Daily Journal

Our Expert Dementia Care Team Is Here to Help

As dementia is robbing a loved one of their cognitive abilities and memories, there are steps for an in-home caregiver to take to try to prolong the healthy mental state of that person. These steps are found in simple routines and mental exercises to do with the caregiver.

One routine for someone with dementia is to keep a daily journal. The journal can help the person with dementia with their daily orientation as well as encourage them to express their feelings in writing.

When first starting the journal, caregivers may need to provide suggestions and guide the person with dementia. For example, they might tell them the day and date and describe the weather. “Write down that it is Tuesday, May 5, 2011. The weather is sunny and warm.”

Once the routine of journaling is established, our in-home caregiver should tell the person to also share their feelings in the journal. However, there never be any pressure on that person to write anything at all, but simply have the option provided to them with assistance as needed.

It can be helpful to caregivers to review the journal and see if it is being used and if there are any changes in their ability to write in the journal. If the loved one begins to feel that the journal is private, then always respect that.

Reach out to Homewatch CareGivers to learn more about how a daily journal may be beneficial for your loved one living with dementia. Contact us today.