We get it. Winter months can be cold, dreary, and dark. Even those who live in warmer climates, find the long winter months hard to tolerate. It might make your elderly loved one (and yourself if you’re honest) want to curl up under the covers and not come out until those first spring buds start appearing. But alas, we are not bears, so hibernating is not an option, and simply staying in bed (or on the couch) all day every day is not a healthy way to get through the next several months or more. With the help of in-home care providers your loved one can remain active.
Your loved one needs to stay active to keep his health in top shape, mentally and physically. But without the ability to easily go take a stroll through the woods or play a game of golf, what can your loved one do to keep himself occupied?
Here are five suggestions to try. Some will require the help of someone like his in-home care provider, some can be done alone, and some may seem inviting to the whole family.
Go for a walk
In most communities, there is some type of mall or larger shopping store (even a large Target or Wal-Mart will do). Malls especially are wonderful places for the elderly to visit to put some steps into their day. The building is a nice safe temperature, the floors are clear of ice and tripping hazards, and often, there is a great community of walkers. If your loved one doesn’t drive, schedule a weekly or bi-weekly trip with his in-home care provider to the mall so he can stay active while window shopping (maybe keep that credit card at home while he’s walking).
Do some baking
No one wants to heat the house in the summer with hours of baking but winter is the perfect time to warm up the home and bake up plenty of delicious treats. From family favorites to new recipes, get the whole family involved for a bake-off on a Sunday or have his in-home care provider help him bake up a batch of his favorite cookies once a month.
Play games
While outside games may be impractical, there are plenty of games your loved one can play at home. Winter months are a great time to have friends over for a game of cards or a lively game of charades. With more people at home, your loved one may find it easier to gather together friends or family for a night of games and snacks.
Start an indoor project
Winter months are a great time to start a new hobby (like painting) or work on an old project that still needs to be finished (like assembling that 3-D puzzle. Your loved one can feel accomplished when he finally finishes that project or learns a new skill.
Try a home exercise like yoga
Using YouTube or some old DVDs, your loved one might like trying some stretching and strength-building exercises that he can do in his home. Help him find programs that are geared for his age and ability to keep him active.
Spring will be here before you know but in the meantime, your loved one can still have fun and be active.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care Services in Brookville PA please get in touch with the caring staff at Quality Health Services. Call (814) 251-9044
Quality Health Services is a trusted non-medical senior care provider in Punxsutawney, Bellefonte, Jefferson, Brockway, Brookville, Clearfield, St Marys, Emporium, Philipsburg, and Dubois PA areas.
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