Goals are important in Alzheimer’s long-term care. It is the new year, when everyone is making New Year’s resolutions here in Kansas City and around the world, and the perfect time to set some goals for those with Alzheimer’s and those caring for them. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s brings special challenges. Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia progress over a long period of time. They can change a person’s abilities and if your loved one gets confused or forgetful, setting goals may need to be considered and revisited often.

Benefits of Setting a Daily Goal When Caring for Alzheimer’s patients:

• Helps you act –

It’s easy to find the day gets away from you, when faced with the challenges of Alzheimer’s long-term care. Setting daily goals helps to accomplish key things. Focus on smalls tasks or activities, they’re more likely to get done. Small daily actions keep you moving forward, versus lofty goals which may feel unattainable. Some caregivers set up a routine to tackle tasks on specific days.

• Creates routine and structure –

Without a routine, the day can become tedious. Without goals you may both become depressed or apathetic. Having a goal for the day gives you some purpose and structure with the flexibility to adjust to what’s happening that day.

• Keeps you from getting overwhelmed –

You’re facing many daily challenges surrounding Alzheimer’s long-term care, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. On those bad days, you may have thoughts or feelings of self-doubt. It’s guaranteed you’ll be overwhelmed by too many tasks. Instead, look at your daily goal and know it’s manageable.

• Helps you stay in the moment and focus on what’s important –

The person with Alzheimer’s or any other type of dementia is very present. They lack complex skills to be forward thinking. How they’re feeling right now is their world. This can cause outbursts when they can’t express themselves. So, if they’re hungry or in pain, they might become aggressive. When dealing with Alzheimer’s long-term care, we have to learn to be mindful. Please pay close attention to what’s happening now, rather than being distracted by everything else. Daily goals can help you focus on one key thing for the day and therefore keeping you mindful.

• Allows you to meet the person where they are and celebrate success –

Daily goals allow you to adjust to where the person is that day. Some days you might be able to set bigger goals. Other days, you both may need more rest and to keep things simple. Alzheimer’s long-term care requires a lot of flexibility. Trying to plan too far ahead will only lead to lots of frustration. Small goal means feelings of accomplishment every day. Remember small wins build momentum. Celebrates the wins.

Remember if you feel too overwhelmed, please feel free to reach out to us here at Clover Care Home by calling (913) 991-2605. We’ve been serving the greater Kansas City area since 2013.