Blog
Unleashing Curiosity: Lifelong Learning for Seniors
Posted by Scott Cantin in Fun activities for seniors | 0 comments
Curiosity is a trait that remains even as one ages. Therefore, seniors can continue learning and expanding their mind even as they age.
Learning never ends after the completion of a diploma or a degree; it’s a lifelong journey. There are multiple resources available for seniors that can help seniors gain and deepen their understanding in certain topics of interests. Advancare provides caregiver services in Miami; here are some of the online resources that can help seniors in their educational journey.
1. Online Courses
You don’t have to enroll in a university to learn a new skill. There are various online courses available to seniors depending on their area of interests.
Online courses provide seniors with convenience and flexibility. Seniors can learn a new skill without any alterations to their schedule, and they get an opportunity to learn at their own pace.
Mobility issues that come with aging make online courses a perfect learning tool. Most seniors face challenges when it comes to traveling and that’s what makes online courses perfect because they get to study at the comfort of their own home.
Online courses are more affordable compared to classroom education programs. Seniors with a fixed income never have to worry about purchasing textbooks or setting aside some money for transportation expenses.
2. University Course
Most universities offer a wide range of courses that are taught by specialists in the field of interest. A university course makes perfect sense for seniors looking to study an accredited course.
Some courses like HarvardX are free and unsupervised. However, some courses have instructors and operate like a normal college semester. The choice on the type of university course to pursue is dependent on budget, mobility and preference.
3. TEDTalks
TEDTalks cover multiple topics, and they have gained a lot of popularity since the early 1980s. The videos provide an expert view on certain topics, and some are less than eighteen minutes long. Seniors can take advantage of these videos to broaden their knowledge or understand different perspectives.
TEDTalks videos are accessible and provide seniors with a more constructive means of entertainment. Seniors can take advantage of these videos to learn and enjoy worthwhile presentations that improve their critical thinking skills.
4. Virtual Fitness Apps or Classes
Seniors looking to embrace and adopt healthy habits can consider taking virtual fitness classes. There are a wide range of fitness apps that are evolving to provide seniors with personalized workouts.
Some apps like Flip50 are specifically designed for individuals over the age of fifty and provide wellness packages and access to gyms. Seniors can take advantage of discounts provided by some of these apps on therapies, acupuncture and massage.
5. Audiobooks and eBooks
Various audiobook and eBook platforms provide seniors with opportunities to gain more insight on various topics. Seniors can read biographies, autobiographies, non-fiction literary texts and self-improvement books. Seniors suffering from visual impairments are eligible for braille, which is provided by the National Library Services.
One advantage of audiobooks and eBooks is that they play a key role in mental stimulation. They’re a perfect learning resource for seniors looking to keep their mind sharp. They provide new information and take your mind to different locales and eras.
6. Business Seminars
Most local business seminars are free or have affordable charges. They offer great opportunities for seniors looking to learn more about business or looking for additional support in running their small business.
Advancare Caregiver Services in Miami
If you’re looking for senior care in Miami, you can count on Advancare. Our experienced caregivers provide seniors with a wide range of online learning resources that promote mental stimulation and offer them opportunities to learn new skills. All our caregivers are fully bonded and insured.
Please contact us today for personalized in-home care services in Miami.
Tips for Using Devices and Staying Connected
Posted by Scott Cantin in Fun activities for seniors | 0 comments
The digital age has made it easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and family. Devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones can keep you connected with the rest of the world and assist you in communicating with your loved ones. Still, there are challenges to learning how to use devices and social media networks.
If you don’t feel confident using devices and social media, you could start to feel isolated or even embarrassed. From safety concerns to the importance of asking for help when needed, Advancare has the tips and tricks you need to feel comfortable using the devices that have become prevalent in daily life.
Adopt an open attitude
If you’ve been using technology for some time, you might have the confidence you need to learn new devices. However, many seniors struggle with accepting technology, including mobile devices and even social media networks. If you don’t feel comfortable trying new things, you might easily shy away from picking up a different device or creating a new social media account.
