Around 1.5 million people in the U.S. live in nursing homes. Seeing your loved ones in situations you may consider less than ideal can be painful, but there are things you can do to make your time together more fun.
When you figure out nursing home activities to do with your elderly parents, they will look forward to your visits even more. Continue reading to get some ideas for what kind of fun things you can do in the nursing home with your family.
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Nursing Home Activities for a Memorable and Fun Visit
It’s important to have something fun to look forward to throughout the week for your parents. When they know you’re coming to visit, it can raise their spirits and allow them to have a more enjoyable life overall. Let’s look at some of the activities you may consider.
1. Musical Fun
If your parent is a music lover, finding some of their favorite music and enjoying a listening session can be very enjoyable. Depending on their mood, you can select the music that is most fitting.
If you’re visiting and they are in a cheery mood, you might play music they used to dance to. On the other hand, if they need to relax, you can find some relaxing music to help calm them.
Before coming to visit, ask them what music they would enjoy hearing and see if you can find it for them. If you can’t find their music in modern forms, you might find a record player to bring in and play music. A record player could add an extra element of fun as well as being functional.
2. Looking at Old Photos
Looking at old photos can bring memories that were once thought to be lost back to the surface. If they don’t remember an event, then you can take this opportunity to tell them about what happened. Reliving favorite experiences is often a top pastime for nursing home residents and their families.
When you bring pictures in to show your loved one, keep in mind that their eyesight might not be as good as it once was. If there are favorite photos, bring them out in large sizes so they can easily see them. You may also want to get a projector to put photos on a screen for the maximum quality viewing experience.
3. Bring a Pet
Everyone loves a furry pal but make sure to get it approved before you bring a pet in to visit. Interacting with pets is good for residents and can raise their spirits. Research also shows that petting animals can lower heart rate and cause other health benefits.
Even if they aren’t familiar with a pet, it can be enjoyable to meet a new friend. Familiarity isn’t necessary for a fun visit.
4. Get Some Fresh Air
For those of you that have family members who can get up and about, take a nice walk outside. Getting fresh air does a body and mind good. If you have concerns make sure to ask their doctor if they are okay to walk around and get some air.
5. Massages or Manicures
You don’t have to be a professional caregiver to pamper your loved one. A gentle massage or a manicure can be a lot of fun and allow your parent to relax. Touch is a great way to raise moods and who doesn’t love a great massage or manicure?
If you decide you want to give your parent a massage, make sure you are very gentle. A touch that might seem to be light to you may feel very heavy to them so make sure to check in and see how they are feeling.
When you’re giving a manicure, be careful around their cuticles since this is a sensitive area. If you’re too rough, you may cause them to bleed without much effort.
6. Reading
Reading out loud stimulates the imagination. The steady sound of a voice is comforting whether they’re sleeping or awake. If you want your parent to get some rest, you may consider trying to read them to sleep.
Get a list of books that you can enjoy together. If they’re still able to see and read well, you can switch it up and let them read to you. If there is space, you might even bring a shelf to put some books in their room so they can have them available whenever they want them.
7. Watching a Movie
Breaking out a movie can be a lot of fun. If you have a favorite movie you share or a series, you can make a marathon of it. Bring some snacks to enjoy so you can have the total movie experience.
8. Bring in a Homemade Snack
While nursing home food tastes much better than in times past, there is just something extra special about home-cooked food. Bring in their favorite snack and enjoy it together.
The Importance of Keeping Your Loved Ones Engaged
Keeping your parents engaged and in touch is vital to their continued wellness. When they’re happy to engage in activities, this is a good sign that they’re doing well. If your parent starts to show signs of withdrawing, you should get them checked by a doctor.
Social and leisure activities keep minds working and attitudes at their best. Lack of interaction and socializing can cause the exact opposite effect.
If you notice major changes in your parent, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can’t be too careful since treating any problems early is the best thing you can do for your loved one.
Wondering About Other Options?
If you are rethinking the decision of nursing home care, you may be considering home care.
While learning nursing home activities and making visits fun is great, being able to visit your parents in their own homes feels even better. Contact us today and see if we have a solution that is right for your family.
Nursing Home Activities
