Good parents and teachers foster healthy routines in their homes and classrooms. Positive routines put a healthy structure on automatic so you can focus on the deeper and more meaningful aspects of loving and living. Caretakers in any role need to do this in order to maintain safety, positive living, and good service for those they care for.
As I think of my current caretaking role, I'm thinking about how to pattern the many services and needs in such a way that it offers comfort and happiness to those I care for. Essentially the care is factored around healthy meals three times a day, proper medication and health supports, and time for rest and relaxation.
In addition, there are the regular jobs that make that structure possible.
A warm, welcoming home
A warm, welcoming home is important to anyone, but it is even more important to those who are housebound. To make the home warm and welcoming it is important to put away the extraneous items, decorate with warm colors by way of pillows, blankets, and furniture covers. Daily chores and cleaning also make the home warm and welcoming.
Delicious, nutritious meals
When you are home most of the time, you often look forward to your meals as a highlight of the day. To prepare and serve nutritious, colorful, delicious foods helps people to enjoy mealtime as well as get the nutrition they need.
Visiting
For those who may be ill, it is good to set aside time to visit. The visiting may include reading books aloud, listening to music together, playing a game of cards, or putting together a puzzle. Finding ways to positively interact with people who are housebound enriches their days. If the weather is good, the visits could take place outside or during a walk on their own or by a wheelchair or other device.
Healthy Routine
To have a healthy daily routine gives some positive structure to the day. Finding a way to manage the chores and take care of your loved ones in a similar pattern daily ensures that you do complete the needed tasks, preparation, and care to make each day as joyful and comforting as possible.
The more I can foster this healthy routine, the more that we'll have time to relax and enjoy each other's company. That is a positive goal in all of of this.