Our experts in Los Angeles home care explain why a daily routine is so important for older loved ones.Life, especially during the pandemic, can be full of uncertainty. For older adults who are feeling less in control of particular parts of life, such as losing cognitive or physical functioning, concentrating on what can be controlled is empowering.
An excellent place to begin is by making a daily routine for seniors, personalized to their particular interests and needs. Keep in mind the older adult’s routine is certainly not meant to be a strict regimen to be adhered to, but merely the foundation for structure and predictability. With the senior’s direction and input, determine a preferred framework for each day. A sample daily routine may look like this:
- Wake up at 7:30 a.m.
- Manage personal hygiene needs and get dressed
- Enjoy breakfast in the sunroom while listening to the news
- Take a stroll
- Work on a puzzle or art project
- Pack a picnic lunch to take to the local park
- Run a few errands
- Take a brief nap or spend some quiet time reading
- Make dinner together and clean up afterwards
- Have a bath
- Watch a movie
- Go to bed at 10 p.m.
Making a daily routine for seniors is beneficial for both older adults and their caregivers alike, in many different ways:
- Routines lower stress and anxiety. Routines are comforting and calming, preventing the need to wonder and worry about what is going to happen next, who will be there to help, and how to make certain that everything will be taken care of.
- Routines foster better sleep. Studies have shown that sticking with a daily routine aids in sleep quality as well as the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Routines allow for high quality time with family members. Seniors and those who care for them can create routines that incorporate pleasant, quality time together. Include favorite pastimes, weekly dinner dates at a favorite restaurant, even an end-of-the-day hug.
Our caregiving experts are experienced in providing Jewish family services in North Hollywood and the nearby areas to create customized care plans and schedules to make every day the best it can be for older adults and the ones who love them through a full range of home support services, such as:
- Morning wake-up services, including personal care and cooking 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 others, according to each senior’s specific needs
Call us any time at (213) 383-2273 or contact us online to learn more and to schedule a no-cost in-home consultation. See our full service area here.