Family caregivers know how difficult it can be to keep a housebound senior loved one engaged physically, mentally, and socially. If your loved one has seemed listless lately, give the following activities a try.
1. Windowsill Gardening
For seniors who lack mobility, an indoor windowsill or balcony garden is a great way to engage with nature. Fresh herbs are easy to grow and offer a wide variety of health benefits, especially rosemary, basil, and thyme. Gardening, even indoors, can reduce stress, boost memory, and give seniors purpose that boosts their quality of life.
If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Miami families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
2. Pet Visits
Several studies have touted the health benefits of engaging with animals. Consider bringing in a small pet to visit your loved one once a week. Just a half hour with an animal has been proven to decrease feelings of loneliness and depression in seniors.
3. Volunteer Activities
Many volunteer activities can be done from the comfort of home. Suggest knitting or crocheting blankets for hospitals, creating cards to send to veterans, or conducting historical research on the town. Engaging in volunteer activities is a great way to remain mentally engaged and retain a sense of purpose.
Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust homecare experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.
4. Book Discussions
Reading is one of the best ways to stay sharp, and audiobooks and podcasts are great options for seniors with vision limitations. Your loved one can start a book club with a few close friends or family members or join an online discussion. Either way, participating in regular conversation encourages social engagement and creativity and promotes critical thinking.
5. Exercise
Low-impact cardio, resistance training, and stretching are components of a balanced exercise regimen for seniors. Yoga offers all three and can be modified to accommodate any ability level, and exercises can be done while seated for seniors who cannot stand. Benefits of yoga include increased balance, enhanced respiratory function, less pain, reduced stress, and better sleep.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior home care. Miami families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. Give us a call today to learn more about our premier in-home care.