Maintain an open attitude toward technology and resist the urge to get frustrated. Understand that technology is very helpful, in most cases, serving a purpose and enabling you to stay better connected to those you love. Technology can also help you remain healthy. A study from CVS Health found that 45% of all respondents 65 and older would be more likely to communicate with healthcare professionals if they were able to do so through digital messaging.
Ask for help if needed
In addition to maintaining an open, receptive attitude, it’s important to know when to ask for help if you need it. Even if you want to learn how to use a new device, it can be confusing to figure out all the steps on your own. If you have friends and family members who are technology experts, ask for their help with setting up or using a new device or social media network.
Almost every phone provider or company has a storefront where you can get additional assistance. If you want to be sure someone will be on hand to help, don’t hesitate to call ahead of time and make an appointment. Familiarity will encourage continued use, so get help when you need it and keep trying new apps and processes.
Practice safety online
Even as you learn new devices and social media networks, practice the basics of online safety. Online safety is a real concern amongst internet users of all ages, but seniors can be especially susceptible to hackers and scams. Use strong passwords for every device and account you create, and don’t recycle the same password amongst multiple accounts. Always use security software for your computer or mobile device, so your personal information is protected.
Take special care to avoid clicking on suspicious emails and links you receive. Even seemingly benign messages from friends on social media can contain scammy and malicious links. In general, if you receive an email or message that claims to be from a government agency, bill collector, healthcare agency, or any other organization asking for money or personal information, flag it as spam and don’t respond. If you have questions about the legitimacy of a message or email, ask a tech-savvy friend for advice.
Advancare offers caregiver services in Miami
Technology offers a host of benefits, whether you use social media to stay in touch with friends or utilize a mobile device for video calls with loved ones. If you need some help mastering devices and social media networks, Advancare is here to support you. We proudly provide senior care in Miami to suit the needs of our clients. Contact us today to learn more about our in-home care services in Miami!
Can Games Have a Positive Impact on Seniors?
Posted by Scott Cantin in Cognitive Aging, Fun activities for seniors, mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
Games are a great way to pass the time. Games are often thought of as something kids and young adults do, but they are also important to seniors. In fact, playing different types of games can have a hugely positive effect on the well-being of seniors as a whole. This includes cognitive health, socialization, physical health, emotional well-being, and the improvement of mental flexibility. Here, we will talk about these benefits and the different kinds of games that can have a positive impact on seniors.
Cognitive Health
Playing games helps seniors keep their minds sharp. Board games like chess and Scrabble, card games like bridge, and brain-training games like Sudoku all improve your memory, ability to solve problems, and ability to think strategically. Memory, especially short-term memory, gets worked out when someone plays video games. One study showed chess could be considered a protective factor against dementia and cognitive decline in older people, particularly due to the enhancement of cognitive reserve.
Seniors can remember things like names, addresses, phone numbers, dates, and times better when they play video games, even if they only play once in a while. Additionally, they also make players switch between tasks quickly, which can help seniors be more mentally flexible and able to do more than one thing at a time.
Socialization
Seniors are often at risk of being alone and lonely, which can lead to depression. Games are a great way to meet new people, whether you play them with family, friends, or in a group. Board games and card games, in particular, get people talking and laughing face-to-face, which builds a sense of belonging and friendship.
Physical Health
Video games can also be good for your body, especially for older people. Some games that require physical interaction, like the VR game Beat Saber, Wii Sports, and other similar games can help seniors improve their balance, coordination, and reflexes because they require them to act quickly and make decisions. Furthermore, seniors have reported that playing video games has made them walk faster.
Emotional Well-being
Anything you enjoy, like going for a walk, having lunch with friends, or going to a movie, is good for your emotional health. Therefore, it is no surprise that many seniors who like to play video games feel better after doing so.
A study of 140 seniors over the age of 63 found that both regular and occasional gamers reported better health, social functioning, and happiness than those who did not play video games. In addition, it also reports that people who play video games have much lower rates of depression than those who don’t.
Enhance Mental Flexibility
Games often require you to adapt to changing situations and make decisions quickly. This helps seniors become more flexible and adaptable in their minds. Trivia games, for example, test your memory and general knowledge, and video games can help you get better at hand-eye coordination and solving problems.
Types of Games
Below is a list of suggested games and how they can benefit seniors.
