When your parent has made the transition to an assisted living community, you may feel restricted in the activities you can do with them. On the contrary — there are countless meaningful and fun activities for seniors in assisted living that you can enjoy with your loved one.
Where to Start?
First, take a look at the community’s activity calendar and see what interests your parents. Normally, most resident activities can be attended by friends and family. Check with the community’s staff to know which activities are open to family members.
Often seniors tend to be social and engaged more consistently when family members participate. And adult children can look for times of less activity on the calendars if they want to have more individual time with their parents.
Looking for Ideas?
Some of the many activities offered at assisted living communities include:
- Crafts
- Exercise classes
- Games
- Music sessions
- Movie nights
- Painting classes
Visitors should talk with the staff about how they can contribute to activities for seniors in assisted living as well. It can be fun for visitors to share something they enjoy, or have a talent for, with residents.
Some examples of family member contribution at Bethesda Hawthorne Place, an assisted living community in St. Louis, have included a family member playing the piano for residents three days a week, a visitor leading a gardening class, and a granddaughter providing a wide variety of cookie cutters for a baking class.
In addition to participating in activities, visitors can dine with their senior loved ones, take a walk around the grounds, and celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions in the privacy of a community room. Just call the staff ahead of time to make a reservation.
Special observances occur throughout the year, and visitors are welcome on some of the regular outings enjoyed by the residents.
Other activities family and residents can enjoy together include enjoying a visit to a local park, getting together with friends, attending church, catching a movie or just taking a drive.
In your loved one’s apartment, family members can view a photo album, play games, watch videos, listen to music, and have the grandchildren come for a visit!
What are the Benefits?
Regular visits from family improve seniors’ outlook on life, their participation in activities, and their health. It also helps them connect with other residents, with whom they are excited to share family news and milestones.
How many other ways can adult children and their senior loved ones connect with each other in an assisted living community? The key is time. The more time you spend with your loved one at their community, the closer you will be and the more activities you will find for everyone to enjoy.
If you or your senior loved one is interested in assisted living, schedule a tour at a Bethesda community near you. These communities offer an engaging lifestyle for seniors, with plenty of opportunities for family and friends to visit.
