Tired of the same familiar activities with your parents? It might be time to try something different. The experts at Naborforce, an on-demand service for seniors, have come up with a list of exciting activities to spend time with older parents:Glass-Blowing Session A glass-blowing session might be the last thing you would expect from a senior outing, but here at Naborforce, weve seen this as one of the most exciting experiences weve had on our platform! Make sure you research your host, as glass blowing instructions can vary. We partnered with The Glass Spot RVA, which had step-by-step guidance that resulted in a beautiful finished product, prompting our client to call it A Million Dollar Day. Dance Class for SeniorsWhat can be more fun than dancing in the middle of the day? This could be a great activity to do with Mom- whether its salsa or tap, she will have something to talk about for days. Plus, dance classes are a great way to encourage fun and active aging. Research by the National Institute on Aging shows that movement in older age strengthens the mind, which potentially delays the onset of certain debilitating diseases. Here at Naborforce, weve had our fair share of dance classes. Just the other day, one of our community members took our client to a line dancing class at Pine Camp Community Center in Richmond, VA. An Art Class Outing or At-Home Project Art expression is such a great way to calm the mind, hone in on creative skills and create new memories, essential components for independent aging. You might already know of an art class in your area or senior living community, but have you ever tried setting up something at home? Kits sold by Artful Aging are in-home watercolor packages that also come with instructional videos, perfect for senior DIY-ers!Build-A-Bear Workshop OutingIt might be a while since youve stepped foot inside a Build-A-Bear Workshop, where you can customize a stuffed animal with your personal preferences, down to including a note embedded in the toy! We love Build-A-Bear as an activity for older parents, mainly because we saw the impact during one of our Naborforce visits. Our client wanted to customize a teddy bear for his wife. He booked a Naborforce visit to accompany him to Build-A-Bear, where he recorded a heartwarming note in a voice box inside the bear. To this day, our clients wife cherishes this gift as a reminder of their love and connection.An Evening at the MuseumAfter youve tried an art class at home (see out-of-the-box idea #2), maybe its time to hone your art skills by going to a museum. Check out the events calendar at your local art museum to see if there are any special offerings or exhibitions.  As an example, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts offers many adult classes. If walking too much is a concern for your loved one, know that many places might offer wheelchair assistance. Plus, in the summer the local museum is a great way to cool down!

Moving elderly parents into a senior living community is a significant transition for the entire family. Its a time filled with mixed emotions, adjustments, and new routines. Amidst these changes, the importance of visiting senior parents cannot be overstated. Regular visits offer more than just a check-in; theyre fundamental to your parents emotional well-being and adjustment to their new living situation.Making Your ImpactHere are five compelling reasons why visiting your elderly parents after their move to a senior living community is essential:Emotional Support and Reassurance: The transition to a senior living community can be emotionally challenging for your parents. They might feel a sense of loss, uncertainty, or isolation. Your visits act as a critical source of emotional support. Seeing a familiar face provides comfort and reassurance, reminding them that they are loved and not forgotten.It can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, fostering a more positive outlook on their new life phase.Maintaining Family Bonds: Regular visits help maintain strong family bonds and keep the lines of communication open. Sharing stories, reminiscing about the past, or discussing current events helps your parents feel connected to the world outside their community. These interactions are crucial for preserving family ties and ensuring that your parents continue to feel an integral part of the family.Monitoring Well-being and Care: While senior living communities are designed to cater to the needs of their residents, nobody knows your parents like you do. Visiting allows you to monitor their well-being, ensuring they are healthy, happy, and receiving the proper care. Its also an opportunity to speak with staff and understand any changes in your parents health or behavior, allowing for timely interventions when necessary.Encouraging Socialization and Activity: When you visit, you bring energy and change into your parents routine. You can encourage them to engage in community activities, take them out for a change of scenery, or participate in social events together.This not only breaks the monotony but also encourages your parents to utilize the amenities and social opportunities their new home offers, enhancing their quality of life.Affirming Their Worth and Autonomy: Your visits are a powerful affirmation of your parents worth and autonomy.Affirming the worth and autonomy of elderly parents is vital, especially after they move to a senior living community. This act acknowledges their importance and decision-making power, fostering a sense of self-respect and dignity. By actively involving them in conversations, respecting their choices, and valuing their opinions, you help maintain their sense of identity and self-esteem. Such affirmation is crucial for their emotional well-being and can significantly boost their happiness and willingness to embrace their new living situation.By involving them in decisions, seeking their opinions, and listening to their stories and concerns, youre reinforcing their sense of self and importance. This can be incredibly empowering for elderly individuals, especially those adjusting to life in a senior living community.Visiting your elderly parents after theyve moved into a senior living community is about more than fulfilling a duty; its about nurturing a relationship that continues to evolve and adapt. Your presence can significantly impact their happiness, health, and overall adjustment to their new living situation.So, while life might get busy, remember that a visit to your aging parents is invaluable. Its an act of love and support that resonates deeply, providing comfort and connection during a time of significant change.

