Inside Look: How Senior Living Residents Spend Their Day

What a Day in the Life of a Memory Care Resident is Like.

If you’ve never visited a memory care community before, you might have no idea what makes up a typical day for a memory care resident. And you might be surprised just how much activity, support, companionship, and enjoyment there is in this setting, and why routine and structure are so important for the comfort and wellbeing of each memory care resident.

What is morning like for a memory care resident?

 A positive start to the day is the goal, and that means both a helping hand and a smile. Specially trained caregivers take the time to assist each memory care resident with dressing and grooming, encouraging them to join others for breakfast and more. Tantalizing aromas from the dining area help stimulate the senses as well.

Breakfast is often served family-style in a comfortable, casual dining area where staff assist each person with dining. Starting the day around others helps build a familiar, reassuring sense of community. Morning activities might include an exercise or stretching class, or perhaps a simple game. Many activities are designed to match individual preferences and tastes. For example, a longtime homemaker might enjoy folding laundry. A retired career handyman might spend time at a skills station with easy-to-use tools or objects to sort.

The goal is to keep each memory care resident engaged in an activity or event that holds meaning for them in some way. Having a familiar routine for the day is reassuring and can help build a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

Afternoons open a world of possibilities for healthy socializing and mental stimulation.

After a tasty and nutritious lunch, residents might attend a singalong in the activities room. A special outing to a beautiful park. Perhaps today is the day that pet therapy takes place; nothing warms the heart like a cold nose! Family members often enjoy stopping by in the afternoon to visit their loved ones and even attend an activity with them.

Sometimes a short nap is on the agenda; each memory care resident has comfortable accommodations designed for their safety as well as enjoyment. Or maybe conditions are just right to be outdoors in the lovely courtyard and garden area that is designed to keep residents safe and secure.

Evenings for a memory care resident soothe and relax.

Just like at home, dinnertime can signal memories of preparing a meal, setting a table, and so on. Tantalizing aromas and visual cues help stimulate appetite as residents gather together to dine, aided by special menus, finger foods, and other details that help reduce frustration and instead increase enjoyment of this special time.

Following dinner, there might be a concert to attend. Or a movie to watch. Being around others and feeling part of a family can reduce confusion and nervousness and help reduce sundowning and wandering. Structured events and familiar routines provide consistency, build confidence, and help each resident feel more in control. 

Failure-free activities are important.

In Spectrum memory care at The Herrick House, we want everyone to have the opportunity to have a really good day. That means coming up with activities that are failure-free, so that each person can have a sense of accomplishment and feel good about themselves. Our memory care setting is smaller by design, allowing for more one-on-one interaction between caregivers and memory care residents. In our caring, friendly community, we make sure no one gets lost in the shuffle.

Our specially trained caregivers build close relationships with each resident. We monitor them around the clock and offer assistance with all activities of daily living. These activities might include bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting and incontinence care.

Our services are available to people seeking long-term care as well as those who require only respite care, or a short-term stay. Respite care is ideal during times when you’re unavailable to tend to your loved one’s needs, or when you just need a short break. Licensed nursing staff and resident care aides are on site 24 hours a day. We’d love to tell you more.