Routines to maximise uptime

Learn about the importance of routines in enhancing uptime for children with Rett Syndrome, nurturing their engagement and fostering meaningful activities.

Here are some routines that some families created to maximise uptime. These are only sample routines. Every person is unique. Please choose whichever routine is most helpful, and adapt it as best suits your circumstances.

Alongside every sample routine there is a downloadable version that you can print out and keep handy.

For someone who can stand but not walk

Weekday routine
Before day program	Stand to help getting breakfast or to watch it being prepared
During day program	Stand for morning assembly Scheduled daily standing Monday: Board games Tuesday: Cooking class Wednesday: Music class Thursday: Board games Friday: Physical education class
After day program	Stand to watch TV
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Weekend routine
Morning	Stand to help at breakfast time Stand while listening to an audiobook or music or to watch TV for 30 minutes
Afternoon	Stand to watch or help do household chores (e.g., fold clean clothes, water plants, choose napkins for dining table) Stand to eat snacks Stand to watch TV
Evening	Stand to brush teeth
Download this routine

It made me think about how many extra movements we could incorporate in her day using the usual routines.

For someone who walks with assistance

Weekday routine
Before day program	Walking routine for care: Walk to bathroom (e.g., 20 steps) Walk to dining room for breakfast (20 steps) Walk around living room while waiting for bus (20 steps) Walk to bus (20 metres)
During day program	Multiple activity breaks: Walk from bus to class Stand at a table to do activities 2 scheduled walks during the day Assisted walk to bathroom 2 to 4x/day
After day program	Walk to bathroom Walk in house to sit in living room for drinks/TV (15 steps) Walk to chair for dinner (20 steps) Walk to bathroom, then walk back to living room for TV, and cup of tea (20 steps) Walk to bedroom, stand at bed while getting bed ready and getting clothes ready for tomorrow Walk back to lounge room for massage Walk back to bedroom for bed
Download this routine

Weekend routine
Morning	Standing and walking opportunities in the house, e.g., Walk to bathroom for shower Walk from bathroom to living room after shower (25 steps) Walk to dining room for breakfast (20 steps) Walk around coffee table to couch (15 steps)
Afternoon	Walking routine for care and recreation: Walk from lounge room to bathroom and back 2 to 4 times (25 steps each) If weather is nice, travel to places (e.g., beaches, museums, parks, zoos), walking from house to car
Evening	Walking routine for care: Walk to bedroom (30 steps) Stand while getting pyjamas ready Walk to bathroom (18 steps) Stand at hand basin while brushing teeth Walk to bed (15 steps)
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It was a nice experience to encourage our daughter to be more inclusive in our household.

For someone who can walk independently

Weekday routine
Day program (3 days each week)	Scheduled activities (e.g., hydrotherapy, floristry, cooking, arts & crafts) Daily walking with variety in challenges or locations (e.g., visiting shopping malls) Hydrotherapy General walking to visit other people in the Centre
Days at home (2 days each week)	Support worker helps with activities in the home (similar to when at the Centre) Excursions in the community with support worker: walk in local shops or library borrow books or observe children's reading group visit Op Shop buy items of her choice from supermarket buy hot chips neighbourhood trike ride or walk (up to 60 mins) Walk in nature, some challenging surfaces where there are no footpaths
Care activities	Needs a guiding hand to sit down on toilet, but able to stand up by self afterwards Wash hands whilst standing Stand in shower
Evening	Wind-down: After dinner, rest on the lounge in front of TV Opportunities to get up to eat or drink, go to toilet, or do an activity
Download this routine

Weekend routine
Daytime	Sleep-in until 10am Weekly grocery shopping (1 hour walking) Wander round house and yard while mum does household chores. She can choose her activities (e.g., visit chooks, pet cats, collect mail, use watering can or hose) Time for rest for next week's activities
Care activities	Needs a guiding hand to sit down on toilet, but able to stand up by self afterwards Washes hands whilst standing Stands in shower
Evening	Stay up later with family members, especially enjoy time with young nieces and nephews
Download this routine

All walking activities seem to be most enjoyable when they have a purpose for the individual.

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