Something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behavior for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment or for something entirely different. The only thing that matters is that it’s change for the better.
This quote is from Thefuntheory.com website and applies to everyone.
No one ever makes reference to the daily care at home given to the elderly as “fun”. As we all agree, work is not fun but making work “fun” is possible.
When a professional in-home care provider arrives, there is usually a set of duties planned to get completed during that shift. No time for fun here, or is there?
As a family member providing home care for your loved one, you wear your no-nonsense hat to work. But does that mean no fun allowed?
Making duties a little more interesting and fun will benefit both you and the person needing the care. You’ve heard the saying “Time flies when you’re having fun”. You can put that to the test.
You may have an uncooperative recipient of your services and fun might just bring them around. A smile, a chuckle or a full roar of laughter can change the environment you work in and your client lives in. Yes, it may take a few extra minutes but it will be a benefit.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Bathing
- Lay out 4 towels and 4 matching washcloths of different colors on the bed. Pick a color and let your client find that color and the matching washcloth. That will be your color for the day.
- Place a few hairbrushes and combs in a container short enough for them to stand on end and be visible. Have your client pick out either all the combs or brushes.
- Keep 3 or 4 toothbrushes in the holder. Let the client pick out the color of the day or their favorite color. Give them a cup to spittle in over the sink and laugh when they miss.
Dressing
- Lay out a few pairs of socks and unmatch them. Let your client find a matching pair or finish matching them all if they want.
- Lay out a short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirt and ask your client to decide which is best for the weather outside.
- Lay out men and women’s undergarments. Hand them the opposite sex item and laugh.
As the care provider, it rests on your shoulders to set the mood for you and your client. All your clients, including those with mild dementia can benefit from these exercises helping to stimulate the mind and muscles.
Here at Home Matters, we provide professional, friendly caregivers that can bring a smile to your loved one’s face. Contact us to help place the right caregiver with your family.
