Ways to Keep A Loved One Active around the Home

Whether it’s the weather, a global pandemic, a snowdrift or a winter cold there’s nothing worse than being kept indoors!

We are rated as outstanding for Care with the Care Quality Commission CQC levels of care. We work hard every day to think freely and create care plans that help our clients with all their needs.

When it comes to providing elderly care for your loved ones, whether by you or by a home care or live-in care business then there are a few ways to help that means staying indoors doesn’t automatically equal boredom or even worse, feelings of isolation.

There are many different activities that can really help to not only occupy a person’s time but also help to keep their mind active. Try things like puzzles, drawing and painting, quizzes, tv box sets, crosswords and board games. Home carers are usually experts at these!

When it comes to getting active and keeping the body fit and healthy, we’ve produced a few ideas from our toolkit for you to try at home with your favourite people.

Remember of course, that if you’re going to start anything that involves physical exercise it’s always best to check in with the doctor first, to make sure it’s appropriate.

Baking Up a Storm

The Great British Bake Off is a favourite tv show of many millions of viewers, but what can help even more is a real-life experience. Baking can trigger familiar memories and be a great way to connect with someone as you create together. Using hands while you talk, and smell can also cause the brain neurons to fire more rapidly which helps with memory recall and retention

It’s hard not to love that gorgeous aroma of a cake rising in the oven or even better, some freshly baked crusty bread.

Smells are a wonderful way of evoking emotions or memories which can start great conversations. Moving around the kitchen and getting back into the swing of things is a comfortable way to keep active and use the brain too.

Embracing the Garden

If you’re blessed enough to have a garden, or a shared one, then a simple step outdoors is a terrific way to keep active and embrace nature and its healing powers. Everything always seems better after a few breaths of fresh air.

You can prune the roses, check-in on vegetables, do some weeding, top up the birdbath and spot squirrels all whilst being outside and having a slow walk around. Remember to wrap up warm to avoid catching a chill.

In the summer, how about a nice chair in the garden with the sun on your face? This can help boost vitamin D levels. (Just don’t forget the sun cream)

Finding your Inner Master Chef

Just like baking, cooking dinner together is a fantastic way to utilise the kitchen, create some more smells to release memories and stories (especially if you’re cooking a family favourite). Once again this can help connect you and assist in some great reminiscing between you.

Stretching it Out

This might be some simple stretches, or some yoga or Pilates. There’s plenty of free content on YouTube. just make sure to watch it first to make sure the pace, clarity of instructions and style is a match with the person you’re caring for.

Finding a Safe Way to Exercise

Now clearly with this one, we need to apply some care and common sense and check-in with a doctor.

But exercise doesn’t have to mean a 20k run on a running machine. We can all exercise a little in a way that works for us.

Experimenting with Podcasts or Audio Books

There’s no rule that says you must sit still to listen to a favourite audiobook or podcast. If your loved one is already mobile around the home, then headphones to allow them to walk and move whilst listening can be a great 2 in 1 activity. If they need some help, then get the volume up and wander around the rooms listening and getting some steps in at the same time.

Don’t Forget about Walking

A walk around the block can be enough for many elderly people but the value of being outside, seeing friendly faces, places of interest or simply getting fresh air can be incredibly powerful. Always walk at their pace and be on hand if they need any help.

Park Benches

If the weather and everyone involved is ready then a short trip to a park, to sit on a favourite bench can be a wonderful way to go outdoors and also enjoy a short walk. Find out the favourite place, check how much walking it involves and how far the car park is and then get outside and enjoy.

Strictly Come Dancing

Not the TV show, and of course, another one to check with the doctor, but music is proven to be helpful and enjoyable for elderly people and often causes memories and feelings to come flooding back. We all have favourite songs, from a film, a wedding, a show…take time to ask some questions to find out the best ones to play.

We’re suggesting taking it easy and avoiding ‘let’s twist again like we did last summer’ and certainly no jumps or lifts but chosen carefully and with a little bit of gentle support, this could make someone’s day.

If you or your loved one needs to arrange home care, live-in-care or domiciliary care from an award-winning local business then reach out to us using the clickable link below. We’d love to help.

https://liveincare.today/contact-us/