Family members and carers can sometimes struggle to share meaningful experiences with their senior, particularly when ‘caring’ for the senior takes the driver’s seat.

Perhaps you aren’t quite sure how to talk with Mum since her stroke, or too preoccupied with Dad’s medication to sit down and just be with him. In such changed circumstances, you may often feel uncertain, frustrated, and sometimes even guilty.

Participating in a ‘planned” activity together with your senior could promote relaxation and reconnection, without continually worrying about what to do. These activity evenings may be held as often as you like. They usually enhance positive communication and your senior will sense the undivided attention and feel loved. You will too.

An idea for your activity: choose a light-hearted and seasonal theme, such as ‘SPRINGTIME ROLLS’.

Many happy memories are created around a dining table laid with delicious food. Testing and tasting new types of meals can be made into an evening activity surrounded by music… a picnic-style table dressed with hand-picked, wildflowers from the garden would work well. For example, an evening meal of two varieties of spring rolls (vegetarian and chicken), salad and dipping sauces… is all you need. You may get your senior to pluck the flowers from the garden (if they are willing and able) and help you lay the table. Your senior may even enjoy a strawberry milkshake with dollops of fresh cream and fresh strawberries.

After dinner, a craft activity or a game of Chinese checkers will keep everyone entertained with a lot of family bonding. Invite other family members, a friend or neighbour over to join in, and enjoy the laughter and the friendship.

Often, your senior may forget the activity a few days later. Remember to capture these precious moments – take photos and show it to them. Name your fun event and watch it grow into a family tradition. Doing fun things together enhances the value of ‘being together’. 

Patricia Arora
TMCCA