... ...

A Year-Round Guide to Making the Most of Every Moment

Straight from Our Residents: Ideas on How to Enjoy the Best of Each Season

No matter the time of year, there’s always something fun and exciting to do with loved ones in senior care facilities. While what you choose to do with your loved ones depends on their preferences and needs, here are some ideas straight from our residents for activities to enjoy during each season.

Winter

Winter might be cold, but it offers unique activities to warm your heart.

Indoor Activities:

  1. Board Games and Puzzles: Get together for a cozy evening indoors with games both classic and new. (Fair warning: your grandmother might be better at Settlers of Cattan than she lets on.)
  2. Reading Nook: Create a comfortable spot with blankets and hot cocoa to enjoy favorite books together.
  3. Arts and Crafts: Engage in creative activities like knitting or painting to keep hands busy and spirits high.

Outdoor Activities:

  1. Walking in the Snow: Bundle up and take a short walk to enjoy the snowy landscape, if weather permits.
  2. Bird Watching: Set up a bird feeder outside and watch the winter birds from inside.

Spring

Spring is all about renewal and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Indoor Activities:

  1. Spring Cleaning: Refresh living spaces with light decluttering and organizing. Get your loved ones involved in small tasks.
  2. Planting Seeds Indoors: Start a small herb or flower garden on windowsills.
  3. Cooking New Recipes: Experiment with fresh, seasonal ingredients as you cook together.

Outdoor Activities:

  1. Gardening: Engage your loved ones in planting flowers and vegetables in raised garden beds.
  2. Picnics in the Park: Organize a picnic in a nearby park, enjoying the blooming flowers.
  3. Hiking: Take short, accessible trails to enjoy the vibrant spring scenery.

Summer

Summer is the season for sun and fun, with plenty of activities to enjoy the warm weather.

Indoor Activities:

  1. DIY Projects: Tackle simple projects like decorating birdhouses.
  2. Reading Summer Novels: Organize book clubs to discuss light, entertaining reads.
  3. Indoor Yoga: Host gentle yoga sessions with your loved one and their fellow residents to stay cool and fit.

Outdoor Activities:

  1. Swimming: Arrange for visits to a local pool with accessible facilities.
  2. Barbecues: Host a cookout for your loved one, their fellow residents, and their families. (And if your grandpa wants to finally share the secret ingredients in his famous barbecue sauce, all the better.)
  3. Stargazing: Set up a blanket on clear nights and gaze at the stars together. (Pro-tip: there are some very cool stargazing apps on your smartphone that if your loved one doesn’t know about already, will make their summer.)

Fall

Fall brings a lovely change in the landscape, and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Indoor Activities:

  1. Baking: Bake delicious fall treats like pumpkin pie and apple crisps.
  2. Movie Nights: Watch classic movies with a bowl of popcorn.
  3. Autumn Crafts: Create seasonal decorations such as leaf garlands.

Outdoor Activities:

  1. Leaf Peeping: Take short drives or walks to enjoy the colorful fall foliage.
  2. Apple Picking: Visit a nearby orchard to pick fresh apples.
  3. Nature Walks: Enjoy the crisp air and beautiful scenery on gentle nature walks.

Conclusion

No matter the season, there’s always something enjoyable to do with loved ones in senior care facilities. From cozy indoor activities to exciting outdoor adventures, these suggestions can help you make the most of every month. So, get out there, explore, and enjoy all the wonderful things each season has to offer!