Fun Activities to Do While Visiting a Loved One in an Assisted Living Home
Visiting your loved one in assisted living home can be a fun, memorable experience for both of you, as long as you plan ahead. Planning a safe activity can keep boredom at bay and encourage your loved one to try something new. Start by finding out what your loved one’s interests and limitations are, in order to ensure you don’t choose a difficult activity. Once you have a good idea of your loved one’s capabilities and preferences, choose from one of these activities or get inspired to think of your own!
Check the Assisted Living Home’s Events Schedule
Most assisted living homes have an events schedule on their website or printed out in the lobby. Before your visit, find out if there are any planned activities at the assisted living home that also allow guest participation. You may be surprised by the array of activities available! Many assisted living homes offer movie nights, card games, baking classes, yoga, art therapy, animal visits, and musical events.
Set Up an Art Project
It doesn’t matter if you’re artistically inclined or not – planning an art project will allow you both to unleash some creativity and participate in a calming, meditative activity together. Better yet, you’ll have a keepsake when you’re done! Try to plan a simple project with only a few steps, and bring all of the supplies that you’ll need. Something simple like painting a landscape, or a portrait of the family pet, can be a truly enjoyable way to pass the time.
Organize Old Photos & Treasures into Albums or Scrapbooks
If you or your loved one has a box of photographs, slides, or other treasures that have been sitting in a box for far too long, now is the perfect time for an organizational project! Bring everything that you’ll need to organize photos into albums or organize keepsakes into a scrapbook. The best part about this project is that you’ll have the chance to share old memories and hear the stories behind each photo or keepsake item.
Take a Walk (or Ride)
Taking a walk around the assisted living home is a great way to stave off boredom for your loved one, while also improving circulation and heart health. Getting out in the sunshine and fresh air can also be a real mood-booster for you and your loved one! It doesn’t have to be a long walk – even just one turn around the courtyard can make a world of difference. If your loved one has mobility issues, you can use a mobility scooter or wheelchair to let them have a chance to get out and about.
Read a Book or Magazine
If your loved one used to enjoy reading but can’t see very well anymore, reading to them is a great activity to share. Find out what types of books, magazines, or newspapers your loved one has been missing, and then come prepared! Reading aloud and talking about what you have read is a great way for both of you to connect and share ideas and experiences. It also gives your loved one a chance to keep their memory sharp and stay up to date on the news or current events.
Once you’ve become inspired, don’t hesitate to reach out to your loved one and plan a visit to partake in one of these fun activities! If you’re interested in learning more about assisted living homes in Tucson, AZ, come see what Arizona Homestead has to offer you and your loved one! Contact our caring team today to learn more about our amenities and activities, and find out how we can help you and your family member make the transition into assisted living.
