As the weather warms up and the days start getting longer, daylight savings time (DST) is just around the corner. As the clocks change, seniors with dementia may find the change of time disorienting. There are ways you can make it easier.
What Is Daylight Savings Time?
Daylight savings time typically starts in the spring and ends in the fall. During daylight savings time, clocks spring forward one hour in the spring and fall back one hour in the fall. By making this change, everyone gains an extra hour of daylight in the summer and conserves energy.
How Can DST Be Disorienting for Seniors with Dementia in the First Couple of Days?
Seniors with dementia can find the change of time during DST to be disorienting, especially in the first couple of days. Here are three primary reasons for this:
- Skipped hours: When the clocks shift forward an hour in the spring, the skipped hour causes confusion for many people. This can be especially frustrating for those with dementia, who may be looking for a specific hour that simply no longer exists.
- Clocks with different times: If your senior loved one with dementia moves from one room to another during the change of daylight savings, they may become confused if the clocks show different times. They may not understand why the times on the clocks are different.
- Changes in meal schedule: During daylight savings time, seniors with dementia may be confused about when to eat. They may be used to eating at a certain time each day, so when the time changes, this can lead to them not eating when they should, and they may feel hungry before the meal.
How Can DST Be Disorienting for Seniors with Dementia in the First Couple of Weeks?
In the first few weeks after the start of DST, seniors with dementia may be disoriented or confused by their environment. This is primarily due to the fact that they are not used to the new times associated with daylight savings. They may not be able to remember what they did the day before or where they were supposed to be.
Strategies to Help Seniors with Dementia Adjust to Daylight Savings Time
Here are some strategies to help seniors with dementia adjust to daylight savings time:
Gradual Adjustment
To help your senior loved one with dementia adjust to daylight savings time, it is important to start adjusting their time early. You might consider starting about a week ahead of the time change by adjusting their sleep schedule and activities by 15 minutes each day.
Maintain Their Routine
You want to maintain the same routine as much as possible to help your senior relative with dementia adjust to daylight savings time. Having the same activities and meals around the same times each day can help them adjust to the new time.
Reduce Common Stressors
During the daylight savings time change, it can be helpful to reduce common stressors such as loud noises and bright lights. Having a comfortable and inviting environment can help reduce confusion and disorientation.
Senior Helpers Visalia Provides Support for Seniors and Their Families
Changing the clocks can be disorienting for seniors with dementia. To help your senior loved one transition to the new time, it's vital to find a strategy that works for you in Visalia, Hanford, Tulare, Kings County, and Tulare County. Senior Helpers Visalia can provide help with daily activities for your senior parents. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your loved one.