Want to Have a Good Day? Schedule It!
Hoping for a Good Day? Schedule it!
For anyone living with dementia, the pace and flow of the day can become difficult to follow, particularly if it is erratic or unscheduled. When activities occur at about the same time each day, however, our loved ones may feel a sense of comfort and security.
Keeping a daily schedule can also be helpful for family caregivers. Routines reduce the need for constant decision-making, make it easier for you to plan for important activities such as meals, exercise, hydration, and medications, and help identify changes in behavior or the health of your loved one that may require extra attention.
Keep in mind that the goal in this is not to stringently follow your schedule to the exact minute! Instead, think of your planned schedule as a more of a guide that helps provide your day with an overall structure, supports your healthy habits, and helps both you and your loved one have a calmer, more successful day.
After all, having a good day rarely happens by accident. Consistent daily routines help create the structure that supports better physical health, cognitive function, mood, sleep, and quality of life for both you and your loved one. Predictability lowers stress for you and your loved one, and lowered stress lays the groundwork for calmness and serenity.
Below is a “Daily Schedule” template that you can use to plan your day, or build on it to create your own! And remember, you NAN Navigator is your trusty companion on this journey, and can help you make the most of your time management.
