Hobbies for Homebound Seniors

May 31, 2017

Elder-Care-in-Menlo-Park-CA — Elder Care in Menlo Park CA: Hobbies for Homebound Seniors

If you have an aging loved one, you will know that they can get bored and listless just like anyone else. Homebound seniors, especially, have a difficult time finding ways to stay active and engaged, because they can’t go out and experience the things the way they used to before they began to have health problems. Luckily, there are many ways to help keep your loved one’s mind active, even if their body isn’t as active as it used to be. Here are some hobbies they can do around the house. They can either enjoy them by themselves, or with you or their elder care aide to assist them.

Jigsaw Puzzles – Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to keep your brain in shape. They are also a great way to spend a day, as most of them require a lot of time and concentration. If your senior is bedridden, you can simply help them to sit up into a comfortable position, and use a tv tray with a stand as a table. Extend the legs of the tray and put it over their lap, and let them put the puzzle together on top of it.
Arts and Crafts – Is your senior good with his or her hands? Or does he or she like to build things? If so, they could have a lot of fun doing arts and crafts projects. There are literally thousands of different projects they could do, all from the comfort of their bed, that range from building model airplanes to making beaded bracelets. To get some ideas, check out some websites like Pinterest or Etsy – they are chock full of arts and crafts projects!
Writing – It is a common misconception that only famous writers can write. In reality, and one can write! If your senior is comfortable holding a pen or pencil for extended periods of time, ask them if they would like to write a story, or write in a journal. This could also be helpful for depression or anxiety, because it helps to get some of the thoughts out of their heads and onto the paper. If they can’t write, you could always have them tell their stories to you or their elder care aide, who can write it down for them. Who knows, maybe one day you two will have a bestseller!
Collecting – Collecting things like stamps, coins, or knick-knacks can be a very fun hobby. Even if your loved one can’t go out and get their own items for their collection, you can bring them home for them, and they can arrange them and admire them on their own. The best thing about this hobby is that there are so many things in the world that can be collected, so there is surely something that will strike your loved one’s interest!

Hopefully this list contains an idea that will inspire you and your aging loved one. If they would like, perhaps you can even join them in the hobby that they choose. That way, you can both enjoy it, and strengthen your bond in the process.

If you or your loved one is looking for elder care in Menlo Park, CA, please call Familiar Surroundings Home Care.

Santa Clara County: (408) 979-9990

San Mateo County: (650) 353-9777

Santa Cruz County: (831) 480-3990

Tags: Elder Care in Menlo Park CA

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