The Importance of a Daily Routine for Seniors
This routine can act as the anchor that seniors need and provides them with real comfort in knowing what each day might look like. This is especially the case when the person has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease as it will help them feel more confident. It can also reduce stress and anxiety levels by giving them a sense of purpose each day.
The consistency of a routine can also improve sleeping patterns. To help people function effectively, a consistent sleeping pattern of 7.5–9 hours per night is recommended. However, as we grow older, a range of circumstances combine to make this more challenging to attain such stress, trauma, medication or illnesses including Alzheimer’s osteoporosis and diabetes. By promoting an active and regular daily routine that includes physical and social activities, you can help minimise the disruptions in their sleep and manage their sleeping pattern a lot better. Having a well-regulated sleeping routine can reduce stress and anxiety, enhance memory and attention span, regulate appetites, reduce risks of falls, improve cardiovascular health, reduce medication usage and symptoms of depression which will overall lead to a happier and more engaged lifestyle.
Routines can enhance people’s lives in a range of ways. Not only does a routine promote good self-care habits and cultivate positive daily habits but for seniors who are suffering from cognitive and physical functioning, it can be empowering for them to feel in control of each day.
Growing older can be quite overwhelming and daunting, and for many seniors not knowing what each day or week can look like can be the scariest part. Without a structure in place, seniors can feel insecure but with a routine that they can rely on, it provides them with the reassurance and sense of safety.
What should be included in the daily routine for Seniors?
The morning time is usually the most active time for seniors as they have more energy making it the perfect time to get things done. Ensure that personal care is included. Showering, bathing, brushing teeth and getting dressed usually are the first things on the to-do list as they will have a fresh start to the day.
Their diet needs to be monitored and managed too. You should make sure that meals are eaten at regular times.
We would strongly recommend that you make time for exercise, at least 3-4 times per week to help them improve their physical and emotional health. The HSE recommend the following:
at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week such as walking, dancing or even pushing a lawnmower
muscle-strengthening exercises 2 or more days a week - for example, digging, step aerobics, hand-held weight exercises and yoga
even daily chores such as cooking or housework to break up periods of sitting
All seniors are at increased risk of falls. Try include the following balance exercises, strength exercises, flexibility exercises and sitting exercises recommended by the HSE.
Other activities such as puzzles and card games can work as brain exercises too and should definitely be encouraged and included in the daily routine.
“People need purpose and a sense of control,” says Dr. Zaldy Tan, M.D., director of the Cedars-Sinai Memory and Aging Program and medical director of the Jona Goldrich Centre for Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles.. “If they are losing their memory, or they’ve received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, they might feel they have no control over it. Brain exercises and games can give them a chance to feel like ‘I’m in control here, and I can improve,’ and this will improve their mood.”
Routines do not have to be rigid and boring. It is important that you talk with your loved one/client about the activities they enjoy and ensure that these are included in the schedule which will create a better of sense of power and independence for them.
Write down the new schedule and put it up where they can see it clearly. You can even put up a whiteboard in the kitchen and write it out in colourful markers. Royal Homecare has beautiful and bespoke schedules that can be put together too and all families are welcome to use them.
If you would like further assistance with putting your loved one’s/client’s routine together or if you would like to use one of our schedules, please get in touch with a member of our team today. We will more than happy to assist you!
Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice
The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images and other material on this website, is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.