Even though your aging loved one may not have the same dexterity that they once did, there’s still a wide variety of activities that you can enjoy with them. Take a look at the ideas below to break your routines and find inspiration.
Brain Games
Your loved one can enjoy Sudoku puzzles, word searches or riddles on their own or with you. Card games, board games or puzzles can provide hours of entertainment for your whole family.
Gardening
Spending time outdoors is important for everyone. Vitamin D and fresh air can help you and your loved one maintain a circadian rhythm and boost moods. Gardening is a great activity that your loved one can do sitting outdoors. You can make your loved one’s garden wheelchair accessible by making pathways three feet wide with room for turns. To further encourage accessibility, make raised beds that are three feet tall and three feet wide.
Exercise
There are plenty of exercises your loved ones can do sitting down or standing up holding onto a countertop. Before starting any new movement, you should consult your loved one’s doctor. You should also have your loved one’s caregiver stand close by to ensure safety.
One Leg Balance
- If possible, your loved one should stand up straight with their hands on a countertop.
- They can slowly lift one leg off the ground and hold for as long as they can.
- Then switch legs.
Sit & Stand
- Set up your loved one in a chair within arm’s reach from a countertop.
- They should reach their arms straight out in front of them.
- Have your loved one stand up by pushing into their feet and engaging their legs.
- They can sit down using the countertop to balance.
- Repeat 10 times.
Posture
- Your loved one should stand with their back against the wall, holding onto the back of a chair.
- They should gently push into the wall so that their head, shoulders, hips and heels are all touching the wall.
- Have them stand tall with an engaged core for 30 seconds.
- Repeat 3 times.
Photography
There are many user-friendly and affordable digital cameras on the market. Teach your loved one the basics and they can take photos of their everyday life, while on walks or at family gatherings.
Pets
Bring your dog or cat to your loved one’s home. Interacting with animals can boost moods and also provide entertainment. It can also be a form of exercise if your loved one enjoys throwing a ball for your pet.
Essential Quality Care is committed to putting our clients and their families first. We hope the tips above give you inspiration for activities that you can enjoy with your loved one. Contact us to learn more about in-home care for adults. Our senior caregiving services will give you peace of mind that your loved ones have the care they deserve. With each interaction, we want you to feel like family.
Photo by: istockphoto.com/Toa55
