How To Keep Your Loved One Active When They Live At A Nursing Home

When placing a loved one in a nursing home, maintaining their quality of life is extremely important, and one way to ensure that is through enriching activities and programs. From the Law Office of Scott D. DeSalvo, a Chicago nursing home lawyer, we want to suggest some activities for your loved ones that will enhance their quality of life and increase their sense of happiness.

Nursing home activities

• Musical events – Music feeds the soul, and if you play an instrument, even something as simple as a harmonica or tin whistle, bring it with you when you visit and play for your loved ones and friends. You might also get a musician friend to go with you to the nursing home and hold a sing-along. Even less-active residents can enjoy musical get-togethers like these.
• Party time – The birthday of your loved one is a perfect time to get them together with some of their fellow residents to celebrate this milestone. Between birthdays, stage a happy hour from time-to-time with some non-alcoholic beverages and a few snacks. A simple pan of homemade brownies will provide a lot of joy!
• Game time – A game as simple as Bingo can bring a lot of pleasure, along with a sense of participation and camaraderie.
• Lunch anyone? – Taking your loved one out to a local restaurant occasionally helps them stay connected with the world and enjoy personal interaction outside the nursing home community.
• Simple physical activity – Moderate activity two or three times a week (or more) can boost energy levels and increase blood flow to the organs. “Pumping iron” with a can of peas is a good start. Consistent movement reaps rewards for the body and the mind.
• A hobby – Perhaps your loved one can take up a hobby they never had time for earlier. A few suggestions are writing poetry or perhaps their memoir. Or painting with brushes or their fingers. How about learning a new language? There are plenty of free apps, such as Duolingo, that can help them learn a new language. Here’s a list of about 100 other hobby options for seniors.

These are just a few suggestions from an almost endless list of possibilities.

If you do encounter any nursing home problems, remember we are a Chicago nursing home lawyer, and we want to help you. Email or call us at the Law Office of Scott D. DeSalvo at 888-HURT-318 (888-487-8318) and give us an opportunity to assist you.