- Board Games: Classic choices like chess, checkers, and Scrabble are excellent for stimulating critical thinking and strategic planning.
- Card Games: Games like bridge, poker, and solitaire encourage social interaction and memory retention.
- Outdoor Games: Bocce ball, lawn bowling, and croquet provide a fun way to enjoy the outdoors while staying active.
- Brain Games: Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and brain-training apps offer mental challenges that can improve memory and cognitive skills.
- Trivia Games: Games like trivia quizzes and quiz shows are not only fun but also enhance general knowledge and memory recall.
- Video Games: While not traditionally associated with seniors, many video games offer cognitive benefits and can be adapted to various skill levels.
Games can benefit seniors in many ways. They promote cognitive health, combat social isolation, encourage physical activity, boost emotional well-being, and enhance mental flexibility. Seniors can explore various types of games to find those that resonate with their interests and abilities. Whether it’s a weekly card game with friends or a daily session of brain-training exercises, games can help improve the quality of life for seniors, ensuring they remain mentally and socially engaged well into their golden years.
Advancare can help your senior loved ones stay alert and healthy as they age. Contact us today to discover the many services we offer in Miami and the surrounding area!
Benefits of Music Therapy for Seniors in Miami
Posted by Scott Cantin in Cognitive Aging, Fun activities for seniors, mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
Music is a natural and powerful part of human life that has been a part of our lives for thousands of years. It has evolved into a formal therapeutic practice known as Music Therapy, recognized as an established health profession. Music Therapy addresses physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs across various age groups, including young children and aging adults.
Music offers various physical and mental health benefits for seniors. It has become a valuable therapeutic tool and a form of entertainment and social activity in senior living facilities. This article will explore how music can be integrated into seniors’ lives to enhance their overall well-being.
What is Music Therapy for Seniors?
Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based approach that harnesses the power of music to achieve specific therapeutic goals within a therapeutic relationship with seniors. It is a recognized and respected field that employs music interventions to enhance older individuals’ mental health and overall well-being.
Benefits of Music Therapy for Seniors
Songs can stir up cherished memories and elicit instant smiles. Music therapy has been thoroughly researched and has shown a significant impact on seniors’ emotional, physical, and cognitive well-being. Here are some of the many benefits associated with music therapy for seniors:
Calm Anxiety in Dementia Patients
Music with particular themes and beats can be helpful when relaxing agitation, which is common when your senior has dementia or Alzheimer’s. Calming music can lower the heart rate and reduce stress.
Enhances Cognitive Skills
Music therapy can be really helpful for seniors to improve their memory and cognitive skills. Music doesn’t just make you feel good when you hear tunes from your past; it can also bring back special memories and get responses from seniors with dementia.
Ease Depression
The social aspect of music therapy is especially beneficial to seniors, who often feel disconnected from the people in their lives. Listening to and performing music is an inherently emotional experience that helps pull them out of more depressive mental states. Relaxing music can help reduce levels of stress hormones and decrease anxiety.
Increases Social Connection
Older adults often face the risk of social isolation, which can lead to social anxiety when reintroduced to social settings. Music therapy gives them a chance to come together, share stories, and connect over their shared love for music. Group music sessions create a sense of belonging and a friendly social atmosphere.
Helps Stay Active
Music often makes you want to dance, and dancing is an important part of music therapy. The beats and tunes of music can inspire you to move in simple ways, like clapping, moving your arms and legs, or using different instruments. People often come together to make music using various instruments. These activities are enjoyable for seniors and help improve physical well-being, balance, and coordination. It’s a fun way to stay active without feeling like a chore.
Improves Creative Skills
Seniors can get creative with music therapy, no matter their musical background. They can sing, play instruments, or even compose music, all to express themselves and find joy.
Home and Senior Caregiver Services in Miami, FL
Music therapy has an amazing ability to improve the lives of seniors. It brings several benefits, like boosting memory, encouraging social interaction, and lifting spirits. At Advancare, we understand the importance of senior care, and our trained caregivers can significantly impact seniors’ lives.
