There are elderly people in every community in the world. The elderly are a resource to society and there is so much they can teach us. Although many seniors prefer to “age in place,” living out their later years in their own homes, yet when they reach a certain age or can no longer look after themselves, for most of them, the best option is to be placed in nursing homes or assisted living. In order to ensure that they don’t lose contact with their families and are left lonely and cut off from the world outside the nursing home or assisted living complex, it is important to visit them on a regular basis. Below Mark Berger, Chief Executive Officer at Villa Healthcare, a leading provider of post-hospital care, rehabilitation, skilled nursing and long-term care services, offers a list of different creative activities you and your loved one can do while they are in a nursing facility.
When your older adult lives in a nursing home or assisted living, visiting regularly is an important way to stay connected and show how much you care. Spending time with you will brighten your older adult’s day and knowing when you’ll visit next gives them something to look forward to. Most elderly are simply waiting for someone they love to call or visit. Despite the benefits of modern technology, there is no technology or amount of calls that can substitute an in-person visit. It is not only good for you to see how your parents are faring; it is also good for them to see your face. If you visit regularly, this information provided by Mark Berger is intended to help you create a better or more meaningful time together.
First of all, when planning your visits, decide mutually if possible, what days are best. Also, what time of day is best. Some older people tire easily and their health and mood can vary. That is why timing is very important. Furthermore, waiting for a visit can seem endless for an elderly person, so it's important to be on time. Try to avoid visiting during rest times, special events and favorite television programs. Weekends can be a good time to visit as often there are fewer activities and less staff. For other situations, weekdays or evenings may work best.
Bringing activities with you is another thing Mark Berger suggests. Whether or not you’re a creative person, simple crafts can be a fun way to add some color to your time together. Not only are these activities fun, but they can also help your loved one’s cognitive and motor skills. Looking over old photos or videos can make visiting fun and positive. It can also strengthen your bond. Photos are also a great conversation starters. You never know what stories or memories your older adult will be inspired to share. If you and your older adult would be interested in a project, you could even work on creating a family tree or family history. This is something that is both fun and meaningful.
To keep them in touch with family members, you could bring visitors with you, like your children or nephews. For family members who live far away, arrange video chats or phone calls so they also have a chance to virtually visit with your older adult. When bringing children to visit, you could also bring a puzzle, art project, or simple game so they’ll have something fun to do with your older adult. A shared activity helps them bond and keeps everyone happily engaged.
Last but not least, Villa's Healthcare CEO Mark Berger encourages finding a mutual love of some sort of entertainment and enjoying it together. Whether it’s playing a board game, listening to music, reading a book or watching a favorite movie, entertainment is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with each other.
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