When it comes to home care for the elderly, one of the most important activities that caregivers can encourage is playing games. Boardgames, card games, and even video games can help keep elderly adults engaged and mentally stimulated. This is not only fun for them, but also has a number of health benefits that can improve their overall quality of life.
Let’s explore some of the reasons why play is so beneficial for seniors, and shed light on examples of good games that caregivers can use to keep the elderly entertained. Whether you’ve already found someone in Encino that provides professional home care, or you’re catering to the needs of your loved one yourself, read on!
Do the elderly play games?
Now, it’s obvious that seniors do play games, but should they, and why? Now, you’re probably familiar with an image of senior patients playing board games and puzzles in nursing homes. There are a number of reasons behind this, and it’s not only to make the time pass.
Someone said that the secret of wisdom is to carry the spirit of the child into old age. This involves keeping the level of enthusiasm high and making sure that there’s something enjoyable to look forward to each day. This is why any well-designed elderly care plan should include mentally stimulating activities, and games are a perfect example.
Are board games good for the elderly?
It’s no secret that playtime and hobbies are a great way to keep the mind engaged, at any age. This is especially important in the elderly, who can face cognitive decline as time goes by. There’s also a range of other advantages that it brings:
- Games promote mental fitness. Playing games can help improve memory, focus, and problem-solving skills.
- Games stimulate socialization. Games serve a great role in enriching the everyday routine. This is important for elderly adults who may not have many opportunities to interact with people their own age.
- Games help ward off depression and anxiety. They don’t only serve as distractions from every day worries. Seniors can establish certain games as weekly or daily rituals, which promote resilience to stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Games promote a higher quality of life. Staying mentally sharp, optimistic, and curious into old age makes the elderly more motivated and eager to put their effort into spending their days in a fulfilling manner.
What are some good games for seniors?
There are a number of different types of board games that are perfect for seniors. Here are some examples:
- Word and logic puzzles like Scrabble, Sudoku or Jenga
- Card games such as bridge, poker, or gin rummy
- Strategy games such as chess, checkers, or backgammon
- Trivia games like Jeopardy! or Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
- Classic board games like Monopoly, Candyland, or Clue
Can seniors benefit from playing video games?
Although it might seem a bit funny at first, there’s nothing wrong with seeing your elderly loved one playing their favorite game on a PC, console, iPad, or another device. After all, computer games have been there for over four decades, so it’s not really something we should associate with the young population exclusively.
Of course, spending too much time in front of the screen isn’t good for anyone, but a moderate amount of brain-stimulating games can do wonders. Combine that with healthy physical exercise, and you’ll have a packed daily schedule that will keep you active. Elderly people enjoy playing:
- Logic games like Portal or The Witness
- Adventure games like Uncharted or Tomb Raider
- Strategy games like Civilization or Age of Empires
- Casino games like blackjack, poker, and roulette
Our aging loved one in Encino, CA needs reliable home care. Who can we call?
It’s clear that you want only the best for your elderly loved one, so imagine having someone to accompany them on relaxing walks to Los Encino State Historic Park. Fortunately, you don’t have to look far to find an ideal match!
A Better Way in Home Care is happy to assist by connecting you with the most reliable, motivated, and qualified Caregivers in your vicinity. They will gladly assist your loved one with everyday tasks, including personal hygiene and dressing, meal preparation, taking medication watering plants, doing light housework, helping with their beloved pets, and driving them to doctor’s appointments.
Give us a call today to find out more about our services and our Caregivers!
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It’s a known truth that owning a pet can be a rewarding experience for people of all ages. Pets provide us with companionship, love, and affection – something that is often missing in our fast-paced lives. But what about seniors? Can the elderly still enjoy the benefits of pet ownership? Absolutely!
However, some seniors may find it difficult to care for a pet on their own. That’s where home care can help! When you hire professional assistance for your senior relative in Encino, or elsewhere in California, they can help them take care of their pets and enjoy their company. Let’s see how pets can benefit the elderly in a variety of ways.
Do pets help older people live happier and longer?
Having a pet definitely helps people to feel better. In fact, one study found that pet owners over the age of 65 had a 36% lower risk of heart attack than those who didn’t own pets. This may be due to the fact that owning a pet provides a sense of purpose and companionship, which are both crucial for seniors.
In addition to reducing the risk of heart attack, pets can also help seniors live longer. One study found that senior dog owners an average of 22% longer than those who didn’t own dogs. This may be due to the fact that owning a pet gets people out and about, which is crucial for elderly individuals who often have a harder time getting around.
What are the benefits of pet ownership for the elderly?
There are many benefits of pet ownership for seniors that you should consider. It brings the following advantages:
- Companionship. Most people fondly recall moments from their childhood when they played with their first puppy or kitten. This is especially heartwarming for seniors. Besides reliving childhood memories, they get to share their time and space with a friend that won’t abandon them.
- Emotional support. While pets don’t speak and we don’t really have a way to tell on which level they “understand” what we’re talking, this unspoken emotional comfort is known to provide much-needed warmth and happiness to seniors.
- Purpose and meaning. Retirement is difficult due to a loss of a professional role. Other challenges of advanced age only add up to the burden, such as bereavement and loneliness. Having a pet can restore a sense of purpose and belonging, and keep seniors cognitively engaged.
- Pets can help get people out and about. Whether they’re walking their furry friends or taking them to special events with you, the elderly can have an additional reason to remain physically active and to socialize.
- Reduced level of stress. Studies have shown that the elderly who have owned a pet cope better with stressful situations.
- Lower blood pressure. This is an interesting point, as pet owners have on average lower blood pressure, which is a sign of better cardiovascular health.
- Better sleep. Certain pets bring a feeling of tranquility to the life of their owners. Cat purring on a sofa next to your bed or a puppy curled underneath your feet can be so soothing that you’ll have no problem falling asleep.
- Better self-esteem. Owning a pet helps seniors keep their confidence and self-esteem on high levels. They will wake up feeling happy and proud of their pet.
How can we assist seniors with pets?
If your senior relative owns a pet or wants to adopt a pet, there are some things that you can do to help make the experience easier and truly enriching. Here are a few tips:
- Assist with feeding the pet. Help them buy appropriate food and give them fresh water on a daily basis.
- Help walk and play with the pet. Keep in mind: you’re just making sure nothing does wrong while the senior is walking the pet.
- Monitor the pet’s health together. Consult with the owner to see when you should take the pet to the vet for checkups and vaccinations.
- Help the senior clean up after the pet. Try to make this task accessible to seniors, or carry it out yourself, if they have trouble walking.
- Check the safety of pet houses, aquariums, cages, litter boxes, feeders, and other pet equipment. Older people often find it very difficult to check and clean these, so they’ll definitely need an extra hand.
Where can I find reliable and pet-friendly homecare in Encino, CA?
If your elderly relative needs assistance in everyday activities, including taking care of their pets, A Better Way in Home Care is happy to help. We can connect you with the most experienced and trustworthy Caregivers in Encino and elsewhere in Los Angeles County.
Caregivers we refer are capable of helping seniors with a variety of daily tasks, from grooming, dressing, meal preparation, and helping with taking care of their pets and plants. They can provide assistance in playing a variety of brain-stimulating games and can create and follow tailored care plans to make sure your loved ones get the attention they deserve.
If you’re interested in our services, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We would be happy to discuss our services with you and answer any questions you may have.
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