5:45 AM – Waking Up: A Quiet Start to the Day
Family carer Khan’s day starts before the rest of the household. He takes a few minutes to himself, sipping on a cup of chai in the kitchen, mentally preparing for the long day ahead. Khan cares for his mother, Amna, who is living with Alzheimer’s. He uses this quiet time to gather his thoughts, check his mother’s medications, and review the list of tasks for the day.
6:15 AM – First Check: Waking Up Amna
Khan quietly enters his mother’s room, where she’s usually just starting to stir. He greets her warmly, helping her transition from bed to bathroom. Since Alzheimer’s has impacted her memory and independence, Khan assists with her morning routine, gently reminding her of each step—washing her face, brushing her teeth, and helping her get dressed. Patience is key here, as some mornings are more confusing for her than others.
7:00 AM – Breakfast and Morning Medications
After helping Amna to the dining room, Khan prepares breakfast—soft, easy-to-eat food, like porridge with honey, that accommodates her needs. He also prepares her morning medications, ensuring they are taken on time and in the right doses. During breakfast, Khan chats with her, though conversations often circle around the same topics. He listens attentively, knowing how important these moments are for her.
8:00 AM – Household Chores and Organizing the Day
Once breakfast is done, and Amna is settled with the TV on, Khan gets started with household chores. He tidies up the living room, washes dishes, and does a load of laundry. With his mother needing close supervision, these tasks are often interrupted by her calling out for him or getting up and forgetting where she’s going. Khan moves between his chores and his mother, keeping a balance between managing the home and attending to her needs.
10:00 AM – Exercise and Cognitive Stimulation
Khan knows how important it is to keep his mother both physically and mentally active. After a morning tea break, he helps her with some light exercises recommended by the doctor—gentle stretches to keep her joints flexible. They also work on simple memory games, like identifying family members in old photos or playing a few rounds of a word game. Though these activities can sometimes be frustrating for Amna, Khan encourages her gently, celebrating small victories like remembering a name or a happy event from the past.
11:30 AM – Appointment or Errands
Today, Khan has a doctor’s appointment for Amna, so they get ready for a trip to the local clinic. Helping her get ready takes extra time—putting on her shoes, making sure she has her bag, and ensuring she feels secure and calm. The journey is always a little challenging, as unfamiliar places can make her anxious, but Khan talks to her reassuringly, keeping her engaged during the drive.
1:00 PM – Lunch and Rest Time
After returning from the doctor, Khan prepares lunch—simple, nutritious meals like lentil Curry or chicken and rice, which are easy for his mother to eat. He sits with her as she eats, making sure she takes her time and stays hydrated. After lunch, it’s time for Amna’s afternoon nap. While she rests, Khan gets a moment to sit down himself, catching up on family phone calls or scrolling through messages.
2:30 PM – Afternoon Routine: Care Tasks and Checking on Her Mood
After Amna wakes up, Khan checks in on her mood and health. Alzheimer’s can cause mood swings or moments of disorientation, so he watches carefully to see how she’s feeling. If she seems anxious or confused, he spends time comforting her with familiar songs or stories, often turning on soft music she used to love. He might help her change into fresh clothes if needed or assist with another round of medications.
3:30 PM – A Quiet Afternoon Walk or Activity
Weather permitting, Khan takes his mother for a short walk around the neighbourhood. The fresh air and change of scenery do wonders for her mood, even if she doesn’t always remember the walk afterward. On colder or rainy days, they might stay inside and watch an old Bollywood film together, which she still enjoys. Khan uses these quiet moments to relax with her, knowing how important companionship is to her well-being.
5:00 PM – Evening Preparation and Family Time
As the day moves toward evening, Khan prepares dinner. His sister often stops by after work, providing some much-needed help and company. Together, they cook a family meal while Amna sits at the table, listening to them chat. These moments of family connection are precious for Khan, as they provide emotional support for him as a carer. While he’s the primary carer, his sister’s involvement allows him to share the weight of the responsibility.
6:30 PM – Dinner and Evening Medications
Dinner is a calm affair, with Khan sitting next to his mother, making sure she eats well and takes her evening medications. The Alzheimer’s has affected her appetite, so he sometimes has to coax her into eating enough. After dinner, he helps her wash up and change into more comfortable clothes for the night.
7:30 PM – Winding Down: A Peaceful Evening
As the evening progresses, Khan sets up a relaxing routine to prepare Amna for bed. He turns on soft lighting, plays calming music, and reads to her from one of her favorite books. This helps her unwind and feel secure before bedtime, as evenings can sometimes be a confusing time for her. After tucking her into bed and making sure she’s settled, Khan sits beside her until she falls asleep.
9:00 PM – Khan’s Time to Recharge
With his mother asleep, Khan finally gets some time for himself. He might take a short walk around the block, make a quick phone call to a close friend, or catch up on the news. This time is crucial for him to recharge emotionally and mentally, as caregiving can be draining. He often spends a little time reflecting on the day and planning for tomorrow.
10:00 PM – Final Check and Bedtime
Before going to bed himself, Khan checks on his mother one last time, making sure she’s sleeping peacefully and has everything she needs by her bedside. He knows that the night could still hold disruptions—sometimes she wakes up confused or needs to use the bathroom, but he’s always ready to respond.
As Khan finally settles into bed, he feels the exhaustion of the day but also a deep sense of purpose. Caring for his mother is not just a responsibility but an expression of love and gratitude for all she’s done for him. It’s a demanding role, but the small moments of connection, comfort, and care make it all worth it. Tomorrow, the cycle will begin again, with Khan fully dedicated to providing his mother with the best care he can.