They’re Never Too Old to Go to the Fair

As summer winds down, one time-honored tradition is taking place across the country – the fair. From smaller county fairs to grand state fairs, your community is gathering together to enjoy many of the things that make your hometown or state a great place to live. Talk to your senior home care provider about the best way to have your loved one enjoy a few hours at the fair while staying safe.

There are Plenty of Activities for Older Visitors at the Fair

Senior Home Care Morris County NJ - They're Never Too Old to Go to the Fair

Senior Home Care Morris County NJ – They’re Never Too Old to Go to the Fair

While many may only think of the extreme rides like the Crazy Mouse or the Zipper that appeal mostly to the young, fairs are also a great place for people not quite as young to gather and enjoy themselves as well. There is almost guaranteed to be something for everyone and something your elderly loved one will enjoy!

Crafts and Competitions

Fairs are famous for their blue-ribbon competitions where people enter their largest watermelons, their best-baked pies, and even giant quilts made by hand. If your loved one has a special talent, she might even like being entered into one of these time-honored contests. If not, she’s sure to enjoy a leisurely walk around to see all of the entries.

Animals

Depending on where you’re from, many fairs have petting zoos and competitions for pets and domesticated animals. Your loved one might enjoy watching a dog show, horse wrangling, or some chicks hatching. If she’s an animal lover, the fair might have something right up her alley.

Food, Food, and More Food

Fairs are notorious for some of the most outlandish, yet delicious food that while you shouldn’t enjoy regularly, it makes for a great fair treat. Giant corn dogs, waffles on sticks, and triple-scoop ice cream cones are just a smattering of what your loved one may like to enjoy during a visit to her local fair.

People Watching

Don’t forget about finding a bench, having a seat, and just enjoying watching all of the families enjoy their day at the fair. It’s a great way to feel connected to the community.

Here are a few top considerations your senior home care provider can help with if going to the fair for a solo visit is not in the cards for your loved one.

Transportation

It’s not uncommon to have to park a long distance from the fair and then make the trek there on foot. A senior home care companion can drop your loved one right off at the front gate.

Mobility Assistance

Speaking of long walks, just walking around some big state fairs can easily be 10,000 steps and if your loved one isn’t used to that, you might consider having your senior home care provider pack up a wheelchair to help her around in. Depending on the terrain, an ECV might be a good choice as well.

Safety

Many fairs attract huge crowds which can mean there are people there who might want to rob or bother your elderly loved one. Having an escort like a senior home care provider will help her stay safe if anything should happen.

Weather Prep

It’s still summer, so sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water should all travel with your loved one when she visits the fair to help her stay in good shape as she visits each area.

It’s fair to say, your loved one is going to love going to the fair again.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Senior Home Care Services in Morris County NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.




Socializing Online Still Has Benefits for Seniors

Staying sociable during the COVID-19 epidemic was made easier because virtual activities did not require individuals to physically be together. However, lifting pandemic limitations is no reason to abandon online interaction altogether. In fact, seniors with mobility challenges or compromised immune systems may remain socially active via virtual social activities without worrying about physically going somewhere or being exposed to potentially hazardous infections. In-home care providers can help your senior engage in this way of socializing.

In-Home Care Hunterdon NJ - Socializing Online Still Has Benefits for Seniors

In-Home Care Hunterdon NJ – Socializing Online Still Has Benefits for Seniors

Several activities can keep seniors engaged, but sometimes it may be difficult for them to find the motivation to participate. They may have problems coming up with exciting ideas for themselves or staying with a schedule that keeps them engaged. If this describes your elderly parent or other loved one, you might consider hiring in-home care providers. With the help of in-home care providers, your senior can discover enjoyable activities that accommodate their individual needs or restrictions. However, in the last few years, getting out and seeing people has become harder for the elderly.

What else can your loved one do? You and their in-home care aides can encourage them to opt for online options!

