A senior’s mobility can be lost for many reasons, ranging from something as sudden as a stroke to a progressive condition such as arthritis. As your aging loved one’s ability to move freely is diminished, it’s necessary to find activities that fit his or her abilities and promote a positive attitude.
1. Learn a New Language
Many people want to learn a new language but never get the time until they’re retired. Learning Spanish, French, or another language gives your loved one a measurable form of success that builds confidence when a loss of mobility is lowering his or her self-esteem. Your loved one can also use smartphone apps, audio lessons, or traditional textbooks to accommodate his or her specific disability.
If your loved one needs a steady dose of encouragement as well as assistance with the daily tasks of life, a compassionate, professional caregiver can be a wonderful choice. The type of home care Clearwater, FL, seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Home Care Assistance, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.
2. Play an Instrument
Playing an instrument is simple enough that your loved one can do it from a seated position, and he or she can choose an instrument that isn’t affected by mobility challenges. For instance, a ukulele is smaller and lighter than a guitar, so your loved one won’t get as fatigued while playing. The movements involved with playing the instrument can also strengthen your loved one’s abilities. For instance, using the feet to press the pedals on a piano keeps the muscles in the legs active without standing up.
3. Contribute to a Charity
Seniors who have always been active sometimes lose their sense of purpose if their mobility challenges stop them from being able to continue in a volunteer position they’ve held. However, your loved one can still make a difference in the community by finding new ways to contribute to charities. Whether he or she crochets hats for newborns or puts care packages together for the homeless, your parent can fill the day with a new activity that also helps others.
4. Create with Technology
Your loved one’s mobility issues may extend to the hands and arms, which limits the ability to do creative activities such as drawing and painting. Many computer programs today are designed to make illustrating easier, and your loved one can make amazing images come to life with just a few points and clicks of the mouse. If your loved one isn’t an experienced artist, he or she can use programs with templates to make things such as banners and cards to celebrate special occasions.
Caring for a loved one who has severe mobility issues, especially those that restrict movement in the arms and hands, can be particularly challenging. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Clearwater, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
5. Attend Library Events
Reading is a popular pastime for people with limited mobility. While reading does keep the mind occupied, it’s also a solitary pursuit. Help your loved one expand the passion for books into new activities that constantly change so he or she is never bored. Check out the events at your community library to find things such as reading groups, poetry readings, and book signings that encourage your loved one to get out in the world and mingle with people who share his or her interests. If necessary, arrange for transportation services with a caregiver to help your loved one move safely through the library so he or she has no excuse but to enjoy the fun.
6. Take Up Photography
Cameras are simple tools seniors with limited mobility can use to add a creative element to their day. Your loved one can also turn a love for nature photography into a reason to get outside. Finding new things to photograph may encourage your loved one to stay active and retain his or her current level of abilities.
Whether the mobility challenges are mild or severe, a trained caregiver can offer the level of assistance that fits your loved one’s needs best. Clearwater home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of the compassionate Care Managers at Home Care Assistance today at (727) 330-7862.