Our home care services are perfect for those who want to age comfortably at home, even with health issues. Our skilled caregivers provide compassionate, one-on-one care in the privacy of your own home. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
How to Create Meaningful Relationships in Your Senior Years
Posted by Scott Cantin in Fun activities for seniors, mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments
Meeting new people and making new friendships is vital to the human experience, especially as we age. Good friends can be powerful medicine that keeps us engaged and socially connected.
While family and friends can help older adults connect socially by calling or meeting regularly, senior loved ones themselves have numerous ways to create meaningful relationships.
If you’re having difficulty growing your social network, read on to learn how to remain socially active and why it’s important.
Ways You Can Form Meaningful Relationships
While it can be challenging, it’s not impossible to make friends as you age. Here are some of the ways you can strengthen your social circle:
Create Time and Space for New Relationships
Making new relationships requires not only the effort to make new friends, but also the time and resources to maintain them. That’s why Caregivers Services Miami assists seniors with daily tasks, allowing them the time and energy to stay socially engaged.
Building and sustaining a relationship can be challenging if you lack time for others. However, if you prioritize your schedule, you can find time to devote your energy to building and sustaining a meaningful friendship.
Join a Volunteer Group or Senior Center
If your community has a senior center or group, ensure you join and participate in the social events they offer. For instance, senior care Miami offers a various programs that can make it easier to build deeper friendships over time.
Create Time and Focus on Your Hobbies
Your hobbies offer a better opportunity to meet individuals with similar interests. Plus, involving people in the activities you enjoy might also naturally foster new friendships. Joining community painting classes or group exercises are some of the hobbies that can boost your overall happiness and open the door to new friendships.
Participate in Local Events
You can meet and bond with new people at local events like concerts or festivals. They offer a perfect opportunity to learn about people’s backgrounds and cultures, which is crucial to sustaining friendships.
Why Is Meaningful Relationship Important as We Age?
Investing in meaningful relationships brings benefits like:
- Improved emotional and mental health: Various studies have shown that friendships significantly improve mental and emotional health. Building and sustaining a friendship increases your chances of improving cognitive performance while preventing stress and depression.
- Reduced loneliness and isolation: Keeping solid friendships helps reduce loneliness and improve general well-being. With friends, you’ll have a listening ear, a supportive shoulder, and—more importantly—companionship that can greatly enhance your life.
- Being physically active: Group exercises and hobbies offer a perfect way to keep fit while connecting with your loved ones.
- An opportunity to learn and explore: You are never too old to learn. Bonding with new friends can help you learn something new. For instance, you can discover more about the modern era, technological development, or even the newest, exciting games. By learning such things, you become more knowledgeable and strengthen your relationships with others.
Advancare Caregiver Services Miami Helps You Create Meaningful Relationships
Building a solid connection with others can be challenging, but it is possible. You can create new healthy relationships by joining a senior center, discovering a new hobby, and participating in local events.
Just as there are many ways to create meaningful relationships, many benefits also come with them. A deep and meaningful connection brings you happiness while improving your overall well-being.
With the help of our caregiver services in Miami, senior loved ones can make friends and strengthen their existing ties. At Advancare, you’ll find new experiences along with home care services that provide opportunities to expand your social circle. Contact us today for more information on how we can help.
Greater Meaning and Life Purpose With Caregiver Services in Miami
Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, Fun activities for seniors, Senior Health | 0 comments
Maintaining a perspective that every moment holds an opportunity for greater meaning and purpose is crucial. As we age, we may realize that life’s inherent meaningfulness can grow even larger. It’s also important to engage in pleasantly stimulating, even challenging activities to find limitless satisfaction in our daily lives.
Five Ways to Find Greater Life Satisfaction in One’s Senior Years
With the help of caregiver services, Miami’s elderly population should strive to embrace the joys that life has to offer. By entrusting their essential life routines to capable hands, seniors and their loved ones can enjoy more quality time together.
Over time, our Miami caregivers have learned that the following ageless tips are surefire ways to nurture a greater sense of life passion. “Amor fati” (or love of fate), as the ancients were fond of saying.
