Keeping seniors entertained can make life more meaningful. Although seniors have often cultivated many passions in life, they may have difficulty finding ways to stay busy during the day. Seniors who experience new health challenges may also need to find sources of entertainment that fit their abilities. These strategies make it possible to entertain an elderly person while also enjoying the time you get to spend together.
Use Electronics in Interactive Ways
Seniors who just want to sit and watch television can be persuaded to do other things with their electronic devices. For instance, you could invite your aging loved one to read an e-book you can discuss in a book club. Your loved one might also enjoy playing an interactive video game that requires movement. Social media is another option for entertainment seniors can use to connect with others.
Joining book clubs and using social media are great ways for seniors to get the socialization they need. For families living in Lincoln, 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 Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Go on an Outing
Getting your loved one out of the house gives you several options for entertainment, and active seniors don’t need to be inside all the time. Help your loved one find a companion to accompany him or her on outings throughout the week. This way, your parent can enjoy going to a movie, a play, or even a museum. Spending time away from the house helps your loved one connect with other people and avoid boredom.
If your loved one needs a companion to go on outings with, consider hiring a professional caregiver. In-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.
Play Your Loved One’s Favorite Music
Music is an easy source of entertainment you can quickly turn on when your loved one is bored. You can also give your loved one an instrument to inspire self-expression, or you can encourage him or her to dance or sway to the music. Your loved one might be motivated to share some memories with you if you find a song that transports his or her thoughts back in time.
Work on a Long-Term Project
Working on projects gives seniors something to do whenever they have some spare time. A long-term project could be something as simple as writing a memoir or organizing some photos in an album. Your loved one might also want to choose something a little more complicated, such as building birdhouses out of wood or knitting a certain number of scarves for charity. Working on projects provides a sense of purpose along with a way to spend time doing an enjoyable activity.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Silly
One of the main reasons for keeping seniors entertained is to keep them happy. Try planning a few silly activities that bring out your loved one’s zany side. You could try making animal balloons together, or take some bubbles outside to enjoy watching them blow around in the sunshine. Seniors with mobility issues can enjoy some of the simplest activities, and they’ll get a kick out of doing something completely unexpected
In-home caregivers can keep seniors entertained while ensuring they remain safe and comfortable in and outside the home. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide in-home care. Lincoln families can turn to Home Care Assistance 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. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us at (916) 226-3737 today.