If your client is challenged with limited mobility due to conditions like stroke, severe arthritis, or injuries from falls, there are still a variety of activities they can enjoy. As their compassionate companion, you can suggest hobbies and activities that will bring a smile to their face and make your hours of care enjoyable for both of you.
Here is a list of activities that you can do with your client no matter the weather or their ability.
1. Spend time reading
Reading is still a great way to keep the brain engaged especially for older adults. It can also improve memory, reduce stress, improve sleep, and delay cognitive decline.
Your client can immerse themselves in a whole new world, reading physical books, and magazines, using an e-reader, listening to audiobooks, looking at photographs, or learning about an interesting new topic.
Reading aloud or flipping through a magazine together is a great way to bond and get to understand each other better.
Organizing a book club among their friends is another way for seniors to enjoy reading and socializing.
2. Explore a variety of hobbies
Hobbies that don’t require a lot of moving around include cooking, baking, birdwatching, knitting, crochet, indoor or container gardening, playing a musical instrument, or learning a language.
Always make sure to take the necessary precautions when using heat, sharp objects, or venturing outside.
This is also a perfect time to learn something new – maybe there are hobbies or interests they now have the chance to explore because of the availability of time.
Learning is also a great way to keep the mind active and prevent boredom.
3. Exercise regularly
Whether they’re sitting or standing, your client can still get the health and mood benefits of exercise, especially from seated exercises or chair yoga routines.
There are also exercise routines that can be done using a walker for stability or just focused on the feet and ankles to reduce swelling.
This is also a great opportunity to observe your client for new or recurring aches and pains that you should mention to the supervising nurse or their physician. Make sure not to overdo it and follow the plan of care if there is any reference to movement limitations.
4. Get creative
Drawing, coloring, painting, and sculpture are all wonderful ways to be creative. Fun projects might include creating scrapbooks, organizing family photo albums, or making a family recipe book.
As a plus, being creative also has great health benefits. Research has found that creative activities can help people who are battling chronic illnesses to decrease negative emotions and increase positive ones, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve medical outcomes.
5. Spend time outdoors
Spending some time in nature is relaxing and a great mood booster.
Even if their limited mobility means that your client can only get to the porch or sit next to a big window, getting some fresh air or viewing the scenery is a great everyday activity. You can also bring nature inside with a small plant that your client can nurture.
6. Play games and puzzles
Games and puzzles are fantastic sources of fun times for people who have limited mobility.
There are so many to choose from and most can be played in groups with visitors, one-on-one for quality time together, and solo. It’s a great source of pride and empowerment to finish a difficult puzzle or master a new game.
7. Watch a movie
Your client probably has a few motion pictures that are still close to their heart and some period movies can spark old memories that your client holds dear. Either way, sitting together to share some movie magic is always a great way to engage the senses, and emotions and maybe even spark some conversations.
We’ve created a list of movies on our Facebook page that you and your client can watch depending on your tastes; that would make for an awesome afternoon. We hope you enjoy it!
Let us know if you have tried any of these activities or will be trying them with your client. Take care!