- Prioritize Fitness
Better physical conditioning is the path to more feel-good endorphins, guaranteed to make colors seem brighter, and satisfaction feel that much deeper. If a sense of passion seems lacking, trust us; do some loose-fitting attire, then gently move, stretch, lift, or otherwise challenge one’s body to almost immediately improve one’s outlook on life. - Get in Touch With Your Deepest Inner You
To truly feel proud of who you are, it’s essential to nurture the things that make you unique. Take a trip down memory lane by looking through old scrapbooks and memorabilia of your past victories. Don’t be afraid to bask in your own inner glory! By doing so, you’ll feel even more meaningful and accomplished when you implement the next tip. - Strengthen Alliances
For good reason, it’s said almost to the point of cliché. Strengthening positive social bonds, by any measure, is absolutely essential to enjoying life, improving health, and taking it all in with deeper interest. According to one ancient philosopher, we’re advised to consider the world deeply, and consider ourselves lightly. Truly, the quickest way to refresh our perspective is to regularly meet with those we value and respect, then allow them to honor us with their own experience. - Express Gratitude
You can use a gratitude journal, or just write letters to friends and loved ones. You can even give a genuine and heartfelt compliment. It’s remarkable how quickly appreciation for our external environment reflects back to us, there’s absolutely no drawback in doing so. - Enjoy the Sun
The Miami area has almost year-round perfect weather, offering locals the opportunity to bask in outdoor bliss more often than not. While we may not always wake up feeling our best, making time to spend outdoors consistently can help improve our mood and outlook.
Securing More Time for the Things That Matter Most
There’s no greater way to enhance the meaning of one’s golden years than to secure quality time and pursue what’s most meaningful in life. If you or a loved one are thinking of caregiver services in Miami and its surroundings, Advancare is here for you. Reach out, and inquire about our services to learn if in-home senior care is right for you and your family.
Ways for Seniors to Remain Active During the New Year
Posted by Scott Cantin in Fun activities for seniors | 0 comments
Staying active is good for people of all ages, especially seniors. While it doesn’t slow down or stop the aging process, physical activity helps reduce the risk of chronic health illnesses and improve your strength, mood, and balance. When temperatures drop, it’s harder for older adults to remain active as they spend more time indoors.
However, you can overcome these challenges by engaging in other activities that keep you mentally and physically active. At Advancare, we understand the importance of healthy activities at home and how valuable they’re to seniors. We hire some of the best caregivers to ensure seniors are happy, healthy, and comfortable. Here are things seniors can do to remain active in the New Year.
Attend a Virtual Fitness Class
The use of technology has made it easy for seniors to connect with one another and other people. The same technology is loaded with plenty of fitness activities that can help you stay active and healthy throughout the winter season. You can participate in virtual classes or download fitness apps that allow you to learn simple exercises you can do without hurting yourself or endangering your health.
Visit Your Local Library for New Resources
The best step you can take to remain active in the colder months is to get enough information. You can visit the local library and find resources that help seniors stay active at home and outside. You’ll also learn some of the low-impact movements you can do at home alone or with the help of a caregiver. It’s essential to speak to your doctor before you start to rule out any future issues. If you have an underlying condition, short term disability, or chronic illness, you should learn activities that allow you to exercise without getting injured or worsening the condition.
Add New Exercises To Your Routine
Whether you enjoy swimming in the warm water or taking a few yoga poses, adding new exercises to your routine during winter is essential. It’s tempting to stay under the blankets all day during the colder months, but that’s not helpful. You need to include extra exercises into your routine to achieve your fitness goals.
Choose an exercise you’re more comfortable with that can be done daily. You can reduce the side effects of aging by building muscle and you actually don’t need to have high-end gym equipment to get started. A pair of one or two-pound weights, such as a bag of sugar, is all you need to get started.
Learn a Few Yoga Poses
Yoga is increasingly becoming popular in Miami-Dade and other parts of the country. If you haven’t started, the New Year is an excellent time to plan and start. People who enjoy yoga will tell you that it looks easy but gives you quite a workout. Again, you can attend yoga classes specifically designed for seniors as they teach safe poses. Yoga helps improve posture, balance, and stability. It also enhances flexibility, strength, and calmness of the mind. You can also check learning materials that teach yoga for seniors.
