ACTIVITY-A-DAY ideas for Caregivers

It's hard to plan a schedule for someone with cognitive loss. Things can change so quickly! Here's a framework that might work for you and your loved one/client. It can also help a newly arriving caregiver easily adjust into your existing routine.

Sunday Option #1: Together, with your loved one/client, plan your meals for the week. Look in the newspaper for the local supermarket circulars and cut out the coupons for products that you use. Next, discuss foods that you like eating that are centered around these coupons. What will your meal be? Once decided itemize any additional needed ingredients and make your list. Go shopping and check off each item as you put it into the cart. When you return it's time to begin cooking for that evening or putting the meals into portioned containers to freeze and eat at a later date.

Sunday Option#2: It's time to ask family members to come visit. Provide them an arrival and end time. Consider baking together when they come. “Slice-and-Bake” products work just fine. Have a chat while they're baking and eat them while they're warm. This makes for an easy topic of discussion. 

Monday: What's happening in your town? Is there a Senior Center close by? What programs do they offer? Check out their schedules. Look for classes in chair yoga, current event discussions, afternoon movies, drawing. Find out the hours, the length of the class and how to enroll. Join.

Tuesday: Do you have young grandchildren nearby? Consider your local library for story time and read aloud programs. Look at their collection of books on tape (find out if they have a recorder to play it on first). Check out some books and tapes to have at home. Comedy shows such as George Burns and Gracie Allen, and Mitch Miller sing-along tapes are fun to have. Once you are home make note of the due dates so you can return them on time. 

Wednesday: Where I live it's garbage pick-up day. Do you recycle? Separate the cans from bottles. Bring them to the proper location for pick up. Afterwards a snack of fresh fruit or an ice cream cone is a perfect reward for any work done.

Thursday: Take a walk. First consider your clients' endurance level. Don't forget that as far as you go you will still need the energy to return home - only then can you decide on the destination. Do you like the mall? It's cool, the surface is level, it has benches and there is much to see, and weather is not a consideration. Usually there's a children's play area where you can sit and watch while having a snack. Or, do you prefer being outside where you can have a discussion on the trees, flowers and seasons? Remember that usually there are no benches along the way and the sidewalks might be uneven. Weather will also play a part. Don't forget to dress appropriately and to bring water.

Friday: It's time to make plans for the weekend. Check out your local newspaper for middle/high school sporting events. The games are open to the public, often occur during daytime and are usually free or cost a minimal amount. Is there a sport that your loved one/client once loved doing? Find out and look to those events first. Consider making a snack to take with you. Pack it up and be ready for Saturday.

Saturday: It's game day. Check out the weather and choose what clothing will be appropriate. Stow the snacks, drinks and if needed pack some folding chairs. Remember to use the toilet before leaving the house! You don't have to stay for the entire game only as long as it's fun.