Socially Distant Activities for Loved Ones in Memory Care

Those living in memory care can feel lonely and isolated, especially at a time like this. When your loved one has trouble remembering the faces of those familiar to them, they can easily feel confused and frustrated. And as COVID-19 remains part of our everyday lives, your loved one’s interactions with you and others can be few and far between.

But while we endure these trying times, that doesn’t mean you can’t interact with them safely.

Abiding by coronavirus safety guidelines

Due to the pandemic, the state of Minnesota has issued specific guidelines to keep people like our clients and visitors like yourself safe. Under the current policy, essential caregivers are allowed inside nursing home facilities as long as they get screened and show no signs or symptoms of COVID-19.

For those who do enter nursing home facilities, masks are required. You should expect to stay six feet apart from your loved one you’re visiting. You should also sanitize regularly and bring extra PPE if available.

Activities you can do with your loved one in memory care

Even with the state and federal guidelines for COVID-19, there is plenty you can do with your loved one in memory care that is both fun and safe. All it requires is a little flexibility and creativity. And at Arthur’s Senior Care, we’re here to help make safe visiting possible. Here are a few things you can do with your loved one to foster a socially distant, yet meaningful experience:

Play catch

No game is more fun than playing catch. Don’t worry, you don’t need to do it with a ball that’s too heavy. You can use something like a large beach ball or stress ball; even an exercise ball can work in some cases. As long as your loved one still has some mobility, this can be a fun activity for all.

Read to them

Who doesn’t love a good story? Especially if it’s one of your loved one’s favorites. Even if they don’t remember it, hearing a familiar voice can make all of the difference. Reading to your elderly loved one can help reduce stress and anxiety and even help them sleep. Whether it’s a full chapter book or a short picture book, it’s an activity that’s both fun and safe.

Listen to music

People with dementia or Alzheimer’s can benefit from listening to music. Not only can music wake up the brain, but it can also even help your elderly loved one relive fond memories. You can stream music on your device or bring some of their favorite vinyl from their old collection. Anything from classical music to holiday tunes is enough to bring them joy and light up their world.

Watch their favorite movies and shows

Music isn’t the only way to entertain your loved one in memory care. Many of our clients love watching TV and when you visit, doing it with them can mean a lot. If your loved one has a television and DVD player in their room, bring over some of their favorite flicks or shows to watch together. Otherwise, if you feel like you can’t stay six feet apart, you can watch television in one of our common areas.

Video chat with family members

If you were used to bringing a group of people to visit, you could still do that virtually. Since Zoom can host up to 100 people on a call, putting a few of your loved one’s close friends and other family members on to chat can make your gatherings feel like a full house again. That way, they can see some familiar faces and some friendly voices, all while socially distant.

Bring old pictures for them to look at

Along with music, looking at pictures throughout various stages of life can bring back fond memories. When your loved one in memory care sees those photos, it could jog their memory and evoke a wide range of emotions. Even if what they’re saying doesn’t make sense, it still keeps them happy and engaged.

You can still have fun at a distance

These can be tough times for your elderly loved one in memory care. But with the right approach and proper safety measures, you can still visit and give them something to look forward to.

At Arthur’s Senior Care, we can help you help your loved one make these visits a reality by giving you the necessary space and safety needed to protect you both.

If you’re interested in learning more about what we do for our clients, check out our website today.