Our parents have always been there for us so when the time comes to care for them, the decision on how to proceed can be heart-wrenching. There are many choices, ranging from becoming their caregiver to finding an assisted living or memory care facility. For many people, at-home care is the best solution for their parents. It is comforting to keep people you love with their family, or in a setting they find familiar. Most people also choose at-home care because they believe that it will be much more affordable than a senior residence. However, there are many variables to consider, and taking care of a parent at home may not be as economical as you assume.We know that there is not one single right answer in these situations. While at-home care is the perfect solution for some families, it may not work for others. When determining the right course of action for your loved one, it is essential to weigh all the alternatives and make the best choice for everyone involved.The Reality of At-Home CareChoosing at-home care may seem like a natural option. You love your parents, and you want them to be comfortable and happy. However, if you have reached this point, it is likely that your loved one needs a caregiver at least in some capacity. This means that either you need to hire a caregiver, or you will act as their caregiver.Hiring a caregiver obviously costs money. However, there are often financial implications when you choose to be a caregiver for your parent, especially if you have to leave a job to do so. Additionally, implementing at-home care often requires specialized medical equipment and home renovations to allow senior adults to safely navigate their environment. These modifications may include installing bathroom grab bars or wheelchair ramps, transforming a downstairs room into a bedroom, or even widening hallways and doorways.Key Takeaway: Whether they stay in their own home or move into yours, there are always expenses to cover as your parent grows older and their needs evolve.The ongoing, day-to-day expenses often surprise those choosing at-home care. You may need to cover transportation costs for appointments, hire someone to perform regular home maintenance, or have meals delivered to ensure your loved one is eating well. Over time, these costs can add up.The Cost of a Senior Care ResidenceAssisted living facilities and memory care centers are considered to be expensive by most people. However, the all-encompassing approach to a seniors lifestyle requires a different perspective to understand.When you pay for these types of residences, it replaces a rent or mortgage payment. There is no more property tax bill or need for property maintenance or upkeep. There are many other services included in assisted living communities, such as:Round-the-Clock Care and Medical Assistance: If a senior needs extensive supervision or care, these costs can become prohibitive at home. Assisted living facilities provide 24/7 access to professional caregivers who can immediately contact medical staff if necessary. This availability guarantees life-saving and timely attention during emergencies, regular monitoring of health issues, and accurate medication management.Physical Therapy, Fitness, and Wellness Programs: Assisted living and memory care facilities often incorporate on-site physical therapy and wellness programs that cater to the needs of individual senior residents. These programs enhance physical health and wellness, which helps to support autonomy for as long as possible. Not only are these programs available, but your loved one will be encouraged to attend by a staff dedicated to ensuring they stay engaged and active.Meals, Housekeeping, and Laundry Services: The all-inclusive nature of a senior residence is also inclusive of daily living requirements. Residents will enjoy nutritious, chef-prepared meals and no longer have to worry about shopping or cooking. They will also enjoy regular laundry and housekeeping services, which often need outside assistance when they still live at home.Emotional Well-being: At-Home Care vs. Senior ResidenceBeyond the financial aspects of senior care, assisted living facilities offer invaluable opportunities for seniors to maintain an active social life making friends, enjoying hobbies, and pursuing interests. When all of the responsibilities of life are being handled, your loved one can truly enjoy their life and spend their days as they wish.Organized Social Activities and Community Engagement: Contemporary assisted living facilities strive to provide a vibrant community where residents can participate in a wide variety of social activities and events. This access to an active lifestyle is often in stark contrast to the loneliness a senior living at home may experience. All of the activities they love and all the people they meet are on the same campus. For those who dont drive or dont want to ask for rides, this can make a radical difference.Call My Care Finders For AdviceAt first glance, at-home care might seem like the more caring or affordable choice. But there are many reasons why families also choose assisted living or memory care. Whatever your choice, we know it is the best one for your family.My Care Finders was established out of a desire to provide professional and compassionate guidance for this emotional decision. If you arent sure about where to turn, call us today. We will listen to you, learn about your family, and provide resources and recommendations to facilitate your decision.