Daylight Savings and Memory Care
Routine is one of the most important aspects of Memory Care. It’s the foundation that helps Memory Care seniors navigate their world. However, as daylight saving time approaches, seniors with dementia will begin to have struggles adjusting to this shift.
Caregivers can be faced with challenges relating to this change, such as longer periods of sundowning at night and morning risers who will continue their day an hour earlier. Here are some helpful tips to work with seniors on adjusting to this time change.
Small Shifts In Time
Seniors with dementia may not understand why they have to get up earlier, so instead of trying to adjust their schedule in one day, make small time edits over the course of a few. This would mean that every day until or around daylight savings, the clocks would shift back in small increments.
For example, if lunch is served at noon, then caregivers can introduce lunch earlier in the days leading up to the time change. One day it may be at 11:45 a.m., then the next at 11:30 a.m., up until the time gets pushed back an hour and seniors are back onto their normal schedule. This process will take a few days, but the small challenges that come with this minor time shift can prevent larger issues from arising from a sudden hour shift.
Needs To Be Met Before Bed
As time slowly shifts, it’s critical to make sure that a senior’s needs are completely met before they rest. This means that they are well-fed, hydrated, and have used the bathroom before laying down.
During the day, caregivers can give residents snacks and water or other drinks to ensure that seniors are ready for the upcoming earlier bedtime. These snacks should be high in protein, keeping seniors fuller for longer. Snacks like Greek yogurt, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and nuts are some great examples to offer towards the end of the day.
Similarly, take the time to make sure a senior has used the bathroom before heading to bed. Reduce any water or liquid intake about an hour before bed as well, and instead offer more drinks throughout the day.
Changing The Environment
Leading up to losing an hour with daylight saving, caregivers can change the environment around seniors to give them ample time to adjust. This comes down to two major areas: temperature and lighting.
Mild Temperature
It’s natural for cooler weather to start a process of slowing the body down for the winter months. Seniors are susceptible to this while moving the time back, as their normal 7 a.m. will be 6 a.m. However, this sudden change in temperature can make anyone grumpy, especially seniors who may not be able to properly vocalize that they’re too cold or too hot.
To counteract this, caregivers should watch the thermostat to keep it at a consistent, moderate temperature. This will help seniors keep their hormonal levels balanced through the adjustment, which will cause fewer challenges. The temperature should stick to around the same degree for a few days while transitioning, then it can be edited to fit the needs of the community.
Close The Blinds For Artificial Light
While daylight saving time moves the time back one hour, it’s important to understand the impact of sunlight on the human brain. When it is dark out, humans are inclined to sleep or rest. During daylight saving time, this can be a major issue for seniors with dementia, as their bodies will be reacting to the sunlight while trying to change the clocks.
It’s best to keep the blinds closed during the colder months in the morning and at night. In place of the sun, use artificial lighting to warm up the environment. Stick to light bulbs that have a warm, yellow hue over the cooler, blue/daylight options as the yellow light better reflects the natural sun.
Increase Activities And Movement
While daylight saving time is on the horizon, increase the daily activities that are available for seniors. This will lead them to be more distracted as the time shifts a bit earlier every day. There is also the added benefit of seniors being more tired at night if they have used up energy during the day.
Activities can also be moved to the morning to take full advantage of when seniors are the most active. Then, for the afternoon, move seniors outside. The sun can help regulate their system as they do a low-energy exercise, like walking, to burn off any excess energy before they sleep.
Sources: Positive Approach to Aging (Teepa Snow)
