When you become an in-home caregiver for your elderly loved one, the list of responsibilities can feel overwhelming and long. Creating daily rhythms can offer stability to your parent that will keep them healthy and vibrant for longer. A methodical approach works best. Here are our five of our top tips on how to develop a routine that best suits your loved one’s needs.

1. Purchase a clock and a calendar to give your parent time anchors that remind them of the day of the week and the time of day. This is the first and most essential step in the process of structuring each day.

2. Establish non-negotiable wake-up and wind-down times. Wake up your mom or dad with tea and a rusk at the same time each day and play a soundtrack of calming birdsong to start the day.

3. Offer your loved one plenty of choices. Offer your parent a few different outfit options. Don’t leave out the details. Jewelry, watches and hair styling can go a long way towards helping your loved one feel like themselves.

4. Prioritize diet. Make sure that breakfast, lunch and supper are rich in nutrients ad filled with all the favourites. Prepare plates of healthy dried fruits, boiled eggs, biltong and nuts to snack on between meals to make sure mom and dad stay nourished and healthy.

5. Develop daily rhythms. Invite a visitor around at 2pm each day, schedule a weekly visit to the hairdresser and prioritize daily walks and exercise to keep the mind and body active.

Don’t forget to take time out to replenish your resources too. Schedule a coffee with a friend to process your experiences as an in-home caregiver for your family member while mom or dad visits the hairdresser. Be sure to get enough sleep, exercise and time out to focus on your own hobbies and interests. We’re introducing training for in-home family caregivers to equip you with all of the skills you need to give quality care to your mom and dad.