As winter comes to an end and the days become longer, it’s soon that time of year again when the clocks go forward. Get prepared ahead of time for the change on Sunday 31 March.
For most people the changing of clock can be a mild inconvenience however for someone living with Dementia it can be disorientating and sometimes cause confusion and distress.
As the day time gets lighter and lighter someone living with Dementia may find it difficult to differenciate between 6am and 6pm this can effect there biological clock and cause them and those who care for them to lose sleep.
Due to this possible lack of sleep it is likely they may get distress, irritable and quick to lose there temper.
We have some tips that can help!
Plan the day before.
Think of having dinner and going to bed an hour earlier the evening before. This will allow them to still get a regular routine and only their evening will be affected, not their entire day.
Set out a routine.
Having a routine during the day and at bedtime can help regulate a person’s disrupted. Doing regular activities at the same time each day.
Outside time to keep active.
Outside time and getting gentle exercise can help anyone with their sleeping pattern. For someone living with Dementia it is extremely useful to help them keep their bedtime routine when the clocks change.