Life, particularly during the course of the pandemic, can be filled with uncertainty. For seniors who are feeling less in command of certain facets of life, such as losing cognitive or physical functioning, focusing on what can be controlled is empowering.
A great place to begin is by establishing a daily routine for seniors, adapted to a senior’s specific needs and interests. Keep in mind that the older adult’s routine is certainly not intended to be a rigid schedule to be adhered to, but merely the foundation for structure and predictability. With the senior’s input and direction, settle on a desired framework for every day. A sample daily routine may look like this:
- Wake up at 7 a.m.
- Take care of personal hygiene needs and get dressed
- Enjoy breakfast in the sunroom while listening to favorite music
- Engage in light exercise and stretching
- Tackle a puzzle or art project
- Pack a picnic lunch to take to the nearby park
- Run an errand
- Take a brief nap or spend some quiet time reading
- Make dinner together and tidy up afterwards
- Have a bath
- Watch a film
- Go to sleep at 10:30 p.m.
Establishing a daily routine for seniors helps their caregivers in many different ways as well:
- Routines lower stress and anxiety. Routines are comforting and calming, preventing the need to worry and wonder about what is going to happen next, who will be there to help, and how to ensure that everything will be taken care of.
- Routines produce better 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 loved ones. Older adults and the family members who care for them can create routines that include enjoyable time together. Include favorite pastimes, weekly dinner dates at a favorite restaurant, even an end-of-the-day hug.
Seniorcorp, senior care and home health experts in Portsmouth and surrounding areas, offers a great care team that is experienced in creating personalized care plans and daily schedules in order to make each 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 and support, including personal hygiene and preparing breakfast
- Friendly 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, in accordance with each senior’s particular needs
If you need help establishing or maintaining a daily routine for seniors, Seniorcorp’s Portsmouth companion care for the nearby areas can help! Contact us online or call us at (757) 640-0557 to request a no-cost in-home consultation. View our full service area here.
