Activities that stimulate the mind and body are important to good physical and mental health for everyone. For adults with limited mobility, it’s especially vital for caregivers to choose activities that are stimulating but also safe and comfortable. Here are some suggestions to move your loved ones body and mind.

The Top Activities for Those With Limited Mobility

1. Board Games

There’s a board game for every personality. From Scrabble to chess and tic-tac-toe, you can find a game for the word-lover, the logical, or the playful. This is a fantastic way for caregivers to get multiple generations together too.

2. Light Dancing

Music stimulates the mind and the memory. Turn on your loved one’s favorite album and dance. For those who can’t get on their feet, any kind of movement is dancing! Swaying, moving their arms, and head bobbing are all signs your loved one is enjoying themselves.  

3. Water Exercise

Being in the water is soothing and therapeutic. It’s also a low-impact way to exercise. Keep activities light. Walking in a shallow pool, gentle arm movements, or floating with a vest can be relaxing and get the blood flowing. Caregivers should stay nearby for physical support when doing pool exercises.

4. Cooking

Include your loved one in the kitchen, whether it’s stirring a sauce, measuring ingredients, or reading the recipe while you prepare the food. This engages them in meal time preparations, helping them feel more connected, and keeps their mind active. If they have comfortable use of their hands, try kitchen utensils with large, comfortable grips to make cooking easier, and keep their favorite cooking tools in easy-to-reach places.

Coulee Region Adult Day Center in Onalaska, WI, offers adult day care and in-home care for the elderly and adults with disabilities. There, they’ll enjoy a host of activities to keep them entertained and stimulated. The caregivers at this state-certified facility are experienced and compassionate. Each caregiver is responsible for only four adults, for a combination of personalized care and small group socializing. Call (608) 519-2306 to learn how they can help you and your family; or, request an information packet online.