Consistency and Routines for Seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease


Author: Home Helpers Home Care

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease can experience a lot of anxiety and stress when they’re not sure what is happening or what is going to happen next. One way to remove that uncertainty is to establish some solid routines that they can rely on. Alzheimer’s care providers can do a lot to make it easier for families to put together routines that support Alzheimer’s patients and their needs on a daily basis.

Routines Reduce Anxiety and Confusion

Often seniors with Alzheimer’s disease experience disorientation and confusion, which can be really stressful and upsetting. When they know what to expect because they have a predictable schedule, they are less likely to feel disorientated. Stable routines help them to feel grounded because they understand what to expect. Home care providers work with families to learn what activities support the seniors’ needs and help to put routines together that incorporate those activities.

They Support Better Sleep Patterns

Alzheimer’s patients may have trouble sleeping well because of the changes their brains go through. Consistent routines, especially throughout the day, help to make it easier to get solid sleep. Waking up at consistent times, staying active during the day, and having habits that help them wind down at night can help so very much.

Routines Boost Cognitive Function

Repetitive activities like routines can help seniors to maintain skills and stay independent for a longer period than if they don’t have routines. Simple daily tasks like brushing teeth, getting dressed, and taking a morning walk all help seniors to keep their brains engaged. Alzheimer’s care providers can help provide cues that keep seniors with Alzheimer’s disease on track and consistent with these routines.

Routines Reduce Challenging Behaviors

Having some structure to their day helps seniors with Alzheimer’s disease avoid challenging behaviors like restlessness or wandering. The best routines help to address needs before they arise, keeping seniors moving through their days gently. Keeping seniors with Alzheimer’s disease on target with those routines reduces the risk that they’ll feel frustrated or bored.

Establishing Effective Routines for Alzheimer’s Patients

Putting together these routines can feel complicated to family caregivers. Alzheimer’s care providers can help families to start simply with basic daily activities. Building routines around meals, grooming, and hobbies is a good place to start. From there, new activities can be fitted in around those larger ones. It’s also important to be flexible when building these routines because energy levels and preferences may fluctuate. Seniors may also need different types of routines on different days because of other factors. Alzheimer’s care providers can accommodate those variations, building consistency along the way.

When Alzheimer’s patients have consistent structure and routines, they’re often more confident in their daily lives. Alzheimer’s care providers offer the support that families need in order to develop routines that offer comfort and stability to seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and the people who love them. All of this support helps seniors with Alzheimer’s disease to maintain as much independence as possible so that they can live happy and healthy lives in their own homes.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s care in Agoura, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers Home Care of Ventura County today at (805) 386-1031.

Home Helpers Home Care of Ventura County provides exceptional home care for seniors in Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Ventura, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Agoura, West Hills, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Topanga and surrounding areas.

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