Setting up routines as a caregiver means that you’re doing specific things at set times, usually every day or at least every week. Following routines gives life a specific flow that can help you to be a better caregiver and allow your elderly family member to relax a bit.

You’re Not Working Against Your Senior.

When you’re working with established routines, your senior knows what to expect for the most part and so do you. This means that your elderly family member is less likely to engage in power struggles with you over various activities. She knows when it’s time to eat, to sleep, and to take a bath. You’re working together as a team to keep the routine going.

You’re Making Fewer Decisions on the Fly.

Routines do a lot for you, too. They keep you from having to remember what happens next and to make decisions when you’re not in the right frame of mind to do so. The best routines offer you flexibility, but they also give you a framework so that you know what comes next. You’ll be amazed how much mental and emotional energy go into making decisions all day long. Sticking with your routines frees up that energy to go where it does more good.

You Can Cover Your Bases.

Your senior has specific needs every day and every week. She may take her medications at a set time every day or she might need to go to a weekly therapy appointment. When you’ve got solid routines set up around these required activities, you’re sure that you’re going to cover all those bases. It’s tough to leave something out when you’re following an established routine closely.

Your Senior Feels More Secure.

It’s a much better feeling for your elderly family member to know what’s happening next. When she knows that her elderly care providers come on specific days, she can prepare for that. Keep in mind that uncertainty can lead to increased anxiety and that leads to bigger problems. Finding the sweet spot in your senior’s routines helps her and you.

If you don’t already have some routines in place for your elderly family member, now might be the right time to start. Routines are simple enough to get started with, but don’t try to set all of them up at once. Get your senior used to one routine before you start adding another one.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Memorial, TX, contact the caring staff at Personal Caregiving Services at 832-564-0338. Providing Care in Houston, Bellaire, West University Place, Katy, and Sugar Land and the surrounding areas.