CARE PLANS FOR ALL 7 STAGES OF DEMENTIA
(Global Deterioration Scale – GDS)
STAGE 1 — No Impairment
Goal: Maintain brain health + prevent decline
Care Plan
- Daily walking 20–30 min
- Mediterranean-style diet
- Hydration 6–8 cups daily
- Puzzles, reading, music
- Good sleep routine
- Annual memory check
- Promote social engagement
STAGE 2 — Very Mild Cognitive Decline
(Very early changes—forgetting names, misplacing items)
Goal: Support memory + reduce stress
Care Plan
- Memory aids: notebook, reminders, labels
- Simple daily routine
- Gentle exercise
- Anti-inflammatory diet
- Music therapy 10–15 min morning/evening
- Stress reduction: breathing, nature sounds
- Carer reassurance, no pressure
STAGE 3 — Mild Cognitive Decline
(Noticeable forgetfulness, difficulty planning, repeating questions)
Goal: Keep independence + slow progression
Care Plan
- Structured daily schedule
- Simplify choices (2 options only)
- Safety checks: remove clutter, good lighting
- Calendar board + medication organiser
- Weekly cognitive activities: puzzles, music, reminiscence
- Mild strength exercises
- Encourage independence, supervise gently
- Early legal + care planning discussions (advance care plan)
STAGE 4 — Moderate Cognitive Decline
(Needs support with complex tasks)
Goal: Maintain comfort, reduce frustration
Care Plan
- Step-by-step instructions
- Supervision with money, meds, appointments
- Meal plan with soft options if needed
- Daily hydration reminders
- Music therapy for agitation (favourites playlist)
- Reminiscence therapy using photos
- Encourage hobbies they still enjoy
- Calm environment: low noise, soft lighting
- Safety monitoring: wandering risk begins
STAGE 5 — Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline
(Needs help with daily tasks: dressing, hygiene, meals)
Goal: Reduce anxiety, protect dignity
Care Plan
- Full assistance with bathing/dressing
- Cueing method: “first we do this…”
- Clothing pre-laid out
- Finger foods if cutlery becomes difficult
- Hydration every 1–2 hours
- Keep environment familiar and predictable
- Repetition is soothing—avoid correcting
- Use short sentences + slow speech
- Music before meals to increase appetite
- Monitor sleep/wandering