Setting up daily routines
Create structured daily schedules that provide consistency and reduce confusion.
Why routines matter
Consistent daily routines reduce anxiety and confusion, especially for people with cognitive decline. A predictable schedule helps the care recipient feel secure and gives caregivers confidence that nothing gets missed. Research suggests that routine and structure can significantly reduce sundowning behaviors, agitation, and resistance to care activities. For caregivers, having a documented routine means that anyone stepping in, whether a family member or professional, can provide continuity.
Creating a routine in the app
Go to Care Hub > Schedule to set up the daily routine. Add activities for each time of day: morning (wake-up, hygiene, breakfast, medications), midday (lunch, activities, exercise), afternoon (rest, social time, snack), and evening (dinner, medications, bedtime preparation). Each activity can include detailed notes, such as "prefers to shower before breakfast" or "needs help with buttons and zippers." Set time ranges rather than exact times to allow flexibility while maintaining structure.
Adapting routines for different needs
Routines should be flexible enough to accommodate good days and bad days. Build in buffer time between activities. For people with dementia, keep the routine as simple and consistent as possible, and perform activities in the same order each day. For people recovering from surgery or illness, the routine may change weekly as they regain abilities. Note what works well and what causes resistance, so you can adjust the schedule based on real observations rather than guesswork.
Sharing routines across caregivers
When multiple people provide care, a documented routine ensures consistency. All care circle members can view the routine, so a weekend caregiver follows the same general structure as the weekday caregiver. This is especially important for people with cognitive decline who may become agitated when their routine changes. Add notes about preferences, triggers, and techniques that work, such as "responds better when given choices: do you want the blue shirt or the green shirt?"
Tips
Start with the most essential activities (medications, meals, hygiene) and add more gradually. Include enjoyable activities like watching a favorite show or going for a walk, not just care tasks. The Care Skills Library has detailed guides for specific daily care tasks like bathing, dressing, and toileting that include practical techniques and safety considerations. Review and update the routine monthly or whenever the care situation changes.