A routine helps provide structure and focus to your caregiving activities and help you to manage your life as a caregiver. Routines allow you to accomplish your goals and live a happy, healthy life. Established routines also provide benefits to both you and your care partner.

Routines establish a sense of having some control of your time. A schedule or routine can help you feel relaxed because you know what you are facing and allows the care partner to know what to expect.

Caregivers often feel that having a pattern of events helps ease frustration, and offers security and comfort to their care receiver and that established routines can combat depression and the feeling of isolation in both care partners.

A very important first step in your daily caregiving routine should be about you, and your self care.

While getting yourself ready for your day it is important that you find a positive focus. It can be anything that: inspires you, motivates you, improves your attitude, reminds you of your goal and will put a smile on your face.

It can be something like a reciting a favorite prayer, listening to uplifting music, maybe it’s reading a few pages from an inspirational journal or repeating motivation quote. Whatever it is, make the time for positivity every morning.

Caregivers who assist with at least one Activity of Daily of Living such as bathing, dressing, transferring, ambulating, toileting, or incontinence, setting up caregiving routines are important.

A schedule or routine can help you feel relaxed; because you know what you are facing and that you can do it! And your care partner feels reassured and supported.

A plan for the day and week will also help you realize where you need help. Caregivers can’t do everything by themselves and need help from their networks often more than they seek it! Get help from willing family and friends. Take these offers of help as a respite break to renew your spirit.

Your routine is your road map to your day but should not be written in stone. As caregivers you need to be able to adjust the plan. When you have a routine that you consistently stick to, being flexible is easier because you have confidence that tomorrow is another day and you can get tasks done making the best use of time by prioritizing needs. You’ve done it before and know you can again because you plan well.

Remember, the moments you share today will inspire the memories you share tomorrow.

Do you have any caregiving routines you would share with another family caregiver?

Please share them in the comment section. Thank you.

I’d like to close with a favorite quote by William Arthur Ward.

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. “