The Benefits Of A Routine For Seniors

Human beings, no matter their age, often find comfort in a schedule. We know this is especially important for babies and children, as it makes them feel safe. Some adults dislike routine, and others enjoy it, but many adults find structure valuable during times of stress. It makes them feel in control, organized and purposeful. 

A lack of order can be mentally taxing and intensify feelings of distress, subconsciously causing people to focus more on their  problems than  enjoying life. A United Methodist Communities (UMC) HomeWorks professional caregiver will bring balance to an older adult’s life. They also encourage and support seniors to do things they enjoy while keeping them safe and on schedule. In this article, our team of in-home caregivers will review the many benefits sticking to a routine has for seniors.     

Benefit #1: Medicines Are Taken Consistently 

It can be dangerous when forgetfulness means older adults are not taking their medicines or taking them incorrectly. There are a few ways to manage this:

• Medicines should be taken at the same time every day.
• Use pill organizers.They are very practical when there are multiple pills to take. 
• Have a caregiver bring the medicine, so they can ensure it is taken. 

Most senior adults can still manage their own weekly or monthly pill boxes, but when someone has dementia, it is best for a caregiver to manage the medicine on their behalf.    

Benefit #2: Looking Forward To Regular Social Engagements   

Getting out of the house and socializing with people beyond a tiny circle of family or friends is vital. Many older adults start avoiding social engagements because they feel unsafe moving around on their own. They know their reactions are slowing down, so driving makes them uncomfortable, or they worry about falling while walking to a social event. 

A regular social program means safe transportation options can be arranged ahead of time, plus planning ahead will give mom or dad something to look forward to. UMC HomeWorks offers non-medical in-home companion care services, where the companion escorts your loved one to events and social engagements. If your loved one cannot leave the house, a companion will read with them, or play board games and cards, whatever your senior parent enjoys doing.    

Benefit #3: Healthy Meals For Physical And Mental Health  

It is no fun eating alone, especially as we grow older. Seniors need to regularly eat healthy meals to maintain their physical and mental health, but sometimes it becomes challenging to buy groceries and make meals. Their sense of taste and smell might have changed, or the medicine they take has various side effects, making them opt for more convenient food options over healthy options. 

When you use in-home care with UMC HomeWorks, your loved one will get healthy meals routinely. A HomeWorks Companion plans meals and cooks with or for your loved one, while a Home Health Aide does meal preparations and feeds your senior parent if necessary.  

Benefit #4: Improves Sleep Patterns    

We all know how cranky we can become when we don’t get enough sleep. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that older adults need at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night to stay healthy. Although illness, medicine, or other health issues might prevent seniors from getting quality sleep, they suggest the following to improve sleep patterns: 

• Go to sleep and get up at the same time.
• Don’t nap in the late afternoon or evening.
• Develop a bedtime routine.
• Avoid watching television or using your computer, cell phone, or tablet in the bedroom. 

UMC Home Health Aides And Routine  

We understand the importance of aging in place and the value of consistency, whether  that means regular mealtimes, social occasions, exercise, a good sleeping routine, or taking medicines correctly. We can give you a break with our companion services, or your loved one can use live-in care with UMC HomeWorks for 24-hour assistance. We aim to provide a professional service based on mom or dad’s specific needs.     

Does your loved one need in-home care? At United Methodist Communities (UMC) HomeWorks, we use a simple process to get them help as quickly as possible, so your loved one can enjoy the benefits of a routine. Call us today or visit our website to learn more about our in-home care services: https://umcommunities.org/homeworks/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/homeworks/blog/benefits-of-a-routine-for-seniors/