The Power of Daily Routines: Establishing Routines for Seniors with Memory Care Needs

Daily routines become increasingly important as we age to maintain a sense of structure and stability in our lives. For seniors with memory care needs, routines take on an even greater significance, providing a framework that can help enhance their overall well-being. At Cristwood Assisted Living and Memory Care, located in Shoreline, just north of Seattle, Washington, we provide compassionate care to residents in Memory Care and assist them with their daily routines.

The Importance of Daily Routines

For seniors living with memory issues such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, routine is more than just a series of activities — it’s a lifeline to a familiar world. Daily routines promote overall health and happiness in the following ways:

• Cognitive Stimulation: Routine activities can help stimulate cognitive function and memory retention. Familiar tasks and activities provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem.
• Reducing Anxiety: Uncertainty and unfamiliarity can trigger anxiety and agitation in seniors with memory care needs. A structured routine can reduce stress by providing predictability and a sense of control.
• Enhancing Quality of Life: A well-structured daily routine can improve quality of life for seniors. It ensures they receive proper nutrition, hydration, exercise, and social interaction regularly.
• Improved Sleep Patterns: Consistent daily routines can also regulate sleep patterns, making it easier for seniors to fall asleep and stay asleep, which is essential for their physical and mental well-being.
• Ease of Caregiving: Routines simplify the caregiving process by making it easier for caregivers and family members to provide consistent care and support.

How to Create a Routine for Your Loved One

According to the Alzheimer’s Project, people with dementia thrive on familiarity. Maintain the familiar by paying close attention to your loved one’s bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and toileting routines. At what time of day or where in the house do they occur? Do they have favorite clothing items or colors? What are their favorite foods or beverages? Diligently observing and helping to maintain their routines can be beneficial in the long run.

If dementia is in a later stage, try to recall your loved one’s routines. The more a caregiver can facilitate activities that resonate with their loved one’s pre-dementia life, the better.

Other familiar activities and interests are important as well. What types of music does your loved one enjoy, or even better, which specific songs? Do they have favorite television shows or movies that bring them joy? What hobbies or leisure activities do they like to do? If you are not sure, start making notes about them. The more you engage your loved one in these activities, the more secure and comfortable your loved one will feel.

Do as many as possible of the daily tasks of living with your loved one rather than for them. Help them to be independent as long as possible to protect their self-esteem and confidence.

Learn more about Memory Care at CRISTA Senior Living in Shoreline and schedule a tour. We would love to talk with you and help you find the care your loved one needs.