Why Virtual Events Are Beneficial for Seniors

Humans are wired to be sociable. The health of an introvert depends on their ability to engage with others. Numerous studies have shown that socializing benefits your health in many ways, including lowering your stress levels, keeping your brain healthy, and warding off illness.

If you or an elderly loved one has trouble moving about, participating in social activities online may be the ideal way to stay connected. Homebound seniors may find that engaging in virtual conversations with others might help them feel less alone and improve their physical and mental health.

How to Find Virtual Events for Seniors

Online networking is convenient since it expands your circle of friends outside your immediate vicinity. Play games with individuals from all over the globe or join a book club with folks from various regions of the nation. Here are some ways to find those online virtual events for seniors.

Use the library as a resource. A lot of the time, your seniors’ local library will host talks or events that they will also host on zoom. Stop by and grab your senior a printed calendar with zoom links necessary to attend. Numerous community centers and libraries provide low-cost or no-cost online activities for people of all ages. You may discover whether a local group offers any online courses by visiting their official websites.

Let them take a virtual class. Signing up for a class is another wonderful choice for retirees who want to expand their social circle and their knowledge base. You or your loved one may be interested in enrolling in one of the live courses offered by groups like Virtual Senior Academy or the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) via their Senior Planet program.

If you still can’t find a local online event and have multiple seniors in your life, it’s time to start something on your own. This is the time to start a book club or online art group that all of the seniors in your life can use to connect with each other and do an activity. You can also start marketing this group to other people in your community. You may be surprised to find how much it grows.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional In-Home Care Services in Hunterdon NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.




October 23rd National Make a Difference Day

You may not know this, but on October 23rd, it’s time to celebrate National Make a Difference Day. You can do this in so many ways, and it might be a good time to visit your parents or seniors. This day is a good day to find out what needs to be done around the house and how you can help them out. If a senior wants to get out and make a difference, this is a good chance for an in-home care provider to drive them to a volunteer opportunity.

In-Home Care Berkeley Heights NJ - October 23rd National Make a Difference Day

In-Home Care Berkeley Heights NJ – October 23rd National Make a Difference Day

There are many ways the senior you love can get out and make a difference and ways for you to show you care while making a difference in your senior’s life. National Make a Difference Day takes things to a whole new level which encourages and promotes helping each other. Millions of people come together to volunteer on projects and make a change. Small changes and actions can impact the nation as a whole.

When you see your parents next, mention the national holiday that is still gaining popularity. See if the in-home care assistant can help take the senior to do something. If the senior cannot do anything, ask the in-home care specialist what needs to be done around the house. Even if you are not a volunteer, you can still make a change that will impact the seniors’ lives.

Things You Can do for The Senior

Firstly, ask what needs to be done. If the senior cannot remember, ask the in-home care advisor who is with them every day. They will have a good idea of what needs to get done they cannot do legally and things the senior cannot do either. This is a good place to start, and it will feel rewarding to help your parents or loved one.

Mow the Lawn

Caregivers can do small tasks and help manage the household, but they may not do yard work. Having a yard is a ton of work for a senior, and if you have the time on October 23rd, you should stop by to mow your loved one’s yard.

Pressure Wash the Driveway

Simple activities for you may not be for the senior. If they own a house with a decent driveway, clean it off for them. This makes the driveway look nice and also keeps it from growing mildew or anything else that may make a senior fall.

Things the Senior Can do for Others with Some In-Home Care Help

If your loved one is still mobile, they may want to volunteer on October 23rd. They may have even already heard of this day. The great news about volunteering is the in-home care provider can ensure transportation for the seniors, especially planned in advance. Here are a few ideas for them.

Read to Kids

If a local hospital accepts volunteers to read to kids, this may be a great way to make a difference. This is something that even a senior who isn’t super mobile can do.

Picking up Garbage

Local parks need a lot of volunteer love. If your senior has a favorite park they like to go to, they can volunteer to trail clean and pick up garbage. This is great for seniors who are a little bit more active or can stand for a few hours.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional In-Home Care Services in Berkeley Heights NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.