6 Fun Crafts Seniors Can Enjoy

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How Seniors Can Enjoy Making Crafts in Montgomery, AL

The human brain needs sufficient stimulation to keep doing its job well during the later years of life. The right kind of stimulation can also ward off cognitive decline and other age-related issues. A fun and engaging way to help your aging loved one enjoy benefits like these is with simple, relaxing craft projects. If you need some ideas, here are six craft suggestions.

1. Flower Arrangements

Does your loved one enjoy gardening? If so, get into the habit of helping your parent use what he or she grows to create beautiful arrangements to place around the home. Another option is to use artificial flowers for the same purpose. A simple craft project like this can also increase dexterity and stimulate the part of the brain that recognizes and creates patterns.

2. Image-Based Crafts

Incorporating visual elements in crafts helps aging adults exercise image-based parts of the brain, which can sharpen cognitive skills normally affected by age. Image-based crafts are also appealing because such projects are highly personal, which could trigger meaningful memories. Craft ideas in this category include:

• Scrapbooks
• Photo magnets
• Photo coasters and coffee mugs
• Image t-shirts created with transfer paper and an iron

3. Homemade Playdough

Seniors often need a quick and relaxing way to ease stress. One way to do this is with easy-to-handle playdough. It’s kind of like a stress ball but not as rigid. Instead of opting for a commercial product, help your loved one make a homemade version with a basic recipe you can find online. You can even make homemade playdough more calming by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil.

Bonus idea: Consider making playdough edible. This is a tasty way to dispose of playdough if your loved one loses interest, and you won’t have to worry about accidental ingestion.

4. Painting & Coloring Crafts

Help your loved one focus more on colors and patterns while expressing him or herself creatively with painting and coloring crafts. Such activities may even have soothing effects similar to those produced by meditation. Options with crafts of this nature include:

• Painting mirrors and picture frames
• Painting rocks, terracotta pots, and pinecones
• Creating watercolor paintings that can be framed and given as gifts or used as wall decorations

Hobbies such as painting can boost a senior’s overall wellbeing, and physical, mental, and emotional support from a home caregiver can do the same. Elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

5. Sewing/Yarn Crafts

Sewing-related crafts allow seniors to work on their hand-eye coordination, maintain their fine motor skills, and draw on numerous cognitive skills in a calm, relaxing way. There are literally hundreds of possibilities for sewing, knitting, and crocheting projects for aging adults, some of which include:

• Throw pillows and pillowcases
• Colorful cloth book covers
• Knitted dishcloths and blankets
• Personalized memory quilts created from baby blankets and other meaningful materials

Needlecrafts may be difficult for seniors with arthritis, impaired vision, or other age-related health conditions that make it challenging to manage daily activities on their own. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior home care. Montgomery Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

6. Grandkid-Friendly Crafts

Make it easier for your loved one to bond with the grandchildren by suggesting crafts both generations can enjoy. From stick bracelets and crayon hearts made from silicone molds to finger puppets and coffee can drums, crafts of this nature are often extremely easy and a lot of fun for all participants. 

A home caregiver can be a wonderful crafting partner for your loved one. For families living in Montgomery, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.

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