Elder Care in Carmel, IN – Dress Up those Drab Walking Aides for a Fun Activity
If you’re looking to have a little bit of fun with the elder care patient who may rely on a walker, wheelchair, or even a cane to get around, one possible thing to do is to dress up those supports. (Dressing up supports should only be done if the elderly individual owns such property, of course).
There are so many things that creative people can do to dress up various items they use every day. Most of the time, people have a tendency to think about these supports as being basic necessities. If you notice an elderly individual relying on a walker to get around, you may see its basic nature, perhaps a tennis ball placed on the foot for added support, and not much else.
The same holds true for wheelchairs.
However, if you notice a child who is in a wheelchair, you may see it decorated with stuffed animals, ribbons, bows, stickers, and a wide range of other things. This can make the support (which is necessary for ambulatory motion) feel much more personal and that can provide a sense of pride for the person who needs it.
Elderly individuals who, for most of their life, didn’t require the assistance of a cane, walker, or wheelchair may feel embarrassed or depressed that they now require this level of assistance to get around. It doesn’t have to be that way. The elder care provider might wish to suggest dressing up the supports.
What can you do to dress up these supports?
As already mentioned, stickers, ribbons, bows, and even stuffed animals are just the start. Some people have taken to putting on flames like race cars on wheelchairs. It’s a humorous way to feel good about what you’re carting around or what you’re using to assist you.
Having grandchildren or even great-grandchildren over and be creative in how they dress up the support is another thing that can make it much more personal for the elderly individual. The elderly individual may have a preference for certain sports or musicians or something else and they could decorate their own support to highlight their love of these things.
Sit down with the elderly individual and explain this idea to them. Give them time to think it over. Some people won’t really care, others will not be open to the idea, but many may find it interesting, especially if family members (grandchildren) could help them decorate these things as a part of elder care.
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