Going outside in winter can be dangerous for your elderly loved ones. Seniors lose stability with age, making slippery ice one hazard. They also don’t regulate body temperature as efficiently and are more susceptible to cold. When it’s freezing outside and snow is falling, it’s best to stay indoors. Physical activity remains important to any elderly care plan, however; help keep your loved ones healthy with these indoor hobbies. 

3 Elderly Care Activities for Winter

1. Indoor Gardening

Seniors who miss the great outdoors will appreciate an indoor garden. Create a lush oasis using potted plants. Watering, fertilizing, pruning – there are plenty of tasks to keep busy and many elderly individuals enjoy having something to care for on a regular basis. Jobs like lifting a watering can or reaching up to trim hanging flowers promote valuable movement. 

2. Arts & Crafts Projects

Handicrafts like sewing encourage seniors to use their fingers, keeping them limber and safeguarding against stiff joints. Maybe your elderly loved one likes to knit – put in a request for a scarf or hat, giving them a project to accomplish. Or perhaps they like to look at old photos – help them create a personalized scrapbook of memories.

3. Classic Games

Dark and cold winter days can leave people of all ages feeling down. Games like cards, backgammon, and trivia encourage seniors to remain social, combatting seasonal depression. Elderly care studies have also shown that brain games like chess help prevent cognitive decline. 

Don’t let your elderly loved one experience feelings of isolation while stuck inside this winter. Deer Valley Home Health Services in Berkeley, St. Charles, and St. Louis, MO, provides in-home elderly care for when you can’t be there. With over ten years in the business, this assisted living provider is known for their compassionate caregivers. Visit their website to learn more about their services. To discuss your needs, call their Berkeley offices at (314) 355-3679.