With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise in Florida and throughout the country, it’s clear that the safest place for older adults right now is at home. And while home does provide a necessary level of safety and security during the pandemic, it does put older adults at a heightened risk for feeling lonely and isolated.
To help seniors cope with the changes brought on by the pandemic, the Florida in-home care experts at American, Advocate, Douglas and Whitsyms In-Home Care share these indoor activities for seniors to help them remain engaged and active – in both mind and body.
Games and Puzzles
One of the many benefits of games and puzzles is that they often require critical and creative thinking skills, which helps keep the senior brain active and engaged.
- Crossword puzzles – These can be found in books and newspapers and large print versions are available free, online.
- Sudoku – These number puzzles are a great alternative to crossword puzzles. In addition to being available in books, try this free, online resource.
- Card games – Go Fish, Blackjack, Crazy Eights, Solitaire and more are great games for seniors; all that is needed is a deck of cards. Or, download one of the many apps that will allow for electronic play.
- Yahtzee – This classic dice game can be played solo, or with additional players. Try setting up a virtual game with a loved one by using an online conferencing app. This can be a great way for grandparents to interact with grandchildren who live out of the area.
- Jigsaw puzzles – With thousands of choices of varying difficulties, jigsaw puzzles are a wonderful activity that can be completed over a period of time.
Virtual Visits
With only essential travel recommended for older adults, it’s easy for them to feel a little cabin fever. Thankfully, there are cultural sites all over the world that can be accessed right from the comforts of home.
- The British Museum in London
- Musée d’Orsay in Paris
- National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
- The Georgia Aquarium
- The San Diego Zoo
Learn Something New
If a senior loved one has ever been interested in learning a new skill, starting a new hobby or even resurrecting an old pastime, now is the perfect time to dive in. Encourage an older adult to:
- Learn a new language or instrument.
- Discover and create a family tree or write down details of the family history.
- Try cooking new recipes.
- Rediscover knitting, sewing, photography or another hobby that’s been put aside over the years.
- Grow vegetables or herbs in small pots and use them when cooking.
Stay Active
In addition to increasing physical strength, adding exercise to a daily routine can help improve mood, which is especially important when there are stressful things occurring that may be out of one’s control, like the pandemic. Advocate for a senior loved one to:
- Take a walk several times each day around the block or go for a walk at a local park.
- Add strength training to the daily routine. If hand weights aren’t available, use water bottles or cans of food.
- Try a new exercise by watching a YouTube video: chair yoga, Tai Chi, and more.
- Do gentle stretching and balance exercises to help maintain mobility.
Partner with a Trusted In Home Care Provider
Trusted by Florida families for more than 25 years, American In Home Care’s credentialed caregivers can help support the hobbies, pastimes, and activities that our older adult clients enjoy. In addition to helping keep a senior loved one active and engaged, let us assist with light housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, and so much more.
To learn more about our comprehensive home care services, reach out to one of the four
offices conveniently located throughout the state:
- American In-Home Care – Serving North, Central, and West Coast of Florida
- Advocate In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
- Douglas In-Home Care – Serving Treasure Coast
- Whitsyms In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
Contact ustoday to learn more about how our professional Florida home care services can offer much needed companionship during the pandemic for a senior you love. We look forward to hearing from you!
State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661