Strict weekly schedules can often help seniors with Alzheimer’s adjust to the world a little more easily. While routine schedules can be difficult to implement, both caregivers and their senior loved ones will enjoy the benefits of putting them in place.
Better Sleep
One of the most significant changes many caregivers notice when they maintain routine schedules is their senior loved ones sleep better. When their bodies know when it’s time to go to bed and time to get up, seniors often sleep better through the night. An additional benefit is that seniors who follow regular sleep schedules have fewer instances of sundowning syndrome.
More Cooperation
Seniors with Alzheimer’s who are on strict schedules also tend to be more cooperative with their caregivers. One of the reasons for this is that schedules get stored in long-term memory, which prompts seniors to understand what’s going to happen next.
While researchers aren’t sure why, they believe storing new information in the long-term memory may help seniors recall other information that’s stored there. Therefore, aging adults with Alzheimer’s who follow schedules are less confused and more able to cooperate with those around them. This can be especially important when it comes to daily tasks such as bathing, as seniors 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 Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Phoenix families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Less Agitation
Stop for a minute and picture yourself living in a world where everything is very confusing. Chances are you would be agitated. The same thing happens to seniors with Alzheimer’s. Putting your loved one on a schedule helps him or her feel less confused. The natural outcome is that your loved one feels less agitated.
Better Time Organization
Scheduling often makes it feel as though there’s more time in a day. Seniors spend less time wandering and wondering what they should do next. More time spent on designated tasks means things get done more quickly. This makes days seem like they are longer. Both the caregiver and the senior usually stay in better moods as a result.
Greater Independence
Seniors with Alzheimer’s can often become more independent when they have regular schedules. As the long-term memory takes over, seniors can rely on that part of the brain to tell them how and when to do certain activities. Scheduling may spark memories of how to do something from a much earlier period in life.
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 homecare. Phoenix families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
More Fun
Seniors who are more rested, relaxed, and independent are prepared to have more fun. Therefore, make sure to schedule activities your loved one will enjoy doing each week. When necessary tasks take less time, your parent will have more time for other activities, such as hobbies. Your loved one may enjoy making crafts or going on short outings with you. When days are filled with fun, family caregivers don’t experience as much burnout.
Seniors with Alzheimer’s have much to gain when their families opt for professional elderly home care. Phoenix families can rely on compassionate and dedicated caregivers to help their elderly loved ones manage the various challenges of Alzheimer’s disease so they can enjoy a higher quality of life. If your loved one needs professional care, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at 602-847-6549 today.