Let Us Help You Stay Active
At Advancare, our professional caregivers can help your seniors stay active at home throughout the New Year. Our caregivers are compassionate, highly trained, and committed to delivering the best care for your seniors. If you’re in Miami-Dade, Contact us today to book a consultation session.
Benefits Of Creating A Vision Board With A Senior in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in Fun activities for seniors | 0 comments
A vision board is made up of a collage of pictures, images, and affirmations representing your desires and dreams. Vision boards are often used to motivate and inspire someone for the coming years or stages in life. If you live with a senior or you’re preparing to get a caregiver to look after them in their senior age, you want to see them thrive emotionally, physically, and psychologically. Vision boards can help with that.
You can use them to encourage a senior to communicate and share ideas, goals, feelings, and visions. At Advancare, we encourage our caregivers to support seniors in activities that support and build them all-round. Our caregivers offer senior home care services in Miami-Dade, including light housekeeping, errand running, meal planning and preparation, supportive care, food safety, and many others. Here are a few reasons to create a vision board with a senior.
Give Life New Meaning
After retirement, seniors have difficulty finding purpose and direction in life. We understand it’s quite a huge life change that many aren’t often prepared for. The best way to help them jumpstart their life and find new meaning in life is to create a collage full of their future goals, dreams, and aspirations. Drawing and writing down what they want to achieve helps them stay motivated and happy throughout their new phase of life.
Give Clarity
Seniors often face challenges in their decision-making especially when affected by dementia. Creating a vision board allows a senior to put down the things they want to do exactly how they intend to do them. This helps clear doubts and uncertainty one feels when thinking about what they want to do. Some seniors plan too many things after retirement, such as gardening, attending music school, traveling, etc. All these can be achieved with proper planning. Vision boards can help clear the fog and give clarity for better planning.
Stay Positive
You’ll likely feel happy with yourself when you write or draw up your goals, dreams, and other things you intend to achieve in life. Vision boards help you remember what you want to do or look forward to in the coming weeks, months, or years. Visualizing the reason you want to do them and the outcome of their completion can make you feel happy, hopeful, and optimistic in life.
Stay Motivated
Vision boards help you stay motivated, especially when facing challenges. The board reminds you of everything you want to do and achieve, which motivates you to push past the obstacles and achieve your goals. It allows you to remain positive throughout the year and look forward to positive things.
Track Progress
When working with a vision board, you’re likely to have determination and focus, which results in success. When your vision is clear, it’s easier to focus and succeed. Having the physical representation of your goals is an excellent way to track your progress by marking your accomplishments and which ones to work on. A vision board is an effective tool for brainstorming ideas, working on them, and becoming successful.
Promote Creativity
Creating a vision board is fun as it allows you to use your imagination and think creatively. You can create your to-dos in the form of project tasks and accomplish each at a time. This helps you stay active and creative. You can use different colors to represent other things on your board and pictures to improve the visual aspects of your dreams and goals.
For home care services and other senior care activities, contact Advancare today.
Fun Winter Projects To Do With Seniors in Miami-Dade
Posted by Scott Cantin in Fun activities for seniors | 0 comments
The winter season is here, and Christmas is around the corner. It’s time to unleash those decorative ideas and create other fun activities that seniors will enjoy indoors. Due to their limited mobility, seniors have to carefully select the activities they can engage in safely at home that are fun and enriching.
The team at Advancare encourages seniors in our care to engage in physical activities as they have emotional, psychological, and physical health. Advancare offers senior home care services to residents in Miami-Dade and the surrounding areas. Here are fun winter projects to do with seniors.
Build Your Own Gift Baskets
The winter season involves a lot of gift-giving, and seniors often struggle to get the right gifts for their loved ones. They may be unable to handle the loud, crowded malls to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. However, all is not lost. If you have a senior living with you, you can help them build their own gift baskets.
This is a relatively affordable task with wonderful results, especially when you brainstorm ideas based on the recipient’s unique taste. You can go all girly with all sorts of goodies for girls or choose a game-themed basket for video game sons and grandchildren.
Create Centerpieces for the Holidays
If you’ve always enjoyed crafts, this perfect activity is for you. Winter allows you to show off your flair, from creating elegant candles and cranberry creations to lush woodland tablescapes. You can select centerpiece projects that align with your loved ones’ abilities and interests. Some seniors prefer intense activities involving creativity, while others simply enjoy organizing colorful things such as ornaments or beads.
