For a senior with
Alzheimer’s, life can be confusing and scary enough. And anything
new is often perceived as a threat. So…yes, routine is very
important!
People with Alzheimer’s
are slowly slipping away…from themselves as well as from us. To
them, routine is familiar and reassuring.
If you’re a caregiver,
developing a routine will help you manage.
In addition to routine,
there’s another “R” that’s important – “Ritual.” If
your loved one is accustomed to checking the doors before he goes to
bed, let him…even if you’ve already done so. If he likes a glass
of milk, it’s OK. If he says he can’t sleep, encourage him to get
up and do the rituals again. It will be comforting to him. And easier
for you.
There are lots of daily
activities you can make into a routine, such as eating at certain
times, taking medicine, checking the mail, bathing, running errands,
taking a walk, walking the dog, Doing laundry. Reading the paper. Or
watching her favorite TV show. Even little things – like drinking
water every hour – can be made into a routine (and, in this case,
it’s healthy!). And don’t forget to make relaxation time a part
of the routine – for both of you.
However, there’s a third
“R” you should definitely avoid – “Rigidity.” For
example, if your loved one isn’t enjoying one activity, move on to
another – even if it isn’t “time” for that activity. Learn to
go with the flow.
If you’re caring for a
loved one with Alzheimer’s, we know there are always
questions running through your mind. We can help answer them.
At the Law Offices of
Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we have one of the largest
Alzheimer’s Resource Centers in South Florida. Over the past 33
years, we’ve walked thousands of South Florida families through the
Alzheimer’s Journey. And we’ve helped them prepare for it, as
well, with comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of
attorney, long-term care planning, asset-protection plans, and
assistance with Medicaid and the VA.
We can walk you through the
Alzheimer’s Journey. And we’re just a phone call away.
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