If you are the caregiver of a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, you might have learned, or are beginning to learn the importance of routine. Daily and weekly routines help your loved one with dementia know what to expect each day, helping them to be prepared and ready to be a part of the process instead of having something forced upon them. It brings your loved one a sense of pride in helping and being an active member of your family. It might help you to chart what each day will look like so that you (or your Alzheimer’s home care provider) remember what to do at what time, making the day more enjoyable for all involved.
Each day that is planned out will allow you to spend less time focusing on what’s next, and more time actively involved in activities that provide meaning and enjoyment for your loved one. When you plan out your days, it’s important to remember to plan some time just for you as well. Those rest periods are important for you to have the energy, compassion, and patience that might be needed for the rest of the day. Having an Alzheimer’s home care provider who can step in and provide you with those daily respits might be something you want to work into the daily schedule.
Your loved one’s daily schedule should reflect a variety of activities from personal care to mentally stimulating to physical activity, along with quiet times. Structured and pleasant activities can often reduce agitation and improve the mood of your loved one but remember you will most likely need to always make adjustments as your loved one’s needs and abilities change.
Let’s look at what a typical daily schedule could look like for your loved one. Keep in mind, you don’t need to be in charge of all of these. Other family members or an Alzheimer’s home care provider can help you with almost any of them.
Morning
- Get ready for the day by brushing teeth, combing hair, washing up, and getting dressed.
- Enjoy breakfast. As much as possible, have your loved one help with breakfast by setting the table, getting items from the fridge, or pouring drinks. Breakfast is a great time to sit and have conversations together as well.
- Do some morning chores such as folding laundry, taking care of the pet, or some light housekeeping.
- Take a quiet morning break.
Afternoon
- Prepare and enjoy lunch together. Have your loved one help with clean up afterward.
- Have your loved one get outside when possible for a walk or some gardening.
- Afternoons can be a great time for a craft activity or some music enjoyment.
- Have a visitor such as a family member or her Alzheimer’s care provider.
- Take a short break or nap.
Evenings
- Prepare and enjoy dinner.
- Enjoy a quiet evening activity such as a movie or listening to music.
- Follow the bedtime routine of bathing, getting into night clothes, and any calming activities that may help end the day on a positive note.
Routines are wonderful for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease but don’t get so rooted in them that you miss activities that your loved one will enjoy.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care Services in Del Mar CA, please contact the caring staff at Canaan Home Care today! 1-844-CANAAN-1 (1-844-226-2261)
Canaan Home Care – A Premier Provider of Senior Home Care in the La Jolla, Del Mar, San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, and Manhattan Beach areas.
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