Caregivers in Indianapolis, IN –  Reading is a Fun Activity to do Together

Keeping things interesting in your elderly care relationship with your aging parents can be a challenge, particularly if the weather is not good or your parents are coping with cognitive or physical limitations that make it difficult for them to get out of the home often. By planning activities that engage your parents’ brains, however, you can ward off boredom, boost their mental and emotional health, and make their care much easier on you. A fantastic activity that accomplishes this goal and lets you enjoy some quality time with your aging parents is reading.

Reading may seem like a solitary activity, but by sharing the experience you can encourage exciting conversations, learn more about your aging parents, and spend relaxing time together. Having this activity to look forward to also keeps spirits high and can ease anxiety for your elderly parents if they do not see you daily.

Here are some tips for making reading a part of your elderly care plan with your aging parents:

• Choose your book together. You want to make sure reading is something that everyone enjoys, so take your time to choose a book together. Ask your parents if they have heard of any books that they may like to read, or suggest a new title you find interesting. If that does not bring up an idea, search the website of a large bookstore together until you find something that appeals to all of you

• Read aloud. Plan a set time each week, or even several times per week, to sit together and read the book you chose aloud. Take turns reading and decide on a specific amount to read each session. After the reading is finished, talk about what you read. Discuss how the story is progressing, what surprised you, what you think will happen next, even how you would move forward if you were writing the book. These conversations give incredible insight into your parents’ thinking and you may find that they segue into conversations about many other things, allowing all of you to open up and share more with each other

• Read independently. If reading aloud does not appeal to you, purchase a copy of the book for each of you and meet to discuss the book. This is a great chance to introduce new technology to your parents by purchasing them electronic readers. Many publishers offer ebooks in large print that is easier for seniors to read

• Plan activities around the story. Make reading a new story fun and exciting by planning activities and outings around the story. Research the time period, visit important sites mentioned in the story, try out included recipes, or even work together when you are finished reading to book to write a brief “sequel” that shows how your parents think the story and the characters should continue. Keep mementos of your outings, pictures, and the story together and store them with the original book so you can look back on them later. Re-reading the book a few years down the line and comparing your original impressions to how you feel about it then could reveal interesting changes in your personal perspective.

The caregivers at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is an elder care agency providing quality and affordable caregivers in Indianapolis, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.