Habits and Routines

A number of everyday life habits become daily routines. Some routines require no thought; they are things each of us automatically does, like brushing your teeth. Other routines are individual e.g. you may like to have a cup of tea before your morning shower.

Maintaining routines is very important for a person with dementia. For the relative or carer, however, these may become monotonous and frustrating. As a relative or carer of a person with dementia, you have to deal with two issues.

First, you must try to meet the person with dementia’s needs for a routine and familiarity in their everyday life. Maintaining habits and routines makes them feel secure. If everyday habits and routine are changed, they may become confused and their mental health may deteriorate.

On the other hand, it can be difficult to take on someone else’s routine, and if you set your own needs for routine aside, you may become irritated and resentful. Late in the course of the disease it will be necessary to maintain your own habits and routines and later to accept help from people who can step in and provide you with some respite from your care giving responsibilities.

• Maintain habits and routines.
• Get other people to assist you with routines
• Accept help.