The Power of Routines

  As memory begins to fade when living with Dementia, the world can become unfamiliar and daunting. This is where routines can help. While adapting to your loved one's needs, creating simple day-to-day routines can help bring stability, structure, and ease for both your loved one and you as well.

Why Routines Can Be Helpful

Alzheimer's affects more than just memory, as cognitive abilities begin to decline, time perception, behavior, emotional regulation, and the ability to perform daily tasks are all affected as well. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, and tasks that were once easy to perform, such as taking care of personal hygiene, cooking a meal, or telling time, can become difficult or even impossible to carry out without assistance, which can be a very confusing and distressing experience. 

This is where daily patterns can make a huge difference.  By bringing structure to your loved one, the consistency of routines can help them feel more in control of their lives. Patterns can be much easier to recognize, even as memories fade, so a predictable environment can be very beneficial to make tasks less overwhelming and reduce confusion, anxiety, and stress. 

Routines don’t need to be strictly enforced, just flexible enough to make life smoother throughout each day. 

How Routines Benefit Caregivers

Creating a routine can not only make it easier for the person living with Alzheimer’s but also for the caregiver. When you establish an effective routine, you might be able to notice that your days are much less demanding and stressful, especially if you can include time for yourself.  

With a routine, caregivers can expect:

• Better time management- You’ll be able to spend less time deciding on daily tasks. 

• More chances for self-care- Add moments for recreation within your schedule or take an opportunity to spend time on yourself during a moment that requires less attention 

• Better productivity and predictability- with an effective routine, you can have time for all your loved ones' needs that you both can rely on

• Early detection of issues - if you notice any changes within the routine (Ex, less cooperation than usual, decreased appetite, longer nap times), you can make note of any health concerns or adapt to the new changes

What A Routine Can Look Like

Every person's needs are different, so it’s important to consider what works best for your loved one. Manageable, straightforward plans for each day that work with a person's preferences and comfort zones can be extremely helpful. 

Here is an example of what your routine can consist of: 

Time	Tasks	Tips
7:00-7:30 AM	Wake Up, Hygiene	Help to brush teeth, clean up, and get dressed with a calm understanding tone to ease into the day.
8:00-8:45 AM	Breakfast	Plan meals for the week to reduce preparation time. Include familiar meals for your loved one to enjoy.
9:00-11:45 AM	Morning Activities	Put on a movie, go for a walk, or participate in another hobby to offer engagement and improve mood
12:00-1:00 PM	Lunch	Have lunch at around the same time each day. Encourage hydration by offering water throughout the day and during mealtimes
1:00-2:00 PM	Break Time	Time for quiet, calm activities such as a nap or reading for a chance to regather energy. A good opportunity to make time for self-care.
2:00-4:30 PM	Evening Activities	Perform chores, continue past tasks, or begin new ones to promote cognitive function
5:00-6:00 PM	Dinner	Consistency is key! Utilize mealtimes to engage with your loved one.
6:00-7:30 PM	Bedtime Activities	Get dressed for bedtime by offering familiar pajamas, bathe, and keep steps in the same order
8:00 PM	Sleep	An early bedtime can allow for extra time for you to relax and get ready for the next day.

Keeping reminders visible, such as labels, calendars, or routine reminders throughout the home, can help with orientation with the routine. 

How to Build A Successful Routine

Every minute of the day doesn’t need to be timed into your routine. Having time blocks throughout the day for meals, rest, and activities adjusted to your loved one’s needs can go a long way to bring both structure and flexibility. You can start this by:

• Address priorities: The most essential parts of each day, such as wake-up time, bedtime, and meals, are the most important to repeat at the same time each day and include in your routine

•  Include time for meaningful activities: Choose activities to include throughout the day that reflect their past interests, hobbies, or habits and anything they show interest in currently. For instance, if they enjoy staying indoors, offer them books to read or channels to watch. 

• Communicate: When starting a new routine, avoid sudden changes and ease into the new schedule. Communicate with them by redirecting any confusion with an understanding and clear tone. 

• Keep it Simple: Include what's necessary for each day, but keep the routine flexible and avoid cramming in too many activities at once to prevent any overstimulation. Pay attention to what works best. 

• Look out for your needs: When forming a routine, consider your interests and any other responsibilities. Find a balance that allows you to create a well-rounded routine for your loved one and your own well-being and happiness.