Why Seniors with Alzheimer’s Require Strict Schedules

If you’re caring for an elderly loved one with Alzheimer’s, you know the importance of maintaining a strict schedule. And if you’re new to caregiving, you may not understand why sticking to a daily routine is so essential. Learn about the benefits of following regular schedules for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Encourages Better Sleep 

Seniors who go to bed at the same time each night usually sleep better. For this to happen, seniors usually need to get up at the same time each morning, which kick-starts the biological clock and helps aging adults feel better about their sleep/wake cycle. In addition, when seniors with Alzheimer’s are well rested, they’re less likely to experience sundowner’s syndrome later in the day.

Promotes Cooperation 

When seniors maintain strict schedules, information about their routines is stored in their long-term memory. In elderly people with Alzheimer’s, this area of the brain is usually healthier than the brain’s other regions. While researchers aren’t sure why, they believe storing new information in the long-term memory may help seniors recall other information stored in the same part of the brain. This can be especially important when it comes to essential tasks such as bathing and eating because seniors who are accustomed to routines often spend more time helping and less time arguing with their caregivers.  If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare services families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Enhances the Ability to Handle Daily Activities

Strict schedules can also help seniors with Alzheimer’s complete the activities of daily living with greater ease. Because information has become implanted in the long-term memory, aging adults spend less time wandering and wondering what they should do next. Therefore, they can enjoy greater independence. Many caregivers find if daily schedules match what seniors did before they developed Alzheimer’s, aging adults are even more independent. 

Organizes Time

Scheduling often makes it feel as though there’s more time in a day. Designated tasks get done more quickly, which makes the days seem like they’re longer. Both caregivers and older adults usually enjoy better moods as a result. 

Enhances Safety

Giving your loved one with Alzheimer’s a bath can be one of the most dangerous parts of the day. Sticking to a strict schedule allows activities such as bathing to be scheduled when your parent is more alert, lowering the likelihood of slips and falls. Additionally, aging adults who are more alert are better able to help their caregivers, reducing the odds of caregiver injuries. When bathing, grooming, and dressing aren’t daily battles, the tasks usually get completed more quickly and with greater efficiency. 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 manage if their families opt for professional senior home care. Arlington families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.

Allows More Time for Hobbies 

Following a schedule means necessary daily tasks are accomplished more quickly, which gives older adults more time to devote to other activities, such as hobbies. Your loved one may enjoy working on arts and crafts with you or going out together for a fun day trip. When the days are filled with fun, your loved one will be happier, and you won’t experience as much burnout. 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. Arlington 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. If your loved one needs professional home care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at (817) 591-1580 today.