5 Tips for Entertaining an Older Loved One

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Ways to Keep Your Senior Loved One Entertained in Portland, ME

Retirement can free up time for older adults and allow them to take on more activities, or it could increase the risk of inactivity and boredom. Therefore, family caregivers need to come up with different methods to engage their senior loved ones. Below are some tips that can help you entertain your loved one. 

1. Consider Your Loved One’s Preferences

Growing older doesn’t take away the ability to pick fun games and activities. Always consider your loved one’s wishes when creating a list of entertainment for the week. For example, if your loved one enjoys going to the movies, incorporate this into your outings. Instead of coming straight home after a doctor visit, stop by the local theater and catch a movie. This could become a tradition and reduce stress on days when your parent visits medical providers. 

2. Encourage Group Activities

There are different groups seniors can join, such as book clubs, senior-friendly sports teams, or adult learning classes at local universities. By making the entertainment a group activity, your parent can interact with others and boost the release of endorphins in his or her body. Your loved one may look forward to socializing with other adults instead of sitting at home and playing games or taking on tasks alone. 

For families living in Portland, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Align Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

3. Go on Adventures

Most seniors spend the majority of their time at home, which can become tedious and cause loneliness. When developing ways to entertain your parent, consider traveling. Whether your loved one flies with you to another state, takes a road trip to a nearby town, goes on a cruise, or spends the day at a local attraction like the zoo, it’s imperative to get him or her out of the house. Going on adventures keeps seniors mentally and physically stimulated and lowers the risk of depression. 

4. Consider Limitations

Never plan an activity your parent cannot engage in or complete. The challenges could be frustrating and cause your loved one to give up and withdraw from similar events in the future. However, planning the entertainment with your loved one’s limitations in mind could help him or her have a great time. For example, if your parent has reduced mobility, avoid activities that require walking long distances or standing for long periods. 

A professional caregiver can help your loved one engage in a variety of fun, stimulating activities. Senior home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

5. Provide Learning Opportunities

Learning something new can entertain your loved one and keep his or her mind active. Taking dance classes, learning how to use new computer software, playing musical instruments, and participating in arts and crafts are fun activities that appeal to seniors and boost their cognitive health. Many learning activities like these are one-time opportunities, giving your loved one more of a variety.

With the help of a home caregiver, your loved one can participate in a number of entertaining activities. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust Portland in-home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Align Home Care at (207) 835-3490 today.

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