Planning Care Routine

Setting up a care routine

As a caregiver, one way to manage your tasks and responsibilities is to set up a care routine. Having such planning will help you in staying organised and lighten your load. Try using L.I.S.T. to get started.

Source: AIC x SG Enable Infographics on Self-care

Keeping a calendar helps you with your day’s schedule eg attending doctor’s appointments, family events etc. This can help you prepare for appointments, and avoid double booking. It will help you know in advance which days you might need extra support.

My caregiving routine template

You can use this template to schedule the tasks you have listed. By placing this schedule in a commonly frequented place like the refrigerator, or corridor, your family members or other paid caregivers or healthcare professionals who comes to your house knows what needs to be done each day.

My Caregiving Routine.docx (28KB)

My Caregiving Routine.pdf (60KB)

Engaging your loved one

Activities for your loved one

Engaging your loved one in activities is a wonderful way to connect and support their well-being. Follow the three tips above, be creative and explore various interests together. You can focus on what your loved one enjoys and can do comfortably. Activities should also be adaptable to their abilities to move and think, so they can participate comfortably.

Here are some activities you can do with your loved ones:

If your loved one is a stroke survivor

These simple exercise videos offer a way to support your loved one’s recovery while spending quality time together. Every small movement is a shared step towards strength, connection, and care.

• Exercises for Stroke Patients – Lower Limb Exercises
• Exercises for Stroke Patients – Upper Limb Exercises
• Exercises for Stroke Patients – Theraband Exercises
• Exercises for Stroke Patients – Fun Exercises With Household Items
• Mindfulness Exercise for Stroke Survivors and Caregivers

If your loved one has dementia

You can find additional resources on how to support your loved one to live well with dementia here.

If your loved one has disability

Individuals with disabilities may face mobility challenges, but more buildings are incorporating universal design elements to enhance accessibility. Browse here for some inclusive venues where you can enjoy activities like playing, shopping, watching movies, and having fun!

Additional activity resources for seniors

Whether your loved ones are seniors who are well and living at home, or receiving Community Care, there is an array resources under the AIC Wellness Programme to enhance their wellbeing and quality of life.

Emotional support

Activities that you engage with your loved ones can be used to build connections through understanding and reassurance. Provide your loved ones with emotional support by:

• Encouraging positivity throughout the activity
• Practising patience if they take a longer time to complete a task
• Showing empathy when we see that they may have made mistakes by not pointing them out nor judging them

Planning your loved one's meals

Different illnesses may cause one’s diet to be changed to prevent worsening symptoms or to reduce further health risks to your loved ones as advised by your loved one’s doctor or dietitian. Read this Caregiver’s Guide to better understand what you need to consider when preparing meals at home.

If your loved one has special dietary restrictions to prevent choking during meals, you can refer to these videos produced by Khoo Teck Phuat Hospital on:

• Choosing food at a hawker centre
• How to make Puree Dishes
   

For inspirations on dishes to prepare, explore this recipe book compiled and curated by caregivers like you.

Meal planning chart

Use this meal planning chart to help you plan so you can make sure that a good diet is maintained for your loved one. Knowing what meal to prepare for the week allows you to make less trips to the grocery store and reduce time needed to cook. If you are engaging meal delivery services, you can also write down who and when such help is needed.

Meal Planning Chart.docx (30KB)

Meal Planning Chart.pdf (65KB)

Medication management

Staying informed about the medications your loved ones are taking and ensuring they are taken correctly, is important for supporting their treatment plans. This comprehensive guide by Ministry of Health provides valuable insights and tips on effective medication management.