Being a caregiver is about more than just helping people take their meds, take care of themselves, and keep their homes in order. In fact, some of the best home caregivers are the ones who take the time to get to know their clients and find ways to have fun with them. Schedules and routines are great, but there’s more to life than the daily grind, especially for those who are well into their later years.
Home caregivers can do a lot to help their clients have a good time. It starts by thinking about each individual and what they might like to do. Ask about hobbies and interests, or things that people might be interested in trying. For example, if someone used to spend a lot of time gardening, you could take them to a local garden center to see all the beautiful plants or visit a local public garden.
Here are some other tips for Home Caregivers to keep in mind:
Remember Their Abilities
You shouldn’t assume people aren’t interested in certain activities, but you do need to be mindful of their capabilities and any limitations they may have. Keep the level of ability that people have in mind. For example, you aren’t going to plan a day on the shuffleboard courts or dance classes for someone who is home-bound or bed-bound.
There are a lot of great activities that you can choose from, including things like games and puzzles, baking, crafts, and even social engagements and going for walks. Just make sure that it’s something they’re interested in and capable of doing.
Mix It Up
Again, schedules and routines are great. However, doing the same thing all the time can get boring for many people. When you’re planning ways to have fun, make sure that you mix things up and come up with a few different ways that you can get engaged. Explore different hobbies and encourage people to try new things. You might be surprised how willing they are to learn!
Enjoy the Outdoors
Even if people have limited mobility, they can still enjoy the outdoors in many ways. For someone who can’t get out, even just watching the birds out the window can be a great way to distract their mind. Exercise with them when you can, to a level that they’re comfortable with. Even just getting some fresh air in can make a world of difference.
Most Importantly, Have Fun!
The bottom line? It’s not hard to have a good time, even when you’re an in-home caregiver for the elderly. Take their interests into account and take the time to find ways to keep them engaged and active. People often feel isolated as they age and when they don’t have a lot to do, that can make the days seem even longer and more lonely. Keep your clients engaged by finding ways to have a good time and watch how much happier and healthier they become.
