When a loved one lives in a nursing or assisted living home, visiting is extremely beneficial to their health. They will be looking forward to your visits too. It can be uncomfortable for some people though, as visiting a care home can feel like a foreign experience. This is why it is important to have some activity ideas in place before you visit; this can make every visit a fun and happy time. With the growing staff shortage in nursing homes, the number of activities they get to take part in on a day to day basis may not be up to scratch. This only reinforces the importance of taking part in engaging activities with them.
Here are some great activities that are senior-friendly:
Music
With the universal ability to brighten and boost anyone’s mood, listening to music with your loved one is a great way to spend your time. Especially great for those who cannot take part in more physical activities, you can ask your loved one for their favorite songs. Most of them will not know about streaming services, so showing them how they can listen to any song they want could also be a great activity.
Animal Therapy
There have been numerous studies carried out over the last few years regarding the therapeutic benefits of animal therapy. If your loved one is an animal lover, taking in your pet dog or borrowing a friend’s pet and taking them to the care home is a great thing to do.
Research has found that spending time with animals can lower blood pressure and stress. Just make sure that the care home is okay with you bringing them in before you do so.
Fresh Air
If your loved one has some mobility issues, taking them on a nice walk in the fresh air can do them a whole world of good. If they have some things they want to do, even better. You could walk to the hair salon, or through a museum. Take them to the park or on a nice long drive.
Ask your loved one if they like the sound of this; most of them will probably be overjoyed by the idea. They might need help with the choice of location; however, so have some in mind. For those who like their independence, giving them two choices lets them feel a measure of control.
Movie Day
Having a movie day with your loved one can be a great way to spend time together. This is especially good at easing the pressure for conversation. Often, seniors will love to reminisce over their favorite old movies. Ask them what they want to watch; they might surprise you with what they like. Who knew Grandpa was into Spiderman after all?
Hopefully, we have given you some inspiration. Visits to a relative in a care home do not need to be dull affairs. Take some time to plan some activities and everybody will see the benefits.
