Shelter-in-place can be difficult to navigate for the 230,000 people living with Alzheimer’s in Illinois. Aside from the concerns of wandering, keeping occupied and entertained can also be a burden. Here are a variety of ideas to stay engaged and bonded with loved ones when staying indoors:
Play a game. Dominoes, checkers, cards or board games engage multiple senses at once. Some friendly competition can strengthen your relationship and be a good way to have fun between just two people.
Spend time in the kitchen. Cooking or baking a loved one’s favorite dish or trying a new recipe can be a fun adventure together. Ask your loved one if they have a cherished recipe or use the internet to experiment.
Test your knowledge. Try identifying all the states on a map or listing the presidents. Try to complete the list as a team, or turn it into a friendly competition with the prize of picking the next activity.
Get personal. Look at family photo albums and share stories or make a family tree poster board. Reminisce about past times together, it can bring up memories that you realize you haven’t yet shared.
Enjoy some self care. Brushing a loved one’s hair, a hand massage with lotion, or giving a manicure can generate a feeling of closeness. Discuss what types of personal care are relaxing to you and find the best way to enjoy it together.
Read together. Relax and unwind by reading aloud. Find a good novel, a classic favorite tale or an autobiography of someone you’ve always admired
Arts and crafts. Unleash your imagination by creating a piece of art. Model with playdough, color in a coloring book, or even draw freehand on a blank canvas.
No matter what activity you choose, indoor bonding can make even the coldest days feel a bit warmer. Use these tips as a reference next time the Illinois weather keeps you inside!
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