ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY, FIVE FUN THINGS TO DO WHEN…
One of the issues facing some of the seniors in assisted living facilities is loneliness. Not everyone is good with change but in time the convenience and comradery of community living become comfortable for most everyone. Perhaps you also have relatives there, and you’re thinking about the best things you can do to spark their mood and strengthen the love once again, then consider these uplifting ideas:
SHARE A MEAL OR SNACK TOGETHER
Your relatives in an assisted living facility may no longer be able to cook and enjoy their favorite food due to the facility they now live in or their physical condition. Thus, you can consider bringing their favorite meal when next you are visiting. Find a place to sit with a view if possible and surprise them with this great meal. Better still take them out to a special restaurant if you can’t cook the meal, someplace where they can eat that kind of food but different from the everyday meat and potatoes.
They will appreciate the effort, and your love will even grow stronger than before. However, there are sometimes when bringing in a meal might not be appropriate and going out does not work either. Fear not, you can get them their favorite snacks instead, make it fun and different, offer different kinds of teas and cookies or a nice selection crackers and cheese, or any other snacks that you know your loved one loves to eat. Most important make it a loving moment if possible and share the feelings of family or friends.
ENJOY SOME MUSIC TOGETHER
When is the last time you sat down with your mom, dad or a friend at a facility and said let’s listen to some music? Find the music of their youthful era, sit back with your loved one and listen together. You may even want to grab their hand and in the moment start to dance with them if they can. Being original, fun and spontaneous can boost their mood, comfort them, reduce stress and increase happiness. If you are not sure about their favorite songs, merely ask their relatives or friends, or browse the songs that were reigning during their youthful age.
KEEP THEM CONNECTED WITH THE REST OF THE FAMILY
Part of the problems faced by people in an assisted living facility is that they have so little contact with their family members, and this makes them feel unloved or neglected at times. One way to keep them in touch again is to go along with your spouse, your children, or other members of the family when next you are visiting them. You can also arrange video chats or phone calls for family members who are living afar. Apart from the fun it triggers, it will also keep your loved ones connected and assure them that they are not forgotten.
GIVE THEM A PRESENT
Giving your relatives a present for no particular reason just to let them know your care and want them to be happy. It is not about the price of the present but the idea you took the time out of your day to go looking for something for them. Although you can engage in some exciting activities with them, sometimes that may not be enough. Leave them with a personal gift that they’d always appreciate you anytime they are using it or see it sitting on a table. This could be toiletries, skin care products, aprons, books, CD’s, magazines, craft items, tape, writing tablets, etc. For you to come up with the best gift idea, you need to take enough time to learn your loved one’s favorite brands and products.
California registry is a FREE referral agency for seniors and their families. We have been providing seniors with care options, counseling, referrals and facility evaluations free of charge since 1939. We are proud to say we are the only licensed senior referral service in the state of California. We can help you save time by locating a quality care facility with up-to-date information on over 8,100 facilities within California.
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