Five Fun Fall Ideas for Caregiving Families

As the weather cools down, and the holiday decorations start to go up, we can all get a little busier beginning this time of year. Kids are busy in school and studying for exams, while parents plan holiday events that include the whole family together. If you are a caregiver to someone who needs regular assistance, it’s easy for your loved one to get lost in the shuffle if you don’t plan activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Here are some fun fall activities that can be enjoyed by everyone together, including kids and your older loved one.

Take a Walk

Because the weather cools down just a bit in the Fall, it’s the perfect time to get outside and help your loved one get some exercise if they are able. Even if they are in a wheelchair, it’s a nice idea to get them outside to breathe in fresh air. Plan a night where the whole family takes a walk after dinner. If the leaves are changing, turn it into a leaf-finding mission and collect all the different colors. These are the memories you’ll want to hold onto, and walking is always good exercise for everyone!

Plan a Puzzle or Game Night

Putting together a jigsaw puzzle can provide hours of entertainment for the family. Find a fun fall-themed puzzle and play some soft music in the background for a nice relaxing night with your loved one. If they prefer games, turn a night into family game night. Find a board game that the kids can enjoy and that your older loved one can play as well. This is a great way to provide some gentle mental stimulation if your loved one is suffering from a disease such as dementia.

Bake Together

Who doesn’t like a sweet treat now and then? Baking can be a lot of fun and also provides a creative outlet for your loved one. Let them do the assembly or mixing for a bit of light exercise too. The best part about baking is that the final result is something everyone can enjoy!

Arts and Crafts

Fall is a great time to make decorations. Help your loved one create festive decorations that can be used around the house. From cut-out leaves to carving pumpkin faces, this is a great activity to engage all the creative family members. Task your older kids with helping your loved one with scissors or other potentially dangerous tools, and give your loved one the opportunity to show the kids how they would design their pumpkin face. You’re probably in for a night of laughs, but it can be great fun to be able to share the decorations with others all season long.

Plan a Safe Halloween

Halloween can be enjoyable for everyone if you plan to do it in a way that makes your older loved one comfortable. Some dementia patients may have a hard time with loud noises, scary decorations, and the constant doorbell ringing from trick-or-treaters, so it’s important to set up the night in a way that is best for them.

If they enjoy handing out candy, find a way that they can engage in that activity while also staying comfortable. Some seniors may prefer to stay away from the costume-clad kiddos, so it might be best to use one of the activities from above to celebrate this holiday in a quiet and safe environment.

Caregiving during any time of the year can be stressful, but that’s why we provide professional companion and nursing services to help ease the stress of caring for a loved one. Contact us to find out how we can assist you with your caregiving needs in the short term or long run. info@24-7nursingcare.info

References:

DailyCaring. (2017, October 30). 6 Festive Fall Activities for Seniors. Retrieved from https://dailycaring.com/5-festive-fall-activities-for-seniors/