A simple daily routine helps reduce confusion, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and frustration in Stage 3 dementia.
The key is predictability, slow pacing, and no pressure.

Use the same times for:

• Waking up
• Meals
• Medication
• Toileting
• Rest
• Evening wind-down
• Bedtime

Why: The brain feels safer when it knows what comes next.

• Soft music
• Curtains open slowly
• Offer water or tea
• Small, simple instructions like:
  “Let’s start the morning now.”

Why: A calm start stabilises the whole day.

Example: Getting dressed

1. “Here is your shirt.”
2. Guide sleeves one by one
3. “Now the buttons.”

Example: Meal

1. Sit at table
2. Place plate in front
3. Hand spoon gently

Why: Stage 3 thinking needs clear, simple guidance.

• Keep the bathroom ready
• Lay out clothes
• Put needed items where they can be seen
• Reduce clutter

Why: Organisation reduces stress and increases attention.

At JUST FOR 2 OF US, we believe that health is a journey, not a destination. W 

Stage 3 is often a turning point in dementia. Memory problems become more noticeable, daily tasks need more guidance, and emotional reassurance becomes essential. With the right support, your loved one can still enjoy comfort, connection, and meaningful moments every day.

People in Stage 3 may show:

• Forgetting recent events or conversations
• Losing track of time, place, or plans
• Difficulty focusing or completing tasks
• Slower thinking and problem-solving
• Misplacing items or repeating questions
• Needing reminders for meals, hygiene, and routines
• Becoming easily tired or overwhelmed
• Emotional changes — sadness, frustration, anxiety
• Early signs of “sundowning” in late afternoon/evening

These changes can be worrying for families, but gentle structure and calm communication make a big difference.

• Same wake-up, meals, and bedtime
• Clear step-by-step instructions
• One task at a time
• Quiet, low-stress environment

• Speak softly and slowly
• Keep eye contact
• Offer warm encouragement (“You’re safe, I’m with you”)
• Avoid correcting or arguing

• Good lighting
• Clear walking spaces
• Labels on drawers/doors
• Remove clutter and loud noises
• Keep important items in the same place

• Use calendars, reminders, simple checklists
• Photos & familiar objects
• Repetition in a calm tone
• Music from their youth

• Gentle stretches
• Short walks
• Simple hobbies: folding towels, sorting items, colouring
• Social interaction in small amounts

• Avoid rushed transitions
• Use calming music
• Stay near during bathing or dressing
• Offer choices: “Would you like tea or juice?”

Music becomes a powerful tool at this stage:

• Reduces agitation & sundowning
• Boosts mood and connection
• Helps with focus during tasks
• Encourages movement and engagement
• Supports sleep at night

Best types of music:

• Familiar songs from their youth
• Slow, gentle melodies
• Calm instrumental
• Nature sounds
• Hymns or spiritual music (if meaningful to them)

If you want, I can add your 24-hour Stage 3 playlist (one-click) directly under this section.

• 5–6 small meals instead of large ones
• Easy-to-chew foods
• High-calorie snacks if appetite is low
• Water every 1–2 hours
• Warm, familiar flavours
• Calm environment during meals

Stage 3 often brings late-day confusion.

Helpful strategies:

• Dim, warm lighting
• Very gentle music
• Quiet activities
• Avoid caffeine after 2pm
• Soothing routine (tea, soft blanket, prayer, music)

• Regular bedtime
• Cool, dark room
• Soft night-light
• Night-time calming playlist
• Weighted blanket (if safe)

• Be patient with slower responses
• Allow extra time for tasks
• Avoid rushing or correcting
• Celebrate small successes
• Take breaks — caregiver wellbeing matters too

Stage 3 dementia needs gentle structure, patient communication, and emotional reassurance — with music, routine, and calm environments guiding each day.