Caring for aging family members requires a lot of time and expertise. For many loved ones, the added responsibilities become challenging to manage without assistance. That’s why many caregivers look into senior living options. Assisted living helps alleviate the stress of caring for a family member. But spending time with family is crucial to the well-being of seniors. Bonding with loved ones boosts a senior’s overall mood and increases cognitive functions. It can even lead to a longer life. But many caregivers struggle to find activities to share with their loved ones within the assisted living community. This guide will share eight fun ideas to help you bond with your aging family member. These activities improve mental and physical health, promote memory care and encourage socialization. Read on to learn 8 Ideas for Visiting Moms and Dads in Senior Living
1. Find Arts & Crafts Activities to Do With Aging Parents
If you’re looking for creative ways to spend quality time while you visit your loved one in an assisted living community, consider arts and crafts. There are plenty of low-key art activities for seniors to enjoy including; painting, drawing, scrapbooking, collaging, knitting, needlepoint, beadwork, and woodworking. Planning an afternoon of arts and crafts will result in a treasured memory for you and your family member to share.
Arts and crafts boost cognitive function, encourage socialization and exercise fine motor skills for seniors. If your family member enjoys art, consider signing them up for more art programs in their community. You may help them discover a new hobby to occupy their time.
2. Take a Walk or a Hike
Spending time outdoors is a great way to bond with your aging family member. Seniors with mobility enjoy several health benefits from fresh air. Movement helps improve joints and balance. The fresh air and outdoor scenery improve mental health. And the sun’s Vitamin D boosts positivity. Getting outdoors allows your loved ones an opportunity to grow familiar with their surroundings, making them more comfortable in their community. But before you head outside, be mindful of the weather conditions and temperatures. Make sure your loved one is dressed appropriately, and ready to handle the elements.
3. Enjoy a Meal in the Senior Living Community
Many senior living communities offer personalized meal plans for their residents. Sharing a meal with family and friends is a wonderful way for seniors to socialize. If you’re looking for things to do at senior living homes, consider joining your family member for a meal. Family and friends are always welcome to dine at Inspired Living. Our communities offer all-day dining experiences. The dining area offers delicious meals from certified dieticians. Seniors will enjoy a balanced diet, and healthy nutrition with loved ones, without the stress of hosting.
4. Play Games to Promote Memory Care
Playing games is one of the most beloved senior living activities. And with good reason! Games improve cognitive abilities, increase memory, boost moods, and encourage socialization. They exercise the brain, giving seniors the opportunity to think about strategy and sharpen their focus. Whether you enjoy billiards, sit down for a game of chess, or play cards. It is a fun way to spend time with your family member.
5. Listen to Music While Visiting Aging Parents
Surprise your loved one with some of their favorite music to listen to together in their senior living community. Music increases happiness. It can also help with memory recall. But most of all, it reduces stress and agitation. Listening to music is a fun way to bond with your family member. It often leads to dancing or spontaneous sing-alongs, which can bring a smile to their face.
6. Sign Up for Water Aerobics Activities With Seniors
Physical activity is another healthy way to spend time with an aging family member. But many seniors are hesitant to engage in fitness activities. Water aerobics is a healthy activity for those who are worried about joint pain. Many assisted living communities offer a variety of classes, but it’s something family and friends can do with loved ones as well. Water aerobics makes for a fun and energetic workout for all ages. It also offers an opportunity to socialize with other members of the community, which can help if your family member is struggling to build meaningful connections.
7. Do Yoga Together
Yoga is another low-stress activity to do together. It also offers several health benefits. In addition to lowering stress and boosting moods, yoga improves circulation. It helps alleviate discomfort and pain. Instructors offer modified poses for those who have limited mobility, making it an activity many seniors can take part in. If you’re looking for a unique activity you and your loved one will enjoy, yoga is an excellent option.
8. Tend to a Garden in the Assisted Living Community
You may also consider gifting your loved one with gardening tools or plants. Gardening is more than a healthy bonding activity. It will encourage your family member to get outside and soak up the sun and fresh air. Exposure to the sun boosts Vitamin D, which helps with Osteoporosis. Being outdoors also helps loved ones avoid feelings of depression, and promotes fine motor skills. Gardening provides opportunities for socialization and bonding. But caring for botany also gives seniors a sense of accountability, structure, and routine.
Find Meaningful Activities to Do With Aging Parents and Loved Ones
Moving an aging family member or friend to a senior living community is a big step. It’s a process that is often met with anxiety and uncertainty. Assisted living communities encourage family members to visit and spend quality time with their loved ones in a safe and relaxing environment. If you’re looking for unique ways to spend time with an aging relative, these eight ideas are sure to help!
At Inspired Living, we offer a wide variety of fun and safe activities for our residents and their loved ones. Contact us today to find out more about our senior living programs.
