Creating Daily Routines & Organizing Your Day

Remember to make time for yourself, or include your family member in activities that you enjoy – for example, taking a daily walk.

Before making a plan, consider:

• The person’s likes, dislikes, strengths, abilities, and interests

• How the person used to structure his or her day

• What times of day the person functions best

• Ample time for meals, bathing and dressing

• Regular times for waking up and going to bed

• Make sure to allow for flexibility within your daily routine for spontaneous activities.  

List of Daily Activities to Consider:

• Household chores

• Mealtimes

• Personal care

• Creative activities (music, art, crafts)

• Intellectual (reading, puzzles)

• Physical

• Social

• Spiritual

Example of a Daily Routine

Morning

• Wash, brush teeth, get dressed

• Prepare and eat breakfast

• Have coffee, make conversation

• Discuss the newspaper, try a craft project, reminisce about old photos

• Take a break, have some quite time

• Do some chores together

• Take a walk, play an active game

Afternoon

• Prepare and eat lunch, read mail, wash dishes

• Listen to music, do crossword puzzles, watch TV

• Do some gardening, take a walk, visit a friend

• Take a short break or nap

Evening

• Prepare and eat dinner, clean up the kitchen

• Reminisce over coffee and dessert

• Play cards, watch movie

• Take a bath, get ready for bed, read a book