Building a Daily Routine for Individuals with Alzheimer’s

Routines aid us in ensuring our lives function smoothly. There is comfort in a daily routine. Children thrive, as do adults. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may benefit the most from establishing regular habits. They may become agitated as things get mixed up and cause confusion. They may become fearful as well. Building a daily routine doesn’t have to be challenging when you rely on the assistance of a professionally trained caregiver

Practical Suggestions for Building a Daily Routine

Some people balk at the thought of doing the same thing day after day. Your ailing senior may say otherwise. Why not give them the additional comfort of knowing how the day will proceed even as cognitive decline threatens them? Make the process as easy as possible when you consider these practical suggestions:

1. Think about How You Can Reduce Mom’s Frustrations Over Tasks: Daily tasks may prove more difficult as the disease progresses, causing your quiet, generally calm mother to bust out in tears of anger.
1. Consider how you can reduce her frustration by establishing a routine around her best times of the day. For example, if she is more alert before noon, schedule appointments then.
2. Give yourself and your loved one plenty of time. Tasks that used to take 30 minutes may take an hour. Accept that Dad will need breaks and allow for that. If you plan for it, you will find that you are less anxious, too.
3. Allow your senior to do as much as possible that they can still do with little to no assistance. Maybe Mom can fold towels and washcloths or set the table.
4. Provide your dad with choices, but not too many. You can ask if he wants his eggs scrambled or fried. Try not to give him more than two options as it can increase anxiety levels.
2. Flexibility is vital to the success of routines. There will come a time when an individual with Alzheimer’s will become more dependent on their caregiver. You may find that the pattern you established six months ago no longer works. This can be frustrating for both of you. Instead of allowing this to tarnish your relationship, look for ways to adapt the routine and overcome dilemmas.
3. Ensure the home is a safe environment. Look through the rooms for those items that can cause slips and falls. You should remove throw rugs and extension cords. Add child safety lock to cabinets with potentially dangerous items such as medicine, alcohol, and toxic cleaning supplies. It’s a good idea to lower the temperature on the water heater to avoid burns.

Broaden Your Support Team – Choose Home Instead

Establish a daily routine that gives your senior the support they need as they cope with Alzheimer' disease. You can ensure the routine is followed properly when you choose Home Instead Hamilton as your preferred caregiving service. Our team is dedicated to you and your family. We support the needs of families dealing with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s. You can rest easier as you head to work or out for errands. Contact us, and let’s work together to find the best services options for your situation.

Call us at (905) 521-5500 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver, every day, to families in Hamilton Mountain, Downtown Hamilton, Rosedale, Kings Forest, Binbrook, Meadowlands, Ancaster, and Dundas.

You may also be interested in advice for Alzheimer's care at home.