How Caregivers Can Help Seniors With Mobility Issues Find Fun Activities

Many elderly persons lose movement due to illnesses such as stroke, severe arthritis, or falls. This doesn’t mean they need to give up fun activities and hobbies to help get them busy and interested in things. These activities are things that you or senior home care providers can help a senior do. If your parents already have a routine and care plan in place, these activities can easily be added in to give your parents something to look forward to during the day. 

 

There are several opportunities to have fun, increase mood, and remain involved in the environment without requiring excessive movement. So even if your parents are restricted in motion, you can find something they want to do. Finding something for your seniors to do may take some time because they may not like all of the activities you think they will. 

 

It is essential to let your parents choose what they want to do because this will help them stay interested in something. You shouldn’t have to force them to do anything, and it should be fun for them and even senior home care providers who are helping them. Here are a few activities to recommend next time you talk to your senior. 

Get Into Reading

Reading is an excellent hobby for senior people. It’s a pleasurable method to pass the time and keep the brain stimulated. Additionally, it has been shown to boost memory, alleviate stress, promote sleep, and postpone cognitive decline. Whether your older adult prefers to read physical books, newspapers, or audiobooks, they may immerse themselves in a well-written narrative, see images, or learn about a new subject.

Explore Various Hobbies

Hobbies are ideal for seniors who have restricted mobility. Try some of these hobbies if you have a limited mobility senior.

Home Care Northbrook, IL: Mobility Issue Activities

Home Care Northbrook, IL: Mobility Issue Activities

  • Birdwatching
  • Baking
  • Cooking
  • Learning languages
  • Play instruments

These can be fun things for your seniors to experiment with when they cannot move around well. Learning is an excellent technique to keep the mind busy and avoid boredom.

Get In Touch With Creativity 

Connecting with their artistic side is another enjoyable way for seniors to spend their time. Creative activities have been shown to assist people with chronic disease to reduce negative emotions and increase positive ones, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve medical results. Things to try are:

  • Drawing
  • Coloring
  • Scrapbooking
  • Creating recipe books

These can be fun ways to get creative and create something for future generations. 

Sit Outdoors

Getting outdoors to spend some time in nature is both calming and uplifting. Even if your senior parents can only access the porch or sit next to a large window due to their restricted movement, obtaining some fresh air or observing the environment is an excellent daily exercise.

Find New Games

Games and puzzles are excellent ways to pass the time. There are several options, and most of them may be played in groups with guests, one-on-one to spend quality time together, or solitary. You may even be able to find themed puzzles for your seniors. 

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Northbrook, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

Jamie Shapiro