Families want their elderly loved ones to be well cared for and this is their number one priority. That is also the main reason for the exceptionally high demand for professionals who provide in home care in Santa Monica: they can step in and take over when family members cannot. But aside from being able to assist your elderly loved one with medication and other practical matters, a competent caregiver can also be a true and loyal companion to your loved one.
We all want our aging parents to live a life filled with joy, happiness and a touch of spontaneity because we want the best for them, and hobbies are a simple yet effective way to achieve that. But can we do when our elderly loved ones are reluctant or lack the motivation to take up a hobby? Read on.
How do I keep my elderly parents busy?
People who have had an active lifestyle for as long as they can remember can have it rough adapting to having too much free time on their hands, especially if they live alone. They can grow insecure over losing their abilities and their independence, become reluctant to try new things and even start to feel slightly paranoid.
But there are so many relaxing, engaging activities that the elderly can enjoy now that they do have the time. It would be a shame if they were to waste it in front of the TV day in and day out. Besides, a hobby can be a thrilling and immensely fulfilling activity that brings lasting health benefits. It can start as a light pastime and turn into passion in no time.
This is where a family member or a professional caregiver can play a huge part: encourage the elderly person to try new things and keep them company until they find a hobby they are truly comfortable doing.
What are the best hobbies for the elderly?
Even if your elderly loved one has a limited range of motion, there is a variety of hobbies that they would be perfect for. Here are some suggestions to consider:
- Indoor gardening
- Bird-watching (even if it’s just seagulls at Santa Monica Pier)
- Baking & cooking
- Knitting & crochet
- Arts & crafts
- Singing or playing an instrument
- Puzzle-solving
How do you motivate the elderly?
Motivating the elderly to make changes in their daily lives, even if it’s something as simple as getting involved in a hobby, is not always easy. To make matters worse, while the routine that they are used to could be making them miserable, asking them to make drastic changes to it is tantamount to asking them to step out of their comfort zone. And that is never easy, no matter how old we are.
If you want them to make changes that will do them good, try to be subtle and patient, give them time to express their own preferences and make their own decisions. More importantly, give them room and don’t be overzealous as this, too, could have the opposite effect.
Factors such as medication could also have a negative effect on the elderly, causing them to develop depression and feel listless. Although there are activities that could help your elderly loved one overcome depression, they might not be up for it. Be compassionate and understanding and you’ll have a better chance of enhancing their motivation.
Professional in home care in Santa Monica: we look out for those you love
Here at A Better Way in Home Care, we have a mission to serve the community, especially the elderly. We will introduce you to our finest caregivers who will treat your elderly loved one with compassion and respect. Having been in this field for a long time, we know that each client is unique and merits a personalized approach. All the caregivers we refer have the experience needed to cater to your elderly loved one’s every need. Reach out to us today and let us give you peace of mind and your eldelry loved one a better quality of life.
