What Should Families Add to a Dementia Care Plan?

When a loved one begins experiencing memory loss, families want to do everything possible to help them feel safe, supported and fulfilled. That’s why creating a dementia care plan is such an essential part of moving into the best memory care setting. A strong care plan provides structure for caregivers and family members while also honoring the individual routines, preferences and joys that bring meaning to each day. 

In this blog, we’ll explain what a dementia care plan is, what it should include and how your input as a family member can make a meaningful difference. While medical needs are certainly part of the picture, the most effective plans go further by embracing what makes your loved one feel at home. 

What Is a Dementia Care Plan?

A dementia care plan is a personalized, written document that outlines how to best support someone living with dementia. Typically created by caregivers in coordination with family members and medical professionals, the plan includes key information about daily routines, communication preferences, safety concerns, medical conditions and more. 

Its purpose is twofold: first, to guide the day-to-day care tasks so that nothing important is overlooked; and second, to help care teams deliver consistent, compassionate support based on the individual’s needs and personality. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, effective care plans are regularly updated as the disease progresses and circumstances change. 

What Should Be Included?

Families often find that participating in the care planning process helps them feel more involved and confident during a challenging transition. When building the plan with a caregiver, here are some essential elements to include: 

• Medical details: Medications, known allergies, diagnoses and doctors’ contact information. 

• Daily schedule: From what time your loved one wakes up to their preferred bedtime; documenting routines brings structure and familiarity. For example, if they always read the newspaper with coffee at 8:00 a.m., that should be part of the plan. 

• Abilities and support needs: This is a practical list of what your loved one can still do independently versus what they need help with. This may include grooming, dressing, eating or mobility. 

• Communication preferences: Does your family member respond better to short, simple sentences? Do they prefer visual prompts or gentle redirection? Share what works best. 

• Comforts and joys: Favorite music, snacks, hobbies and activities can all be powerful tools to reduce agitation and spark joy. Whether it’s caring for a garden or listening to The Who, these little details matter. 

• Emotional and behavioral notes: If your loved one experiences anxiety during certain tasks or benefits from specific calming techniques, include those observations. 

Creating this plan is also a wonderful opportunity to reflect on your family member’s life story and incorporate meaningful traditions. The best memory care communities encourage families to contribute stories, photos and insights to help caregivers truly understand each resident as a person. 

A Sample Day in a Dementia Care Plan

To visualize what a dementia care plan might look like, here’s a simplified version of a daily plan: 

Morning:

• Wake at 7:30 a.m.; prefers time alone before talking 

• Coffee and oatmeal at 8:00 a.m.; reads newspaper with staff nearby 

• Bathroom routine with help brushing teeth and shaving 

Midday:

• 10:30 a.m. walk in garden; enjoys naming flowers 

• Lunch at 12:00 p.m.; needs encouragement to eat vegetables 

• Quiet rest time at 1:30 p.m.; listens to classical music 

Afternoon:

• 3:00 p.m. group activity (painting or puzzles); needs set-up support 

• Video call with daughter at 4:30 p.m.; often improves mood afterward 

Evening:

• Dinner at 6:00 p.m.; prefers to sit by window 

• Bath with assistance at 7:00 p.m. 

• In bed by 8:00 p.m.; enjoys lavender lotion and bedtime prayer 

This type of plan helps staff create continuity even as team members rotate. It also reassures families that their loved one’s habits and preferences are being respected. 

How It Helps the Care Team

At communities like Freedom Village at Bradenton, a well-developed dementia care plan is vital for delivering high-quality care. It supports teamwork among nurses, aides and specialists, and it helps new caregivers quickly get to know a resident. Even small details, like which side of the bed they prefer or how they like their toast, can go a long way in building trust and comfort. 

When families and care teams work together to co-create a plan, the result is a more personalized and dignified experience. Staff can better prevent confusion or distress, and families feel assured that their loved one is living with purpose and connection. 

H2: Creating a Dementia Care Plan That Truly Cares 

Choosing the best memory care means looking beyond medical charts and diagnoses. It means creating a compassionate and individualized environment where your loved one can continue to find joy and meaning each day. Your insight as a family member plays a critical role in that. 

As you prepare to visit a community or start the care planning process, consider what routines, comforts and values matter most to your loved one. That’s the heart of every great dementia care plan. 

Looking for the best memory care? Our community was awarded a gold medal for the 2024 “Best Memory Care” in Bradenton by the readers of the Bradenton Herald. Schedule a visit of our memory care community today!