Three fall activities for seniors

This year’s fall is looking a little different compared to most years. COVID-19 has limited the number of activities that people can participate in, especially seniors. This age group is at high risk of contracting this virus. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have suggested that seniors be cautious and limit their exposure to large crowds. When in public, remember to wear a facemask and stay 6 feet away from people. Avoid touching your face, nose and eyes. More importantly, remember to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. 

Although you might not be able to do your usual fall activities with your senior loved ones, there are still fall activities for seniors with dementia that are safe. Our home care services Omaha team wants to share a list of fall activities that you can do with a senior. 

Bake with a senior

It seems that throughout this whole pandemic, everyone has been baking. People have been baking everything from banana to sourdough bread. For your next baking day, invite your aging parent over and bake one of their recipes together.

Baking is a great bonding activity that you can do with a senior. It reminds seniors that they are still loved and valued. Also, baking helps seniors reduce stress and anxiety that they might be feeling. It also gives your aging parent some snacks that they can take with them. 

Make DIY decorations 

Is it really fall if you do not decorate your house with pumpkins or orange leaves? Crafting fall decorations is one of the best fall activities for seniors with dementia. Research has found that crafting helps seniors motor, social and cognitive skills. 

Spend a day with your aging parent and create fall decorations that they can put around their home. You can create fall wreaths, carve a pumpkin or even paint a pumpkin. There are easy to make fall wreaths that only require: 

1. 18-inch base wreath

2. Leaf garland

3. Your choice of fall flowers 

4. Decorative fall items like pinecones, cattail or pumpkins 

Once you have these items, you can wrap the garland around the base wreath and then secure it. Use the fall flowers and fall decorative items to decorate the wreath to your aging parent’s choice. Do not forget to help a senior prepare their home for the fall weather.

Visit an apple orchard or pumpkin patch 

If you are looking to limit your indoor time with your parents, try an outdoor activity. Activities that require walking are beneficial for seniors. Walking helps strengthen a senior’s muscles and lower the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, or other illnesses. 

There are apple orchards and pumpkin patches that are open right now. These locations follow strict social distancing procedures that limit the number of people. The CDC does recommend that when visiting a pumpkin patch or orchard to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer to limit the risk. 

Here is a list of Omaha pumpkin patches that you can visit with a senior: 

• Vala’s Pumpkin Patch

• Kimmel Orchard 

• Arbor Day Farm 

• Markman Pumpkin Patch 

• Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard

Does your senior need home care services Omaha? 

If you notice that your senior loved is struggling or feeling lonely after these fall activities, get them in-home care. 

At Akkase Home Health Care, our professionals can assist your seniors with personal care needs like hygiene, medication reminders and nutritional care. Help your senior live more independently with us! Contact us to set a consultation.