instead of challenging their brain with something new. The Caring Place of Hot Springs offers the perfect opportunity for individuals with these diseases to engage in activities that are not challenging — but at the same time stimulate the individual to participate in exercise, art therapy, games,