When is the Right Time to Go Back to School and In Home Senior Care
Summer is quickly drawing to a close and the kids are getting ready to go back to school. Do you remember when that was you? Remember picking out your new backpack and first day of school outfit?
Why not make this year the year that you and your senior loved one hit the books and learn something new this fall? There’s no need to feel like a earning a degree is the only reason to go back to school. Learning something new every day is beneficial for the mind and heart as well.
It may seem like it has been ages since your senior loved one has been in school. This may make returning to a learning setting feel intimidating. It is helpful to ease back into school with courses that your loved one already enjoys. Perhaps they like to wind down by painting, reading or music. Look for community education classes that are geared toward those activities and perhaps find something that you can attend together. Making education a social event will also bring an element of fun to learning.
One suggestion for learning something new is to read a new book together. Hosting a mini book club between yourself and your aging loved one will make the book more engaging and you may learn something new about your loved one through their perspective of the pages you are reading. Reading is one of the best ways to learn something new. Take thirty minutes out of each day to sit down with your aging loved one and read. Afterwards discuss what you’ve read, and share your thoughts. You may be surprised to learn your loved one’s opinion about events that occur in the book!
There is no hard line answer to when is the right time go back to school. It comes down to whether your loved one has time to do what is expected of the class, such as reading and studying if necessary. Is there still time to enjoy life with family and friends? Will the class take up too much time in and out of class? Is the course enjoyable for your loved one?
It’s important to stay on top of learning. Try playing word games, or mind puzzles that are easily found online. Learning is not just for the kids, but also for the young at heart who strive to learn something new every day. Whenever possible, read something, try something, and watch something new, to keep your mind active and your spirit invigorated.
If you would like to learn more about caring and consistent in home help for the elderly and the many benefits of professional in home senior care, call Senior Helpers of Santa Barbara to speak to a senior care specialist today 805-687-7777! In home senior care and in home assisted living allows your loved one to stay in the comforts of their own home for as long as possible while receiving the level of care they need. When you and your family are considering the many options available to help your elderly loved one cope with Alzheimer’s or other dementia related disease, look to Senior Helpers of Santa Barbara, to make a customized care plan complete with Senior Gems geared to their ability level. Senior Helpers of Santa Barbara proudly offers in home senior care to all areas of Santa Barbara. Services are available on a long or short term basis with no contract to sign and flexibility in scheduling. Call 805-687-7777 today to learn more about productive activities to help your elderly loved one to find a sense of value and purpose in their life.