At each stage of Parkinson’s disease, seniors with the condition experience symptoms that interfere with their daily activities. However, families and caregivers of seniors with Parkinson’s can still find plenty of fun things to do for entertainment. These five activities are safe yet exciting enough for seniors who can look forward to doing them with their loved ones.
Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust in Albuquerque, NM, elderly care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.
1. Volunteer in the Community
There are many volunteer activities that do not require major physical labor. Check with your local senior center and other organizations for opportunities that allow people with limited abilities to serve. From putting together care packages for soldiers to visiting children in hospitals, seniors who volunteer find a renewed sense of purpose that can make living with Parkinson’s seem more manageable.
2. Read in a Group
Seniors who are avid readers often find challenges caused by Parkinson’s limit their ability to enjoy their favorite activity. For example, stiffening joints and muscle weakness may make it challenging to turn pages or hold a heavy book. Read with your loved one. Invite his or her grandkids over and read a children’s book, or read a chapter a night of a bestseller with your loved one before going to bed. Your loved one will probably be touched by your efforts to keep the joy of reading alive in his or her life.
3. Walk in a New Environment
In the earlier stages of Parkinson’s, walking is a safe activity for seniors. However it is important to provide them with extra support. Walking in botanical gardens, zoos, and museums can be an entertaining way to provide cognitive stimulation to your loved one. Before your loved one goes for walks in a new place, check it out beforehand or call ahead. This will help you plan for breaks and avoid hazards ahead of time.
4. Play Interactive Video Games
Today’s modern video game controllers make it possible to play even when fine motor skills present a challenge. When looking for video games for a senior consider those that encourage whole body movements for play such as bowling or golf. This allows your loved one to swing his or her arms, and even jerky movements will not impact his or her play as much. People of all ages in the family enjoy video games, and this can help your loved one socialize and get some physical activity.
5. Host a Sing-Along
Singing is a fun way for your loved one to relieve stress and release some energy. Get a karaoke machine, involve your loved one, and invite a few friends over to sing some favorite tunes. Alternatively, encourage your loved one to get involved in a senior or church choir that offers the chance to become a part of a group. Just singing in the shower can also bring a smile to your loved one’s face, so include a bit of music in his or her daily routine to keep things lively.
If your loved one needs help maintaining healthy habits and accomplishing daily tasks, an Albuquerque caregiver from Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers are expertly trained to provide mental and social stimulation, assist with exercise, prepare nutritious meals, and much more.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite home care. Albuquerque, NM, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. Call one of our qualified Care Managers at 505-798-0800 to learn more about our services and how they can benefit your loved one.
