With an elderly mother who overly enjoys her easy chair, I've found it difficult to engage her in everyday life until I figured out ways to entertain a mobility challenged person. The below tips have brightened our days by keeping her entertained...mostly.
I strategically placed a bird feeder right outside the living room window where Mom can see it all the time she's in her chair. She loves to watch the birds line up for the sunflower seeds and tells me all day long what's going on at the bird feeder.
Enliven the yard outside the windows with beautiful living, growing things. Add a statuary where birds and squirrels may perch or chase each other to add a bit more interest to the outdoor scene.
Mom really perks up when friends drop by so I keep a steady supply of wine, cheese and crackers ready to serve at a moment's notice. Schedule different friends for different times to add variety to the mix.
This one was a big bust for us as Mom's eyesight is not what it used to be and arthritic fingers make it difficult to move puzzle pieces around. But, if your mobility challenged person is more limber, a jigsaw puzzle laid out on a large table is a nice way to spend a few hours.
We spend a LOT of time in the kitchen where my senior citizen Mom will tell me what to do and I, well, do it my own way anyhow. Regardless of what we're making, she always regales me with tales of olden days and how her Mother used to cook this or that dish.
Keeping a mobility challenged person's mind active and healthy is so very important and can be so very exhausting to a caregiver, especially if your charge is a senior citizen. Make sure that you have a good support network to spell you periodically so that you don't suffer caregiver burnout - that and a good bottle of wine...
Love these tips. I will keep these in mind when my mom is older. Thanks for the useful tips. High 5.
You are the consummate daughter and caregiver. I heed all your advice on taking care of Mom or Dad.
These are excellent ideas. It is especially difficult if the person has a little dementia. Being a caregiver is such hard work. Bless you.
So much "parenting" and caregiving has to be given to any challenged person whose mobility is different than what it had been. Your list is thoughtful and mentally beneficial as well. h5
So much care there. Everyone should be so blessed. Thanks for sharing a great list of ways to entertain a Mobility Challenged person.
select one here...