As the years begin to catch up on our loved ones, difficult decisions are often needed to be made in order to provide them with the best care. For many that’s looking at things like nursing homes, whether they are able to live with you, or other forms of assisted living to ensure they are comfortable and safe in their surroundings.
Alongside nursing care for elderly members of the family, you also need to think about things like loneliness, with it believed almost one and a half million elderly people suffering from it, as friends and loved ones pass on or have their own lives to think about. It’s something Valorum Care Group, a specialist in nursing homes for the elderly, alongside many health conditions, consider greatly in the care they give. At their care home down the road in Gloucester, activities and social engagement are a vital part of care, and it’s something they encouraged loved ones to also get involved in.
As we enter the new year, spending more time with our elderly family members is important, but what are the easy activities you can get involved with that will not only help you make memories, but also improve their mental health and combat what can be a lonely period in their lives?
Gardening
There are many reasons gardening can be the perfect hobby for this. There’s the joy and feeling of accomplishment that can be achieved from it, while there’s also the importance of exercise and being out in nature.
What’s more, planting flowers, growing vegetables and nurturing herbs can also be incredibly therapeutic and stimulating for the senses. Gardens also require regular attention, so it’s a great hobby to share on a more frequent basis.
Photography
Photography is an incredibly easy hobby to take up that allows you to capture memories of your loved ones in their later life. All they need is a camera, or even a smartphone these days, and you can enjoy day trips out capturing the day. You’ll then always be able to look back on those moments, while they can also provide visual triggers for older people with family and caregivers, particularly if they are beginning to struggle with the likes of dementia.
Crafting
Crafting is so popular these days, and there are activities out there that can be great for every generation of family member. From knitting to painting, crocheting to pottery, it’s a great way to encourage self expression as well as having plenty of fun along the way.
Again, there’s a sense of achievement in the end product, while the result will also be a memory that can always be shared with family and friends together.
Reading
A more peaceful hobby to enjoy with elderly family is reading. You can read separately, or spend a few hours together, in each other’s company enjoying the same book. From there, it can be a great idea to start a mini book club, with the social engagement then coming from the discussions and thoughts around the book.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be a physical book, audiobooks can be a great way to do this too, sitting together, relaxing and listening to the story unfold.
Bird Watching
Finally, sticking with the tranquility, we’re going with bird watching, a hobby that many older people love. It’s a very contemplative pastime that offers the quiet moments to really connect with loved ones, as well as appreciating the natural world. All you need is a quiet spot in nature, a pair of binoculars and the ability to register the birds you’re spotting and you’re good to go.
Perfect for the summer months and around the Malvern Hills, no bird watching is complete without a picnic to enjoy too. It’s the perfect, relaxed day out.
