Senior Home Care Tip from the Pros: Create and Follow a Daily Schedule
Life, especially but not just during the pandemic, can be filled with uncertainty. For seniors who are feeling less in command of particular facets of life, such as losing physical or cognitive functioning, concentrating on what can be controlled is empowering.
A great place to start is by establishing a regular routine, personalized to a senior’s particular interests and needs. Keep in mind that the senior’s routine is certainly not meant to be a strict regimen to be adhered to, but merely the basis for structure and predictability. With the older adult’s direction and input, decide on a preferred framework for every day. A sample daily routine may look like this:
- Wake up at 7:30 a.m.
- Take care of personal hygiene needs and get dressed
- Enjoy breakfast on the back patio while listening to favorite music
- Engage in light exercise and stretching
- Work on a puzzle or art project
- Pack a picnic lunch to take to the nearby park
- Run an errand
- Spend some quiet time reading or taking a short nap
- Make dinner together and tidy up afterwards
- Take a bath
- Watch a movie
- Go to sleep at 10 p.m.
Daily routines are helpful for older adults and their caregivers alike, in many different ways:
- Routines lower stress and anxiety. Routines are calming and comforting, eliminating the need to wonder and worry about what’s going to occur next, who will be there to assist, and how to ensure that everything is going to be taken care of.
- Routines create better sleep. Research has shown that sticking with a daily routine aids in sleep quality in addition to the ability to fall asleep and remain asleep.
- Routines allow for high quality time with friends and family. Older adults and those who care for them can establish routines that incorporate enjoyable time together. Include favorite pastimes, weekly lunch dates at a favorite restaurant, even an end-of-the-day hug.
Our care team is skilled at creating customized care plans and schedules in order to make each day the very best it can be for older adults and those who love them through a full range of in-home support services, including:
- Morning wake-up assistance, including personal hygiene and cooking a nourishing breakfast
- Engaging companionship throughout the day and evening – whenever needed
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Shopping and other errands
- Medication reminders
- Accompaniment to outings, visits with friends and family, medical appointments, etc.
- And many others, in accordance with each senior’s specific needs
Call us any time at (954) 486-6440 for more information and to request a free in-home consultation.
