August 25, 2021
Developing daily routines for seniors can be beneficial in many ways.
Life, particularly during the pandemic, can be filled with uncertainty. For older adults who are feeling less in control of particular parts of life, such as losing cognitive or physical functioning, focusing on what can be controlled is empowering.
Developing a daily routine for seniors, adapted to their particular needs and interests, can be a great place to start. Remember that the senior’s routine is not necessarily meant to be a strict schedule to be adhered to, but simply the foundation for structure and predictability. With the senior’s direction and opinions, make a decision on a desired 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
- Eat breakfast on the porch while listening to favorite music
- Go for a walk
- Work on a puzzle or art project
- Pack a picnic lunch to take to the local park
- Run an errand
- Take a short nap or spend some quiet time reading
- Make dinner together and clean up afterwards
- Take a bath
- Watch a movie
- Go to bed at 10:30 p.m.
Developing daily routines for seniors can also be helpful to their caregivers in several ways:
- Routines lower stress and anxiety. Routines are calming and comforting, preventing the need to wonder and worry about what is going to happen next, who will be there to assist, and how to make sure that everything will be taken care of.
- Routines improve sleep. Research has shown that sticking with 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 friends and family. Seniors and those who care for them can establish routines that incorporate satisfying time together. Include favorite pastimes, weekly lunch dates at a well-loved restaurant, even an end-of-the-day hug.
Continuum’s home care team is experienced in developing personalized care plans and schedules in order to make every day the best it can be for seniors and those who love them through a full range of in-home support services, such as:
- Morning wake-up help, including personal hygiene and making a nutritious 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 friends and family, medical appointments, etc.
- And many others, according to each individual’s particular needs.
Contact us any time online or call us at (314) 863-9912 or (636) 861-3336 for more information on our at-home care in St. Louis and the surrounding areas and to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.