Almost a Perfect Day
Available now on Amazon
About the book
What’s the main benefit you get from this workbook?
Anyone who is overwhelmed and feels stuck in caring for someone with dementia, I created this workbook for you. Working with dementia clients and their caregivers for over 30 years, I know the challenges of getting through the day. Simple planning can help with the frustration and boredom an individual feels, day after day, thus making the caregivers’ life a little easier.
Easy to read
This workbook was designed specifically for family and professional caregivers working and planning out the daily and weekly routines for individuals with dementia. It’s an easy resource tool with explanations and ideas to guide you through and help to:
- creating a routine
- manage a therapeutic approach to daily care and activities while promoting an enriching and consistent lifestyle for simple planning and monitoring are achievable.
- Planning and dealing with behaviors
Why using a themed-schedule is important?
The idea behind “ALMOST A PERFECT DAY” is when caring for a loved one with dementia at home, you most likely are not going to experience perfection every day. However, striving for close to excellence is realistic.
When you create a schedule, consider one that is theme-based upon the individual’s interests and history. Using a theme-based schedule of events makes one’s day more interesting, creative, and reminiscent. This option benefits the individual because themed-subject-matter and can make memory recall more possible. Dementia patients feel more secure when they are within an upbeat and familiar environment leading to more interaction and self-expression. Communication is better.
As the caregiver, what are your responsibilities once the plan is executed?
- Follow the routine for consistency
- Promoting a therapeutic approach to care and activities
- Supporting a creative environment
What are some possible benefits for the family caregiver?
- more time for yourself
- fewer behaviors because of the structure
- specific things to do for the individual that are engaging
What are some possible benefits for the professional caregiver?
- helping the family caregiver to manage their time
- specific things to do for the individual on your visits
- making your visits more productive and enjoyable
What time frames are considered in planning?
- morning care • breakfast *** • a.m. downtime • a.m. activity • lunch *** • p.m. downtime • p.m. activity • p.m. downtime • dinner *** • evening activity • evening care • evening downtime • sleep-time • ** sleep disturbance
About the Author
As the creator of the workbook, I have worked in many healthcare environments throughout my career. They include skilled care as a certified ADC therapeutic recreation director, assisted living as a Florida State Core trained ED, owner of a private case management service, and several adult day care centers as the administrator and program developer. I continue to share my vision for Aging Creative and my commitment to improving the lives of caregivers. This workbook is something I hope will help at-home caregivers and those professionals that work with families, for I believe a good routine is a foundation for a productive and enriching day! -Jill Modell-Dion
Remember that as a caregiver, you have options.
Inspirational Quotes
"A daily routine built on good habits and disciplines separates the most successful among us from everyone else. The routine is exceptionally powerful." -- Darren Hardy
“Approaching with patience and kindness and going outside of your comfort zone will let that special person know that they are important and loved.” --JMD
"You can't use up creativity. The more you use the more you have." -- Maya Angelou