With mother’s Day knocking at the door we are all excited about planning an outing with this special woman. That is when a melancholic thought comes to our mind. For some, we do not get to see our mothers every day. Especially when ailment keeps them in an elderly care home, and no number of visits seems enough.
However, rather than starting your Mother’s Day on such a maudlin note, you can always up the excitement meter. For your mother, and for yourself. Yes, she might not be able to accompany you to an amusement park like she used to do, but she can always enjoy some good company.
In this excerpt below, we will be discussing some of the common activities you can enjoy with an elderly mother. Whether you are simply sitting with them, or going out for a walk; depending on their health condition we have a view of activities covered.
Mother’s Day In Elderly Care Home
Some mothers spend their time at an elderly care home. Probably because their physical, and mental health makes them incompetent to independently take care of themselves. Some children who are rightfully busy with their own careers, or their families, would rather have their parents have been taken care of by a professional than not be there for their aid.
Therefore, many enroll their parents in care homes. Care homes cater to their health requirements and their emotional needs. A good elderly care home will ensure that your elderly mother doesn’t feel alone, and left out.
Yes, you might not be able to mess up their daily routine and bring them home just to drop them back at the care home. This is why you have to celebrate Mother’s Day within the premise of the care home, and this is how you are going to do so
Relaxing Activities For An Elderly Mother
Here are some of the relaxing activities which you can try with your favorite person. These will ensure that your elderly mother is not getting too excited, as that could have a negative effect on their health.
Without any further adieu let’s get into the activities.
1. Take Them To A Picnic
If your parents are in a good elderly care home then a lush garden is common. Doctors’ appointments at every care home do suggest their patients take a stroll through nature every day. Now, it is your turn to take advantage of these beautiful gardens.
Your mother doesn’t have to be senile in order to appreciate a good picnic. He probably enjoyed a few of them in her days. You can get home-cooked bit-sized delights for your mother, or you can even buy her favorite food (ensure it is following her current dietary guidelines).
To make the picnic a little more aesthetic, get a Gingham, an authentic basket, flowers, and a cake. In the era of fast technology, she would love to spend a slow day with her child/children on a peaceful picnic. Make sure you arrange the permits with the care home for a smooth execution.
2. Play Their Favorite Games
When your mother has been in the care home for quite some time, it is not uncommon for them to play games with other fellow mates. Many elderly mothers love a game of bridge, cards, cheese, and other board games.
If you are not aware of these games, then here is what you can do.
Knowing about your visit you can learn those beforehand. Plus, it is Mother’s Day. You do not need to be an expert. Come on! Let her win!
You can introduce her, and her friends to new board games which the kids are playing nowadays. Who knows, they might find their next favorite in Jenga, and UNO.
The objective is to make them feel pampered on this day. This a gentle reminder that no matter how busy you are, you will always have time for her.
3. Try Gardening Or Flower Arrangement
Gardening and flower arrangements are two of the most soothing past times in every elderly home. If you miss your mother’s teaching and want her to impart her wisdom on a subject, indulge in something she loves.
Most elderly homes encourage the home mates to garden or be stimulated by the vibrant colors of a flower. This helps release good hormones for those suffering from depression.
So, imagine their happiness when they find you taking an ardent interest in them as well. A good Mother’s Day gift idea would be to buy them an online course about gardening, or floral arrangements. This will conquer two things.
They will have something to look forward to since many elderly mothers start losing hope when they come to home care.
Second, it is just another way to show your mother how much you care!
4. Sit In Their Book Club
For some-
Yes, it’s boring.
But, for another.
It is paradise.
If you have received your mother’s bookworm gene then count yourself lucky. Because you get to share this beautiful literary moment with her on Mother’s Day. Most care homes have a book club, and if your mother is a reader, there is a possibility she is in one of them.
Take this day as the opportunity to not only rekindle with her, but knowing what she is doing in the care home, and what her day looks like.
If you plan to surprise your mother in the care home you do not have to spoil it. A week before you can simply ask what book they are reading for their next book club session. Again, you do not have to finish the book, just learn some of it because when the conversation flows you will want to have something to say.
5. Sit Through Old Albums & Videos
If your mother is suffering a little through dementia, and her memory is about to falter then remaining melancholic will not help. All you require to do is make them laugh, even if sometimes they are unable to recognize you at times.
Create a set-up for viewing old home videos of your childhood with your mother, or the two of you could flip through the old albums.
You can do so even if your mother is not suffering from some neurological problem. Certainly, there will be parts that will make your eyes a little teary, so you better have your tissues ready!
