Life, especially but not just during the pandemic, can be filled with uncertainties. For seniors who are feeling less in control of particular facets of life, such as losing physical or cognitive functioning, concentrating on what can be controlled is empowering.
An excellent place to begin for a family member providing senior care is by creating a regular routine, personalized to an older adult’s specific needs and interests. Keep in mind that the older adult’s routine is not designed to be a strict schedule to be adhered to, but simply the basis for predictability and structure. With the senior’s direction and input, settle on a desired framework for each day. A sample day to day routine might look like this:
- Wake up at 7 a.m.
- Manage personal hygiene needs and get dressed
- Enjoy breakfast on the porch while listening to the news
- Take a walk
- Work on a puzzle or art project
- Pack a picnic lunch to bring to the neighborhood park
- Run a few errands
- Take a brief nap or spend some quiet time reading
- Prepare dinner together and clean up afterwards
- Have a bath
- Watch a movie
- Go to sleep at 10 p.m.
Daily routines are beneficial for seniors and their caregivers alike, in many ways:
- Routines lower anxiety and stress. Routines are comforting and calming, eliminating the need to wonder and worry about what’s going to happen next, who will be there to assist, and how to make certain that everything is going to be taken care of.
- Routines produce better sleep. Research has shown that following a regular routine helps with sleep quality in addition to the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Routines allow for high quality time with loved ones. Seniors 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.
As the leading provider of home care in Raleigh and surrounding areas, our care team is skilled at creating individualized care plans and daily schedules in order to make every day the best it can be for older adults and the ones who love them through a complete range of in-home support services, including:
- Morning wake-up services, including personal hygiene and making a nourishing breakfast
- Engaging companionship throughout the day and evening – whenever needed
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Shopping and other errands
- Medication reminders
- Transportation and accompaniment to outings, visits with family and friends, medical appointments, etc.
- And many more, according to each individual’s particular needs
Call us any time at 919-426-7522 for more information and also to schedule a no-cost in-home consultation.