My 87 year old mom has stage 6 dementia. Her are some tips that I wish I would have known about 1-2 years ago to help improve her quality of life.
1.) simple coloring books and markers! (restless and agitation )
2.) folding laundry (we purchased 150 cheap micro fiber towels of different sizes and colors). (restless and agitation)
3.) walk and exercise (restless and agitation )
4.) a smaller size recliner (that also rocks)
5.) relaxing music and appropriate lighting (lamps in evening / night)
6.) voice memos from loved ones (that can be played by caregiver ) to help re-orientate , calm , relax loved one. (Where they are, everything is okay , you will see them soon, etc etc). (restless and agitation, confusion and sadness ).
7.) appropriate access and dialogue with health care team and access to correct meds including appropriate prn meds
8.) another realization is our moms need for as much one on one care as possible (despite living on a dementia floor of an assisted living facility).
9.) learn more about dementia early on and how to care for loved ones with dementia