If you have a loved one who is temporarily or increasingly bedridden, it's important to find activities that can keep their minds active and their spirits high. Here are ten engaging gift and hobby ideas that can help your family member or loved one enjoy their time spent in bed. Our goal is to inspire you and spark your creativity in finding enjoyable activities for your bedridden senior!
1. Puzzle Books and Brain Teasers
Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and word searches are some popular activities that you can easily find in bookstores or online. Seniors can keep themselves occupied when they're alone, or work together with a friend or family member.
2. Arts and Crafts Supplies
Adult coloring books, sketch pads and pencils, or knitting and crochet supplies can help bedridden seniors creatively express themselves.
3. Music, Podcasts, and Audiobooks
Create personalized playlists of your senior's favorite songs or explore new genres they might enjoy. Audiobook subscriptions like Audible can give them access to countless titles, while podcasts on apps like Spotify can provide engaging stories and educational content. These options allow bedridden seniors to enjoy various forms of media without the need for screens, which can cause eye strain.
4. Tech Gadgets
Tablets or e-readers can offer access to news articles, ebooks, games, and more, all in one device. Virtual reality headsets can transport bedridden seniors to new environments, while video calling devices like Amazon's Echo Show or Facebook Portal can help them stay connected with friends and family.
5. Board and Card Games
Seniors can play simple yet strategic games like chess or checkers on a lap board. Card games like bridge or poker can help maintain social connections. Speak with your loved one to discover their favorite games and modify them as needed.
6. Large-print Books and Magazines
Reading materials can provide hours of entertainment and mental stimulation. Consider suggesting a local book club membership to encourage social interaction and discussions about various topics.
7. Memorabilia Projects
Memory and reminiscing activities can be soothing and comforting for seniors. Assemble photo albums, gather scrapbooking materials, or create personalized memory books that they can look through and share with others. Family history research tools, like access to genealogy websites, can also provide a fascinating glimpse into their past.
8. Remote Courses
Learning and education resources can help seniors continue to grow and learn. Online courses, lectures, language learning tools, or documentary films can challenge and engage their minds in new and interesting ways.
9. Exercise Accessories
Physical wellness activities are important for bedridden seniors to maintain their health. Gentle exercise equipment like resistance bands or hand grippers can help them maintain muscle strength.
10. Meditation Tools
Meditation and relaxation aids, including audio guides and aromatherapy, can help relieve anxiety, promote healthy sleep, and keep them focused.
Give the Gift of Senior Helpers
Here's a bonus gift idea: Help your bedridden senior loved one in Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, Haverhill, North Andover, and Essex County find companionship and assistance with day-to-day care through Senior Helpers. Contact us at Senior Helpers Lawrence to learn more about our services!