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Fighting Boredom: Keeping Seniors Entertained With Arts and Crafts

Home Care in Manhattan NY

Woman Working With ClayWhen providing elder care, it is easy to get lost in the day to day routine of taking care of physical needs. To improve the quality of life for seniors their mental and emotional needs should not be overlooked.

For many seniors, the loss of mobility and certain freedoms as they age can leave them feeling bored with life.  Arts and crafts are one family caregivers can help fight boredom and provide entertainment for seniors.

Boredom Is Harmful To Seniors

Feeling bored is a universal emotion that everyone encounters throughout life. While it may seem like a minor irritation for most, for the elderly, it can be much more harmful. Often they lack the means to relieve boredom as they may not be physically able to complete activities they enjoyed during their younger years.

Chronic boredom in seniors can become harmful as it lowers their quality of life. In fact, according to Health Guidance boredom can cause a host of issues, including;

  • Depression
  • Eating Disorders
  • Anger
  • Aggression
  • Compulsive behaviors

Fighting Boredom With Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts is a great way to help stimulate the minds of the elderly and ward off chronic boredom. Not only does it help keep the elderly entertained and  pass the time, but it can also serve as therapy by exercising the hands and fingers.  There are other benefits to seniors as well.

  • Gives a sense of accomplishment
  • Reduces anxiety and depression
  • Reduces feelings of restlessness
  • Gives a sense of worth

Choosing the Right Projects

While there are countless arts and crafts projects to choose from, it is important for you to take into consideration the limitations of your senior loved one. For the elderly to reap the most benefits from a project it must be something they not only enjoy, but can realistically accomplish. Below are a few suggestions that seniors may find enjoyable.

Painting

Large brushes, sponges, and a variety of mediums to choose from can make painting a great choice for any senior.

Sculpting

Clay sculpting is yet another versatile craft most seniors can participate in. Polymer clay is easy to mold and can be used to create just about anything their minds can imagine.

Coloring

With a surge of adult coloring books on the market today, it is clear that coloring is enjoyable at any age. For seniors with poor vision or limited dexterity, choose a book with larger guidelines to make the activity easier.

Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is a hobby that is satisfying to many. There are countless types of supplies to choose from so the project can be geared toward any individual.

It is important that caregiving go beyond providing for physical needs. Family caregivers can help by encouraging activities that are mentally stimulating and fun for the elderly.

Source

http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/16142/1/Bored-to-Death–Chronic-Boredom.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering non-medical in-home care in Manhattan, NY, call Griswold Home Care and speak to one of our caring staff members today. Call (212) 845-9854

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