Finding Good Activities as a Caregiver

For many caregivers, the experience is an isolating one.

When a family member needs full-time care, you end up spending most of your time in the house. It can often be difficult to leave for any reason, especially if you don’t have a large support network.

The situation isn’t any better for seniors, especially if they have mobility or transportation challenges. The end result is that everyone spends too much time in a confined space with each other, rather than outside.

This is one reason that it is important to ensure seniors have activities to go to, such as programs by the local senior center. In the same vein, caregivers need to take time for themselves, even if that’s as simple as getting out for a walk once or twice a day.

Another important aspect is doing things together.

There are plenty of activities that are relevant to seniors and their caregivers. They can act as an enjoyable change of pace, a chance to meet new people and to do something different.

The exact activities are going to vary depending on your location. A good place to start is to look at anything the local senior center is offering. Keep an eye out local events as well, particularly anything seasonal. It doesn’t have to complicated either. For people who don’t get out often, even a trip to the local shopping center can be entertaining.

We’re not going to talk about specific activities today. Instead, we’re going to focus on what to look for when planning and preparing.

Planning and Expectations

The first thing to consider is your expectations. You need to be realistic about how things are going to be. It certainly won’t be the same as going out with your parent in earlier years. For example, you might find that your family member has less energy and needs to stop and rest more often.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Facilities. Make sure there are appropriate facilities nearby, including a bathroom that your family member will be comfortable using. This is important even for a short trip.
• Food and Drink. Always take some food and drink with you, just in case. They may not be needed but delays are always possible and food availability can be unpredictable.
• Walking. Seniors will often tire quickly, so look for activities that don’t require much walking. If you’re planning to go to a large area (like a mall), think about whether there is anything that can help with transport. Some malls and stores have electric carts that seniors can ride, but you’ll want to check the requirements first.
• Hills and Stairs. In a similar way, even small hills and flights of stairs can be difficult. Even if the senior can manage them, the outing isn’t going to be enjoyable if it is challenging throughout. In a similar vein, look for areas with easy access.
• The Weather. Make sure the weather is going to be good and pack appropriate clothing. Hats and jackets are always good, even if the forecast suggests that they won’t be needed.
• The Experience. It’s important to simply enjoy the time, regardless of how much or how little you end up doing. Even just a short walk or a sit in the park is a way to spend time outside.

Choosing Where to Go

You can also think about what is appropriate.

Art and music are both angles to consider. Both areas connect with people on an emotional level, at that moment. This can be more enjoyable than a busy mall and lets people move at their own pace.

Additionally, many venues will be designed for accessibility. This can help solve many problems. An environment like this means that there should be people on hand should any issues arise.

Another angle is focusing on your family members interests and abilities.

For example, if your family member tends to be active and engaged, some activities will feel too slow for them. You may want to find something they find a little interesting or challenging, such as a local cooking class or perhaps painting. Many local classes would suit both seniors and caregivers. They could be enjoyable for you as well as for your family member.

The final thing is to simply vary things up. One of the best things about going out is the change in routine. That gets lost if you go to the same places each time. So, don’t be afraid to look for new options.