Memory care in Fresno is a crucial aspect of providing quality care to those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We understand that individuals facing these challenges need specialized support and care to thrive while living life in our community at Kingston Bay. One of the most important aspects of their well-being is ensuring that they get a good night’s sleep. In this blog, we will explore 10 valuable tips to help those living with dementia improve their sleep quality.
#1: Create a Soothing Environment
First and foremost, ensuring a calm and soothing sleeping environment is essential. This can include anything from having a comfortable pillow and blanket to investing in a sound machine to play white noise. Most individuals sleep better in a cooler environment, though this of course can vary. Here at Kingston Bay, we prioritize individual temperature control and encourage residents to bring along any items that might help contribute to their quality of rest.
#2: Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule
Consistency is key for anyone, but can be particularly helpful for those living with dementia. Encourage residents to maintain a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. This is important to follow even on the weekends or during the holidays. A bedtime routine can look different for each person, but will likely include some self care habits, such as brushing your teeth or applying lotion.
#3: Encourage Physical Activity
Regularly participating in physical activity throughout the day can promote better sleep. At Kingston Bay, our resident fitness center offers cardio equipment and space for group exercise to help keep residents active and engaged. Whether it’s going for a daily walk around our grounds or participating in a yoga or stretching session, these activities can do wonders for improving resident wellness, including sleep.
#4: Limit Stimulants
It is important to reduce caffeine and sugar intake, especially in the evening hours, to prevent disruptions in sleep patterns. Some herbal teas, such as chamomile or lavender teas, can naturally help promote better sleep. However, just make sure that they don’t contain caffeine!
#5: Provide Nutritious Meals
Proper nutrition is essential, especially for older adults. Here at the best memory care in Fresno, our all-day restaurant-style dining, featuring meals prepared by our in-house chef, ensures that residents receive balanced and delicious meals.
#6: Manage Medications Effectively
If you’re having difficulties sleeping at night, it might be time to take a closer look at your medications. Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or other healthcare professional to manage medications that might interfere with sleep patterns. It could just take a few adjustments to get you back on track and getting adequate rest at night.
#7: Foster Relaxation Techniques
Did you know that relaxation techniques can do wonders for bolstering sleep quality? These techniques include a myriad of options such as those listed below:
Deep Breathing Exercises:
Teach residents simple deep breathing techniques. Inhale slowly through the nose for a count of four, hold the breath for four counts, and then exhale slowly through the mouth for a count of four. Repeat this several times to relax and reduce anxiety.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation:
Guide residents through a progressive muscle relaxation exercise. Have them tense and then release different muscle groups in their body, starting from their toes and working their way up to their head. This can help relieve physical tension.
Guided Imagery:
Lead residents in a guided imagery exercise where they close their eyes and visualize a peaceful and calming place, such as a beach, a forest, or a garden. Encourage them to engage their senses in the visualization.
Meditation:
Introduce simple meditation practices that focus on mindfulness. Residents can sit comfortably and pay attention to their breath, bodily sensations, or a specific calming word or phrase.
#8: Limit Daytime Napping
Though it’s easy to want to snooze the day away as a part of rest and relaxation in retirement, excessive daytime napping can disrupt nighttime sleep. If you’re in need of a nap during the day, try to set an alarm to avoid oversleeping.
#9: Engage in Cognitive Activities
Engaging in cognitive activities during the day can help stimulate the mind and improve sleep quality. Our communities offer multi-purpose living areas and a demonstration kitchen for fun and engaging activities. Below are a few other suggestions we have for cognitive-based activities that our memory care in Fresno residents might enjoy:
Art Therapy:
Engage residents in art projects such as painting, drawing, or crafting. This not only stimulates creativity but also provides an opportunity for self-expression.
Memory Games:
Play memory-enhancing games like card matching, crossword puzzles, or Sudoku. These games challenge the mind and can be both fun and beneficial.
Music Therapy:
Encourage residents to participate in music-related activities, such as singing, playing musical instruments, or listening to familiar songs. Music can evoke memories and emotions.
Storytelling:
Organize storytelling sessions where residents can share their life stories or listen to others. Storytelling promotes social interaction and memory recall.
#10: Seek Emotional Support
Last but not least, emotional well-being is crucial. Our approach focuses on building strong relationships, laughter, love, compassion, and celebrating good times. Emotional support is readily available to help residents feel secure and content.
Contact Our Memory Care in Fresno
At Kingston Bay, we understand the unique challenges that those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia face. We are dedicated to providing customized care that focuses on the individual, ensuring their safety and dignity while enhancing their quality of life. Our rates for memory care apartments start at $4995, with various amenities to make life enjoyable. We encourage senior adults and their families to prioritize their health and wellness by considering senior living communities like ours.
Please contact us today if you are interested in learning more about how we can provide the support and care your loved one needs to thrive. We aim to change lives together, creating remarkable moments every day within our community!
