Quality time with an elderly parent is an excellent way to boost their emotional wellness and self-esteem. If you’re looking for ideas for enjoyable activities, the home health care providers at Lifetime Care in New York’s Finger Lakes region have a few suggestions. Review their favorite ways to build an aging person’s skill sets while making the most of moments spent together. 

Home Health Care Provider’s Best Activities for Elderly Loved Ones 

1. Plant a Garden 

Pick up a few plants from the nursery. Ask your parent whether they’d prefer vegetables, fruits, or flowers. Have them help you pour dirt, dig a bed, and water their new flora.

If space or heat is a concern, choose an indoor herb garden. Fill small pots with basil, mint, or oregano. Visit often to check on their progress. When the plants are big enough, cook meals with the fresh ingredients or indulge in a healthy snack on the porch. 

2. Watch a Movie 

Is your loved one a fan of old-time movies, mysteries, or thrillers? Find a new flick for an afternoon or evening of excitement. Pop a bowl of popcorn or make a dish of cheese and crackers. After the film, you can discuss your favorite scenes and what you learned from the characters. 

3. Bake Cookies 

Everyone loves a delicious, warm dessert. Bake a hot pan of chocolate chip cookies together – or choose a recipe with healthy ingredients, such as oatmeal raisin or peanut butter. The activity will take both of you back to your childhood, which encourages you to reminisce about the old days. 

4. Go Out to Dinner 

Home health care providers recommend occasional family outings to enhance mood and increase physical activity. Take your parent to their favorite diner, or surprise them with a reservation at a fancy restaurant. Choose a venue that is both healthy and engaging. Invite your spouse, children, or siblings.

5. Play a Game 

Board games, cards, and puzzles increase mental acuity and strength. The next time you visit your mom or dad, bring a deck for a few rounds of poker. Other senior game ideas include bingo, checkers, and chess. Choose puzzles based on your loved one’s age and health. Basic jigsaws are better for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, while some like being challenged by a crossword or 1,000-piece set. 

If you’re the child of an aging parent, you care about their health and happiness. Spending time with them helps ensure they stay well for as long as possible. To learn about your options for long-term home elderly care from an experienced home health care provider, call Lifetime Care in Rochester at (585) 214-1000, in Lakeville at (800) 598-4995, and in Newark, NY, at (315) 331-7990. For information about their hospice, cancer care, and acute rehabilitation services, visit their website. Explore more senior care tips by following them on Facebook.