Why Is a Daily Plan Important for a Senior with Alzheimer's Disease? 

Learning that your aging parent is living with Alzheimer's disease is a life-changing moment. When you hear this news you are immediately put at the beginning of a journey that will carry them through the rest of their life. This is a progressive form of dementia, meaning that as your parent moves through each of the stages their challenges, limitations, and symptoms will increase and change. As their family caregiver it is critical that you create a care plan that is designed to not only address their specific needs, but also to help them live the highest quality of life possible as they age in place. One critical element of this is establishing a daily plan.

For elderly adults who are living with Alzheimer's disease, predictability and routine are vital. Seniors with this type of limitation often feel confused, overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure, and this can dramatically diminish their quality of life. Establishing a daily plan can ease this difficulty and make daily care with your parent smoother and less stressful for both of you. 

Some of the reasons why a daily plan is important for a senior with Alzheimer's disease include:

• Routine creates a sense of comfort and security for your parent. When they are better able to predict what will happen next they feel more in control and less anxious
• Creating a routine encourages compliance and willingness to go along with activities and care tasks that they might not otherwise want to do. Seniors who no longer understand why they are supposed to do something such as bathing or changing their clothing might not do these tasks, but if they are "what comes next" they are more willing to cooperate
• Being more cooperative means a smoother care experience for you. If you can simply tell your parent that that task is what is next in their routine, or they already predict it, you do not have to contend with an argument or struggle
• Having a routine reduces the chances of negative behaviors that can occur as a result of boredom, anxiety, or not having enough stimulation. When they feel secure, confident, and engaged, seniors with Alzheimer's' disease are less likely to demonstrate negative behaviors such as anger, combativeness, picking, or wandering
• Particularly in the early to moderate stages of the disease, a routine can help to establish more independence for your parent. When they know what comes next, they are more likely to take the initiative to handle tasks. If you continuously support them in handling tasks on their own they can feel independent and engaged, and keep their mind active

Making elderly care a part of your care routine with your aging parent can be an exceptional way to meet their needs and challenges, address their limitations, and help them to live the highest quality of life possible as they age in place. An elderly home care services provider can offer your parent a highly personalized set of services designed specifically for your parent according to their needs as well as their opinions, goals, and preferences. This means that they will receive the support and assistance that is right for them while also encouraging a lifestyle that is independent, engaged, and fulfilling. These personalized services can include everything from safe and reliable transportation to allow your parent to handle more of their errands on their own and participate in activities outside of the home, help with activities of daily living, including keeping the home clean and healthy, assistance with personal care needs such as bathing, toileting, and grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders to keep them compliant.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Jupiter, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.