Caregivers sometimes get so focused on creating exciting lives for their senior loved ones that they forget about the simple things that make each day special. Seniors often find pleasure in the most basic daily activities. As you wake up to care for your loved one each day, consider placing an emphasis on everyday activities that may bring him or her joy. 

1. Watching the Sun Rise

Your loved one’s sleep habits may change with age, and he or she may begin to wake up earlier in the morning. For seniors, there’s something magical about being up before everyone else, and your loved one may prefer having more time to get things done. Consider making it a ritual to enjoy the sunrise together while you eat breakfast. If your loved one is more of a night owl, switch it up and watch the sunset. 

2. Caring for a Pet

Seniors benefit when they know their pets depend on them. Grooming, feeding, and performing other pet care practices may give your loved one a sense of purpose. Make sure to allow plenty of time for pet care in your loved one’s schedule so he or she benefits from lots of furry snuggles. 

3. Going for a Walk

A daily walk doesn’t have to be a burdensome form of exercise. Instead, this part of your loved one’s day should feel refreshing. Consider changing the route from time to time to keep things exciting, and add in a challenge, such as searching for a certain type of bird or animal, as you walk.

Some aging adults have mobility challenges that limit their ability to walk, but with the help of professional caregivers, they can still get out of the house, enjoy fresh air, and say hello to their neighbors. At-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.

4. Taking a Bath

Daily baths are important for personal hygiene, yet some seniors may start to get nervous about bathing as they get older. Offer assistance with getting in and out of the shower or tub, and provide scented soap or other fun bathing products to make getting clean more enjoyable. 

5. Calling a Friend

Seniors sometimes forget socializing should be a daily activity. Help your loved one pick out several people to call during the week, and add regular phone calls to the daily routine. Your loved one may perk up after talking to a former classmate or chatting with a grandchild by video, and you’ll love knowing your loved one feels less isolated. 

6. Engaging in a Hobby

Painting, embroidering, and playing an instrument are just a few hobbies your loved one might enjoy. By the time your loved one reaches the senior years, he or she may be an expert at a particular craft or learning a new hobby for the first time. Make sure your loved one has the necessary materials to engage in favorite pursuits. 

For seniors with cognitive issues that make hobbies a challenge, listening to audiobooks and favorite music can be enjoyable. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Rhode Island Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

7. Tending a Garden

Gardening keeps the joints limber, and seniors are more likely to eat healthier when they have fresh produce growing in their backyards. Check out your loved one’s garden and make suggestions for ways to do some work in it every day. From raising the beds to bringing containers indoors during inclement weather, your loved one should be able to garden comfortably. 

Being active every day helps seniors maintain their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, but some aging adults need assistance to be as active as they want to be. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Rhode Island families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at (401) 284-0979 today.