Structure, Connection, and Joy—One Day at a Time

For individuals living with dementia, especially in the early stages, maintaining a sense of purpose and independence is vital. One of the most effective tools for achieving this is a personalised activity calendar—a daily or weekly routine designed around the individual’s interests, abilities, and legacy goals.

As a dementia care expert, I’ve seen how a simple structure that incorporates memory-supportive and emotionally meaningful activities can drastically improve wellbeing. When tailored to a person’s identity and pace, a calendar becomes more than a schedule—it becomes a source of comfort, dignity, and connection.

Why a Personalised Activity Calendar Matters

A personalised calendar supports:

• Cognitive stimulation
• Memory retention through routine
• Emotional regulation and reduced anxiety
• Independence and self-worth
• Opportunities for legacy creation and reflection

It’s especially helpful for carers and the sandwich generation, offering predictability and clarity in daily care.

Core Elements of a Dementia-Friendly Activity Calendar

A well-balanced activity calendar includes:

• Cognitive tasks (e.g., puzzles, memory games, reading aloud)
• Legacy-focused moments (e.g., writing, recording stories, reviewing photos)
• Social engagement (e.g., family visits, story circles)
• Physical movement (e.g., walks, chair yoga, gentle gardening)
• Spiritual connection (e.g., prayer, music, reflection)
• Creative expression (e.g., art, singing, cooking)
• Rest and quiet time

Tailor the timing and intensity to match energy levels and preferences, and integrate sensory-friendly spaces to avoid overwhelm.

How to Create One

1. Start With the Individual

Ask:

• “What do you enjoy doing each day?”
• “Are there parts of your day that feel important?”
• “Would you like to leave a message or story for someone?”
• “What activities help you feel calm or happy?”

These answers can form the backbone of a routine that supports both care and legacy preservation.

2. Build in Familiarity and Predictability

Routines anchor memory and reduce disorientation. Schedule key activities around:

• Mealtimes
• Personal care
• Favourite shows, hobbies, or daily rituals
• Times of day when energy or focus is highest

Keep the calendar visible and easy to read, using images or colour-coding where helpful.

3. Include Legacy Moments

You might schedule:

• “Tuesday mornings: Record a voice message”
• “Friday afternoon: Share a memory with a grandchild”
• “Sunday: Reflect on a prayer or value for ethical will”

These consistent windows support identity and give the individual a sense of ongoing purpose.

Supporting Emotional and Spiritual Wellbeing

Emotional regulation is just as important as cognitive stimulation. Include:

• Music sessions
• Faith practices
• Reflection time with a journal or legacy tool
• Short video messages that share how they’re feeling that day

These moments help individuals maintain a sense of inner peace while reinforcing personal meaning.

Integrating Technology Thoughtfully

Platforms like Evaheld can be incorporated directly into the routine:

• Use a tablet to guide daily legacy entries
• Store activity preferences and personal goals in the vault
• Share updates with family or guardians
• Upload short clips of completed artwork, recorded memories, or reflections

This technology ensures stories and routines are preserved and respected, even as needs evolve.

Keeping It Flexible and Uplifting

A calendar shouldn’t feel like homework. Focus on:

• Short, achievable activities (15–30 minutes)
• Mood-based flexibility
• Gentle encouragement over obligation
• Inclusion of the individual in adjustments and choices

The calendar should feel like a partner, not a list of demands.

How Families and Carers Can Support

Families can:

• Help schedule sessions for storytelling or memory sharing
• Offer to participate in an activity (e.g., cooking together or writing a letter)
• Check in weekly on what the person enjoyed or wants to change
• Help with setup of digital preservation tools
• Use the calendar as a conversation starter and support system

This creates consistency, collaboration, and emotional bonding.

Example Daily Routine (Adaptable)

Morning:

• Tea and breakfast
• Guided photo reflection
• Legacy video entry
• Garden walk

Midday:

• Quiet music or nap
• Lunch with carer
• Gentle movement or stretching
• Write or draw a memory

Evening:

• Spiritual reflection or ethical will entry
• Dinner
• Phone call or visit
• Light TV and bedtime ritual

Personalisation Across Time

As dementia progresses, revisit and adapt:

• Reduce complexity
• Shift from written to visual or sensory-based cues
• Replay previously recorded messages for comfort
• Involve others in joint storytelling or calming routines
• Keep legacy materials central to preserve identity

Your calendar will grow into a living document of life, love, and connection.

In Summary

A personalised activity calendar offers far more than structure—it gives people living with dementia a way to engage, contribute, and create meaning every single day.

Whether through reflection, storytelling, or movement, these daily rituals provide comfort, stimulate memory, and build legacy. With thoughtful planning and the help of tools like Evaheld, families can co-create a schedule that preserves the person behind the diagnosis—one activity at a time.