8 Fun Things to Do With Your Loved One in an Assisted Living Facility

If your loved one lives in an assisted living facility or is thinking about moving into one, one of the most important things you can do is explore ways to spend time together. Visiting your loved one at their assisted living facility is one of the best ways to brighten their day and show your support and thoughtfulness, but it’s perfectly normal to feel awkward or uncomfortable. Having some fun activities in mind when you visit can help both of you feel more positive about the experience, so here are eight of our top senior-friendly activities to do when you visit our assisted living facilities here in the greater Grand Rapids area.

Connect Them with Family

In the modern day, not all seniors will have the ability to stay connected through technology. If you aren’t able to bring family members with you during a visit, consider bringing a smartphone or tablet that you can set up to video chat. It can help your loved one reconnect with family members who live far away or friends they may not have seen in a long time.

Listen to Music Together

Music can help lift moods no matter the generation. If your loved one doesn’t already have the ability, bring a music player and share some favorite songs from their younger days. They may have memories associated with their favorite songs that can be great topics of conversation.

Look at Old Photos

If you or your loved one has old photo albums, you can look at them together and reminisce about the stories or memories associated with them. You may be able to learn things about your family or even work on creating a family tree with the help of your loved one.

Bring a Pet

Playing with or petting a furry friend can have a multitude of mental health benefits. If you have a pet that fits within the facility’s guidelines, bring them with you to visit. Your loved one can enjoy the many proven benefits including boosted mood, lowered stress, and overall healthier outlook.

Enjoy a Meal or Snack

Eating together is one of the most common social activities that we do on a day-to-day basis. Visit the community dining room with your loved one or take them to a nearby favorite restaurant. If the timing isn’t right, consider bringing some favorite snacks or drinks to share.

Get Outside

Many assisted living facilities have green spaces or open areas where you can take a walk or sit outside with your loved one. Nearby parks or walking paths can also be a great idea – it can help your loved one stay healthy while presenting a great opportunity for deeper conversation.

Take Them on an Outing

Whether your loved one has their own transportation capability or not, taking them out for an escape from their daily environment can do wonders for their mental health. Even if it’s just bringing them to the grocery store, it may be appreciated. Other ideas include a movie, religious service, museum, or visiting nearby family members.

Watch a Show or Movie

Watching a show or movie together is a great way to be connected without feeling the pressure to converse. Bring a DVD or device on which you can watch a streaming service like Netflix. It can even be helpful to bring shows or movies they love but haven’t seen in a long time. It can even present a great topic of conversation once finished.

Contact Us

Care Cardinal is one of the leading providers of assisted living services in the greater West Michigan area. To learn more, contact our office today by calling or filling out our contact form.