When the weather begins to cool off, it is important to celebrate the change of the season. As a senior caregiver, this can become a challenge, especially with changes in mobility and the increasing isolation and depression that comes from being away from loved ones. So here are five enjoyable activities to raise the happiness and the vitality of your senior companionship this fall.
1. Appreciate the Fall Colors
The quintessential memory associated with autumn is vibrant colors, cooler weather, and a great and bountiful harvest. As a home caregiver, you can enjoy the beauty of the season by taking in the Fall colors and breathing the crisp, fresh air. If mobility is an issue, change the sightseeing to an afternoon drive, to soak in all the natural beauty from the comfort of your car. If mobility is not a limitation, try a light walk; maybe collect fallen leaves, and enjoy the exercise.
2. Taste the Season
Harvest time has a great bounty for all! One way to enjoy this late fall season is to make tasty seasonal treats. Visit an orchard or pumpkin patch and collect some fresh ingredients. Share some recipes, and make a tasty pie or get some fresh cider. Nothing says celebration like enjoying the deliciousness of the season.
3. Express the Creative Side
It's never too late to dust off those old hobbies to have some seasonal fun. Making decorations brightens the mood, so why not try to make table centerpieces or paint pumpkins? It is a great way to engage and stimulate the mind. Gifts with purpose are great too; learning to crochet a hat or knit some mittens is a perfect concentration of energy and is a purposeful exercise to gift to missed loved ones.
4. Stay Cozy
The weather outside might get frightful, but there are simple things to make inside extra cozy. With around-the-clock care, simple changes to the indoor space can add comfort. An apple-scented candle, completing a fall-themed puzzle, or even watching seasonal or spooky movies under a cozy blanket can add an element of warmth and solace to a lonely senior companion.
5. Explore the Great Outdoors
One thing about the change of seasons, especially in colder climates, is embracing the great outdoors. This means spending some time outside. If a hayride in an orchard or pumpkin patch seems to be too much, having an outdoor fire with a warm drink and sharing memories is a simpler way to enjoy the season. If light raking or using a leaf blower is possible, a little light exercise can do wonders for mental health.
As caregivers with big hearts, we want to make sure your loved one is comfortable and happy! If you want to work in a rewarding work environment, receive specialized training and opportunities for professional growth, and earn great pay, contact us or call (503) 990-7112 and talk with Konni and become a part of our Senior Helpers family today.