Spring is exciting as the weather changes, and people are no longer cooped up inside. Many seniors often feel uncomfortable leaving their assisted living communities during the winter because they want to avoid falling on ice or catching a cold from the freezing temperatures.
If you are a senior caregiver, help your loved one enjoy spring with these tips:
Get Outside Together
Now that the sun is out and the snow is melting, seniors should be more active outside. All that time spent sitting down during the winter can lead to aches and pains. Your loved one can improve arthritis symptoms and lubricate his or her joints by simply walking around a nearby park to enjoy the changing seasons. If the older person is physically unstable, bring along his or her wheelchair or walker for assistance.
Find Senior Living Near Me
To make this activity more fun, consider where you are walking together. Maybe a short drive to a lake with a paved path is worth the few extra steps to provide you with a good view for people watching and seeing all the animals, birds, and flowers that come with spring.
Spring cleaning can help your senior loved one spruce up his or her home.
Do Some Spring Cleaning
What better time to address cleaning issues you’ve been putting off all year than during spring? Open the senior’s home windows on nice days to let in some fresh air. Do some dusting to rid the apartment of particles that may make breathing more difficult for him or her. It’s a good idea to dust and vacuum while the senior is away participating in activities at his or her living community so the dust you stir up won’t interfere with breathing. Launder the bed sheets, quilt, curtains, and even shower curtains and towels. Also, consider going through the senior’s clothes with him or her. Weight loss or gain and simple wear and tear may lead the older person to want to get rid of some of his or her wardrobe. You can donate any unwanted items in good condition to homeless shelters looking for senior clothing.
Learn About Phenology
According to the National Phenology Network, phenology is the study of the changing seasons. Most people notice phenology happening but aren’t aware of the word. If your older loved one enjoys watching birds out the window, they already know when new species will return from their wintering grounds. For example, spotting a robin is often a sign that spring has finally sprung.
“Phenology is the study of the changing seasons.”
Seniors can enjoy bird-watching and noting the flowers blooming around their assisted living communities. They may even write down their findings in a notebook or on the calendar to date when they notice something. It’s fun to compare what happened last year to what has changed this year. This is also an entertaining activity to do with grandchildren. Kids can jot down what they see happening in their own backyards and then share their experiences with older loved ones.
Enjoy Spring Food
With every season comes a new set of foods that are readily available. Depending on where the senior lives, he or she may have access to an entirely different diet based on locally grown produce. Take a trip to the farmer’s market to spot foods like artichokes, asparagus, avocado, onions, and radishes. You can make healthy meals with fresh items, like soups, salads, and spring rolls. Plus, by shopping locally, you help area farmers and business people.
