Memory Games
When memories start to fade it is important that we try to help our loved ones remember us for as long as they can. Playing family friendly games and activities can increase the awareness of people who may love and care for someone who is in the process of not remembering them. Adding memory games and activities to your home health care routine can increase the time your loved ones are able to live independently.
Include these family friendly games and activities in your home health care routine. Memory games and activities can help increase you are your carees lifespan.
Family/ Traditional Bingo - Create a bingo game with family facts (Belinda B-2 First letter of first name 2nd child).
Matching Socks (During Laundry Time)- This can help with remembering colors and motor skills. This would be helpful for those who suffer from Parkinson's, MS and Low blood sugar. This can also help maintain independence.
Food items from the Kitchen- Ex. Cereal + Milk, Bread + Butter. This could encourage participation in grocery day. Help with maintaining healthy food habits if memory is lost or deteriorating.
Buttons on the Remote Control What channel does your favorite show come on? What is the local news channel? How do you turn on the TV? How do you turn the volume up or down?
Nighttime Home Safety Check- This could help one to feel more comfortable at home and ensure the caree is able to secure the home if left alone. Are all the doors locked? Are all the windows closed? Is the stove off? Are there any candles or objects burning that could start a fire?
Gross Motor
Gross motor activities include walking, running, throwing, lifting, kicking, etc. These skills also relate to body awareness, reaction speed, balance and strength. It is important to add gross motot activities to your home health care routine. Here are some ways to help someone who may have limited mobility stay active.
Chair Yoga and Exercises- Chair yoga can be great for those who have limited mobility. This can be used to enhance upper and lower body strength while increasing blood flow, strength, and flexibility.
Yoga- This can be used to enhance upper and lower body strength while increasing blood flow, strength, and flexibility.
Walking- Simply walking is great exercise. Implementing daily or weekly walks can help increase the heart rate and maintain healthy weights.
Water Aerobics- Water aerobics can be great for those suffering with bone and muscle medical issues. The water will allow you to get a great workout while reducing the impact and stressed cause to the joints while working out on the ground.
Simple Daily Tasks at Home Can Help
The following simple daily tasks can be used to help with gross motor skills when providing home health care:
Folding Laundry, especially Socks and Pillowcases- Socks will encourage hand and finger movement, flexibility, and strengthening. Pillowcases will help with the lifting of the arms, increasing movement in the shoulders, neck, and back.
Sweeping and Mopping- The motion of sweeping and mopping can help with mobility, stretching of the arm and back muscles. Because this is a task that is done standing the legs, will automatically get a workout just moving.
Washing Dishes- Washing dishes can also help with increasing strength in the legs as standing is involved. The act of creating circles to wash items such as plates, bowls, and pots can strengthen the arms.
Card and Single Player Games That Promote Mental and Physical Stimulation
Memory Games and Activities
Goldfish
Poker
Blackjack
Solitaire
Matching
Adult Coloring Books
Crossword Puzzles
Word Searches
Puzzles
“We do not remember days, we remember moments.”
Italian poet Cesare Pavese