Most people providing care for elderly loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease find daily routines to be essential. Because seniors with Alzheimer’s find change to be very difficult, having a well-structured daily schedule in place offers several benefits for both the senior and caregiver.
Maintains Function
Whether it’s a mental or physical task, any activity that’s practiced regularly is more likely to be one your elderly relative holds on to. Keeping seniors with Alzheimer’s involved with their usual daily habits helps them maintain the ability to perform these normal activities. For example, if your loved one can still pick out clothes and get dressed without help, encourage the behavior and don’t offer assistance until absolutely necessary.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional home care service. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Reduces Anxiety
Having a schedule of activities they can rely on with few surprises or interruptions can reduce some of the anxiety common among seniors with Alzheimer’s. The repetition is comforting and relieves tension, and staying organized decreases the likelihood of challenging or aggressive behaviors.
Decreases Caregiver Stress
This may seem like a benefit for the caregiver rather than the senior, but seniors experiencing the effects of Alzheimer’s will benefit more from having professional caregivers who are calm and relaxed than ones whose nerves are frazzled. Not only will your loved one feel more comfortable with a routine, but the caregiver will also find it less stressful knowing what needs to be done and when.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide elder care. Philadelphia families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Promotes Independence
Knowing exactly what to expect throughout the day and practicing a routine with specific activities at set times helps your loved one maintain as much independence as possible, allowing him or her to feel reassured and confident throughout the day. Knowing he or she can do a certain task each day independently will also boost your loved one’s self-esteem and ward off feelings of helplessness or uselessness.
If your elderly loved one is living with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the symptoms, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Philadelphia seniors can rely on our revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program that promotes cognitive health and delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. CTM also encourages seniors to engage with others in an enjoyable way and helps them build new routines to look forward to. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Home Care Assistance at (215) 645-4663 today.