Older adults don’t want to just stay busy; they need to feel like they are accomplishing something. By learning the ways to keep elderly parents busy at home, you’ll assist them in their healing.
Consider Their Hobbies
There may be certain hobbies that your loved one can no longer physically do, and that’s okay. Create new hobbies that you can do together. Try incorporating something that you both like. This could include:
- Knitting
- Scrapbooking
- Listening to music
- Cooking
Listening to music can improve mood, memory, and benefit a person’s overall wellbeing. Completing activities together will strengthen your bond with your parent and let them know you’re there for them.
Stimulate Their Minds With Brain Games
A great way to stimulate a senior’s mind is by providing such entertainment that requires critical thinking and creativity. This could include:
- Word puzzles
- Board games
- Reading
- Card games
Try scheduling time during the day to play brain games. Ensuring that your loved one utilizes both their hands and minds and accomplishes a goal is vital to their health.
Take Them Outside
Taking your loved one outside to be surrounded by nature is exceptionally beneficial for their mental and emotional health.
You can take your loved one outside and do the following activities:
- Daily walks
- Gardening
- Bird watching
- Photography
If your loved one has limited mobility, try offering outdoor activities that aren’t strenuous on the body. Studies show that spending time in nature can even boost an older adult’s memory and creativity. Even just sitting outside for coffee or lunch can provide a plethora of benefits to the brain.
Don’t Hesitate To Ask for Help
Taking care of your elderly loved ones can be a difficult task. With everything that you already have on your plate, it’s essential to ask for help. You can acquire personal home care assistance in the Minneapolis area to help provide care for your loved ones.
A PCA (Personal Care Assistant) offers various care services, including helping your loved one maintain personal hygiene, dispensing their medication, and physical therapy.
This can be beneficial for all parties, as your loved one is getting the best care from both you and the PCA, and you have time to take care of other things you wouldn’t otherwise have time for.
Keeping your elderly parents busy at home is essential to their overall healing, improvement, and health maintenance. Working with them daily and asking for additional help is vital to your mental health as well. And when you’re healthy, it’s easier to take care of your loved ones.