Quality time is the best time spent with our elderly parents. As we grow older, we realize how our roles shift, and now our parents need our attention more than ever (despite our busy schedules). The special people in our lives who once were our caretakers, now need us for help, companionship, and most of all, quality time. Our presence is the best gift that we can give to our aging parents and grandparents. Here are some ideas for making the most of the time you have with your parents and nurturing your relationship.
Activities to Do with your Elderly Parents
Reading Together
Find a book or article that they would have an interest in and read to them or take turns reading. This helps provide an activity whenever you visit. It will also give them something to look forward to that you can discuss together. Reading is especially helpful if your parent has memory loss or Alzheimer’s Disease.
Finding Shared Interests
When you have shared interests with your parent or grandparent, it opens the door to conversations, activity ideas, and bonding. Whether it is a love for the Minnesota Twins, knitting, or puzzles, finding some common ground to keep your bond strong. If you are still looking for things to do together, there are a ton of fun activity ideas to do with your grandparent or aging parent on the Legacy Project website.
Cherishing Memories
It is fun to tell stories, hear their memories, and look at old photos. Ask them questions and have them tell you about when they were young. They will love reminiscing about the people and experiences of their past. A fun activity could even be working on a family scrapbook or family tree project together.
Listen to their Favorite Music Together
Music can also help spark special memories. With technology today, it is easy to find music and artists from every era. Bring back different periods of their life and nostalgia by listening to their favorite tunes with them.
Helping them with Self-Care or Errands
When you visit with your parents, see if they need help with any self-care or errands. If they are living on their own, are they still able to independently cook, clean, and maintain their house? Make sure they are safe and eating healthy. It is also a good time to address any issues that will help with fall prevention.
When it’s Time to Consider Assisted Living for your Parents, Twin Town Villa is here to Answer your Questions.
At Twin Town Villa in Breckenridge, MN, we offer Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Care Suites to match the needs of each resident. We serve the communities near Wahpeton, ND, and Fergus Falls, MN. If you have questions about Senior Living options for your loved one or would like a virtual tour of our community, please contact us online or call 218.643.9542.
t this time, you can just stop by, no sign-up or appointment is needed. Every visitor will need to check-in using our ELDR screening tool. We will also have a whiteboard with the current visitor’s names and when they arrived to make sure all visitors can get adequate visiting time in.
One in four Americans age 65+ falls each year.
Ongoing Fall Prevention
Teach them how to use technology – Technology such as Smartphones and computers can help to bridge the communication gap and help them feel connected. Being able to do a Facetime call and see each other makes you feel closer. They will also like seeing you, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren.
The staff at Twin Town Villa participates in continuous training from some of the most skilled and experienced professionals providing memory care today. We combine ongoing skilled training with compassion and a positive attitude to provide the best care for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.