If you have senior loved ones residing in nursing homes or assisted living, frequent visits are vital to keep in touch with them and demonstrate your love. Spending quality time with them helps brighten their day, and letting them know about your next visit gives them something entertaining to anticipate.
Some relatives feel awkward every time they visit their older adults in assisted living since they don’t know what to do throughout their visiting days. Fortunately, we’ll tackle some enjoyable activities you can do with your loved ones to make your get-together worth the time.
What to Do in Retirement Facilities
Bringing activities for your loved ones to enjoy and having some amazing ideas in mind can make your visit engaging. We have gathered five safe, senior-friendly, and interesting activities you and your older adult will always remember.
1. Gardening activities
Gardening activities are a social activity that stimulates most senior citizens and enables them to form good connections with their fellows. Planting different kinds of seeds, digging in the dirt, or growing plants or pretty flowers helps keep them immersed and relaxed as this also gives them a serene experience with nature. Golden agers in UVTO active senior living will take pleasure in pulling weeds and planting, keeping their mobility in good condition.
2. Eating together
Eating is always nicer when you are with somebody. You may take your senior loved one outside or eat together in the retirement home, but sharing meals with them is a very good activity to do when visiting them. You may organize an indoor or outdoor picnic inside the senior living community Thousand Oaks or cook dinner. Additionally, you might cook their favorite meal or prepare something both of you used to enjoy in the past.
3. Reminisce over old photos
Looking at old photos or videos with your loved ones is a good way to strengthen your bond and hang out together. Furthermore, photos are great communication starters; you never know what your older adult would love to share about stories or memories they remember. Another way to keep your loved one entertained inside a residential living facility is by doing little projects like family history or family tree to keep their memories engaged and active.
4. Furry pets
Pets are good sources of comfort and a trusted buddy for those in assisted living. Furry buddies can help with loneliness and provide seniors something to care for. Petting dogs or cats is a comforting and therapeutic activity, especially for seniors. Bringing pets along when visiting your loved ones is an excellent idea to help keep them occupied.
If they are pet lovers, they will appreciate it and be happy to spend time playing and engaging with a beloved family pet. Additionally, research shows that spending time with pets can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, stress levels, and heart rate and even prevent anxiety, stroke, and heart conditions. However, it is essential to ask the care community before bringing along a pet to guarantee furry pets are allowed.
5. Cards and board games
Board games are an enjoyable and interesting activity for seniors. It is an excellent method to communicate with their fellows, laugh, and have a good time. Furthermore, board games also come with several health advantages for elders. These can help improve their skill and mental function, lower blood pressure and stress, and prevent mental diseases. In addition, board games can enhance the seniors’ quality of life as they will likely take pleasure in these activities.