6. Bring Home Cooked Meal For Her
Not that elderly home care institutes are selling bad food. They are not in prison after all, and they will ensure that their housemates are well-fed. However, we too miss some of the home-cooked meals when we are away from home. A food that is incomparable to even all the five-star meals.
So, put yourself in their shoes and think. They might be feeling the same as well.
What better day than Mother’s Day to not only give them a taste of homemade food made with love but also show how well she has taught you over the years?
Before you get them a homemade meal, here are a few things that you have to remember.
You cannot give them anything, and everything. Call home care first and get a trough chart of their diet. Based on that you can get some recommendations from them. Generally, they would ask you to avoid too much spice and use artificial sweeteners, and better oil for diabetic patients.
Do not worry that you are unable to serve a five-star meal to your mum. She will be elated with whatever you bring her.
7. Let Her Decide
Finally, let her decide for once what she wishes to do. Yes, care homes are nurturing, but it is not a secret that care homes do keep their patients under some restrictions. So, when you surprise her on the fine morning of 8th May with a bouquet of the best mothers day flowers, ask her what she wishes to do.
Whether she would be interested in sitting in her room and talking all day long. Or, would much prefer to take a stroll outside and play some games will be up to her.
&
Just on this day, you are not one to argue. You will sit, and listen to her, no complaints, no arguments! For this one day, you could be the perfect daughter and son. Because she deserves it after all these years.
Gifts To Take Your Elderly Mother
A cake would be all right but some of us also want to surprise our mothers with a unique gift. Whether it is something for their enjoyment or comfort is up to them. Here is how you could make both happen through these unique gifts.
1. Comfort Clothing
With old age, one doesn’t have to be fashion impaired to pick comfortable clothing. You will find many coon, satin, and silk dresses made with good quality fabric and keeping comfort in mind for the elderly.
This is why comfort clothing is one of the trendiest Mother’s Day gifting ideas. Gift her some beautiful flowy kaftans, loose trousers, and satin shirts. They could flaunt their fashion with comfort.
2. Luxury Bathing Set
Bath time is without doubt one of the most relaxing times of her day. So, why not make it a little more relaxing with the help of a customized luxury bath set? Here are the things you can add that she will absolutely love.
- A robe that is made with the finest quality.
- New fresh towels.
- Luxury soap, and shampoo. Try to go for non-toxic, and paraben-free ones as they are best for elderly skin.
- Bath bombs, and aromatic candles for her to have a relaxing bath.
However, again before you randomly gift these items to your mother, do talk to the administrative board beforehand, and take all permission.
3. Heavy Anxiety Blanket
Staying apart from their family can get difficult sometimes. No matter how much they are currently accustomed to their new company. This is why we need to take care of their mental health as well.
Giving them an anxiety blanket would be just like offering them a hug from miles away. Every time they are anxious, the blanket will remind them of you.
4. A Flower Arrangement Subscription
Flowers are not only good pass time but also psychologically the bright colors can add as a great mood uplifter. Plus, flowers like jasmine, and rose can also act as good aromatic therapy.
It engages them in one activity, essentially distracting them from their overpowering negative thoughts. The increase in cognitive, and sensory activity also means their higher processes are put to a premature rest in the care home.
However, flowers are expensive and the care home might not be able to provide one every week. Therefore, if you gift them a good flower arrangement subscription, they will have a gift from you every week.
5. Custom Photo Album
Care homes do look generic, and sometimes all your elderly mother needs is to feel homely. What better way to do so than through photographs? Create a bunch of custom photos, and collages with your mother.
Add your siblings, and grandchildren (if any) to them. Watching the faces of their loved ones every morning will prepare them for a great morning ahead.
6. New Bedding Set
Comfort is important when she reaches a certain age and is dealing with a few ailments. With the help of the administration of the elderly care home, you can change their entire bedding set.
Get new sheets, a comfortable mattress (you can even get arthritis-assisting mattresses for the elderly), and pillows. This amount of pampering is bound to make them feel extra special on their day.
7. Grocery Gift Cards
Your mother will always be a mother no matter the age. She will love to get her own groceries even at the care home. So why not give them the best gift any mother can ask for?
A subscription to grocery gift cards, and coupons!
Spend Time With Them!
Even to this date, the best thing which can happen to her is to have all her children in one place. No matter the gift, or the cake, there is nothing she would love more than to talk for hours with her kids.
So, if you still don’t know what to give her, give her the precious gift of time!