Make a Wreath
Holiday wreaths come in different designs, shapes, and sizes. You can use glass ornaments, fresh greens, jingle bells, and felt poinsettias to make holiday wreaths with your senior loved one, which helps lift a senior’s spirit while sprucing up your home. You can encourage the senior to make extras to give out to family and friends.
Decorate Gingerbread Houses
For seniors with plenty of free time, you can help them make their own gingerbread from scratch. You can check for simple recipes online or tweak them to come up with something unique that the entire family will enjoy.
The festive season comes with lots of eating, and one of the best ways to create good memories is by making unique items like gingerbread. If you’re a senior living with a caregiver, you can work with them to bake some fun gingerbread houses. You can also lighten the load by getting pre-made types.
Construct a Scrapbook of Holiday Memories
Holidays present a perfect opportunity for reminiscing about beautiful memories. One of the best ways to cherish these memories is to put them in a scrapbook. You can work with the seniors to create a scrapbook with cherished photos, letters, notes, and other pieces of memorabilia that the family will find intimate and joyful.
Let Us Help You Enjoy Winter Activities
At Advancare, we’re all about caring for seniors’ health, comfort and happiness. Our caregivers can help your senior loved one enjoy these fun winter activities to keep them physically and mentally healthy. Contact us for more information on home care services.
5 Fun DIY Craft Ideas for Seniors with Dementia
Posted by Scott Cantin in Fun activities for seniors | 0 comments
Even if a senior has Alzheimer’s or a different type of dementia, it is vital that they feel engaged and have fun in life. One of the unfortunate realities of dementia is that it makes it difficult for seniors to enjoy many of the same activities that they once did. Instead, with the use of imagination, you can think of DIY craft activities that have no right or wrong way to complete them. These are ideal because they are always fun, satisfying, and a boost to the senior’s self-esteem.
Need an assisted Miami caregiver to provide support during your craft day at home?
Advancare‘s certified caregivers have experience with dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Here are eight DIY craft ideas that you can do with a dementia patient to keep them engaged.
Safety First
Before reviewing the craft ideas, it is important to emphasize the importance of safety when it comes to senior dementia care. It’s crucial that the activities you create do not cause injury to your senior or anybody else involved. For instance, some seniors with dementia will put things in their mouths and try to eat them. If this is the case, avoid using objects that can damage teeth or be a choking hazard.
Attaching Pipes and Fittings
Many seniors will still enjoy the type of handyman work that they used to do around the house. An activity that will activate these memories can greatly improve their morale and self-esteem. All you need for this activity is varying lengths of inexpensive PVC pipe and fittings like elbows or T-joints. If you’re having trouble, the hardware store will be able to cut them for you.
Clipping Clothespins
For this activity, you can use mini or full-size clothespins. Give your senior something like a basket, wire clothes hanger, or anything that is safe so that they can clip the clothespins to it. The rainbow of colors that is created can be a source of wonder and joy.
Flower Arranging
If the senior you’re spending time with enjoyed gardening or making flower gardens, flower arranging can activate those memories. Take them back in time by letting them create beautiful arrangements. All you need for this activity are artificial flowers, florist foam, and a plastic vase.
Enjoy Homemade Play Dough
No matter the age group, people can enjoy and relax playing around with modeling clay and Play Dough. Purchase a canister of Play Dough and some cookie cutters and watch the seniors get creative.
Sort Coins or Parts from the Hardware
All that this craft requires is a visit to the hardware store or a few loose coins. Give your older adult several different coins or hardware parts, such as bolts, nuts, screws, and washer, and ask them to sort them for you.
Miami, FL At-Home Dementia Care
Providing services such as assisted living dementia care and Alzheimer’s care, the certified caregivers at Advancare want to keep seniors engaged and fulfilled. In addition to doing activities with seniors with dementia, our caregivers can help your loved one with grooming, bathing, and dressing, meal planning and preparation, reading, and eating assistance.
For more DIY craft activity ideas, call Advancare at (305) 441-9794 or schedule online.
