Enjoying a day out in the sunshine can boost a senior’s physical, mental, and emotional health. However, family caregivers might face difficulty coming up with pastimes and adventures that are appropriate for seniors with limited mobility. If your loved one uses a wheelchair, here are five fun activities he or she can do outside of the house.
1. Yard Games
Outdoor games don’t always have to be physically demanding, and activities such as ring toss and cornhole can easily be adapted to a senior’s skill level. These games provide the opportunity to burn some calories and stretch muscles without putting too much stress on the joints and bones. It is fairly common for seniors in wheelchairs to be nervous about competitive games, so your loved one might want to learn the rules and practice a few times before playing against other friends.
Engaging in outdoor activities is one of the many ways your loved one can maintain a high quality of life. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of home care. Services our caregivers provide include transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
2. Park Potlucks
Potlucks are the perfect time to test out new recipes, try delicious dishes, and spend some time with family members and friends. Most city parks allow residents to reserve gazebos and picnic tables, and they might even offer discounts to seniors. After hosting a few of these events, you can get creative and start trying out themed potlucks with cuisines from specific countries. Coming up with new dishes before each potluck can challenge your loved one’s abilities and give him or her something to look forward to.
3. Dock Fishing
While some types of fishing can be arduous, many areas have flat docks and piers that are perfect for seniors who have limited mobility. Your loved one can enjoy some sun and boost his or her dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Before heading to a river or lake, spend some time researching what type of fish can be found there. Your loved one might need a specific type of bait or hook to catch local fish.
As a caregiver, you may need to take a break from your caregiving duties to plan a fishing trip for your aging loved one. If you are the primary caregiver for a senior loved one in Philadelphia, respite care is available when you need time away from your important caregiving duties. At Home Care Assistance, our respite caregivers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help your loved one manage everyday tasks in the comfort of home while you have the chance to take a much-needed break.
4. Sporting Events
Most major sports venues are required by law to have seats for patrons who use wheelchairs. These arenas are often packed with excitement, and they provide a great way for seniors to spend some time remembering the past. Seniors who aren’t comfortable in a loud environment may want to catch their grandchild’s game at a local park or activity center. Youth leagues are typically much quieter than big games, and seniors will cherish these memories for many years to come.
5. Watch the Stars
Not every outdoor activity needs to be in the sun. Stargazing is a popular pastime for people of all ages, and even entry-level telescopes are now extremely powerful. This activity can challenge your loved one’s cognitive abilities as he or she tries to track different celestial bodies. Many cities arrange stargazing events where experienced astronomers teach beginners the basics.
For many seniors in Philadelphia, PA, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Philadelphia, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness. For a free in-home consultation, call us at (215) 645-4663 today.