The pandemic has forced us to rethink how we entertain ourselves and engage with others, and for many seniors, that involves spending more time indoors. Here are some ideas to keep your loved one mentally stimulated and happy.
The Benefits of Playing Games
Board games, cards, puzzles, online activities – the options are extensive. Playing games is an excellent way to encourage thinking and decision-making skills, especially with games that involve strategies such as Monopoly or Scrabble.
Pictionary requires participants to organize their thoughts, listen, negotiate and consider other perspectives. It’s also a fun way to stay connected to friends and family. And maintaining socialization is essential to prevent isolation. A lack of mental and social stimulation increases your loved one’s risk for depression and cognitive decline.
Finding different games to play several times a week helps seniors switch their thought processes and utilize different skill sets. And online gaming is a good way to build a sense of belonging and entertainment when you can’t visit your loved one in person.
Encourage Creative Expression
Partaking in arts and crafts alleviates stress, reduces anxiety and boosts mood. Expressing yourself by creating something offers a unique opportunity to develop hand-eye coordination and improve fine motor skills. And you don’t have to be a skilled artist to enjoy being creative.
Here are some artistic endeavors your loved one may pursue:
- Painting: Try using different mediums, including oils, soft pastels or watercolors. Encourage your loved one to use his hands if holding a paintbrush is cumbersome.
- Sewing, knitting, crocheting and quilting: Make blankets, scarves, hats or mittens. Gift the items to loved ones or support your community by donating them to a shelter or hospital.
- Scrapbooking: Going through photographs, mementos and personal items is a great way to relive treasured memories and share stories. Creating a scrapbook is also fine-tunes organizational skills.
- Writing: Whether it’s creating stories, poetry or simply journaling, writing is an easy form of self-expression. It will also help your loved one practice memory recall and stress management.
- Sculpting and building: Try crafting art with clay, building birdhouses, designing light catchers or doing other hands-on activities to encourage problem-solving techniques.
Schedule Time for Socializing
Sometimes, the best thing for someone who spends a lot of time on her own is to sit and have a conversation. Even visiting your loved one for 30 minutes to chat over coffee will give them a chance to boost her cognitive function and social skills.
Limited social interaction negatively affects socio-emotional regulation. Here are some activities you can do together:
- Watch movies and shows together.
- Read books aloud or listen to audiobooks with each other.
- Cook favorite recipes or give a new dish a try with your senior.
- Take an online class and learn a new skill together.
- Get outside and take walks or garden with your loved one.
Are you looking for a skilled nursing community or long-term care in Ohio, Florida or Pennsylvania? Contact Embassy Healthcare online or call 216-378-2050 to schedule a tour.
