You may be wondering if you should correct your senior loved one when they get the date or time wrong, especially during daylight savings time, which may cause some confusion. While this confusion can happen to anyone, it may be worse for those with underlying conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive form of dementia that results in a decline in memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions. It is typically diagnosed in people over the age of 65, but it can also affect younger individuals. The condition can lead to confusion and disorientation, especially when the date and time change due to daylight savings time.
How Does Alzheimer's Affect the Perception of Time?
When your senior loved one has Alzheimer's, it can affect their perception of time in the following ways:
Difficulty with Time Orientation
Your senior loved one may struggle to keep track of what day it is, what time it is, and where they are in the timeline of the day. This can be especially difficult during daylight savings time when the clocks are set forward or backward for one hour.
Difficulty with Time Estimation
Seniors with Alzheimer's may have difficulty estimating how much time has gone by. For example, if you ask them how long ago something happened, they may not be able to give an accurate answer.
Strategies for Dealing with Daylight Savings Time
Some strategies may make it easier for your senior loved one with Alzheimer's to deal with daylight savings time, such as:
Establishing a Routine
Create a daily routine and try to stick to it, even when daylight savings time occurs. Make sure that your senior participates in activities that will become part of the new daily routine, such as taking medications, eating meals, going to bed, and waking up at the same time each day. This can be challenging because your senior loved one may be hungry earlier or be unable to sleep with the time change.
Using Visual Cues
Place visual reminders on the wall or other easily visible places, such as clocks, phones, and calendars. This can help your senior remember the date and time. With the start or end of daylight savings time, your senior loved one might struggle when it gets darker earlier or later.
Using Technology
Technology can be a great resource for managing daylight savings time. Smartphones, tablets, and other devices can have applications that keep track of the date and the time. You may even be able to set the device to notify you when daylight savings time occurs.
Should You Correct Seniors with Alzheimer's About the Date and Time?
On this matter, you need to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Correcting seniors with Alzheimer's about the date and time can be beneficial. It can help them stay oriented and understand when it is time for activities, such as meals and medications. It can also reduce anxiety and confusion.
On the other hand, correcting seniors with Alzheimer's may cause frustration or agitation, especially if they cannot remember or understand what is happening. It is important to approach the situation carefully, as overly correcting them may cause more distress.
Senior Helpers Westchester Helps Your Senior Loved One Thrive
Time and date can be a challenge for seniors with Alzheimer's, especially during daylight savings time. Senior Helpers Westchester provides support and help with daily activities for your senior parent. If you are located in Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Tarrytown, Bronxville, or anywhere in Westchester County and need more information or assistance, contact us today.