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Household Chores & Elderly

© Marci Stocks

Household activities are great for many reasons. It gives special time for you and your loved one to be together, it helps in making your loved one feel that he/she is needed, it aids in the mental health and well-being of you and your loved one, and it allows for you to get things done in the home.

Don't be alarmed if your loved one just wants to repeat activities. I have heard many caregivers say that their loved ones enjoy folding towels over and over. If this is what makes your loved one happy, let them do it.

Before you begin any household activity with your loved one, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration. When deciding on which activities are appropriate for your loved one, focus on the following points:

1. Focus on what your loved one is able to do.
Focus on what your loved one can do now instead of what he could do a year ago.

2. Let your loved one be as independent as possible.
No matter what activity you are doing, allow your loved one to be as independent as he/she can. Being able to still fold laundry or set the table is a big deal to loved ones. It means that they can still contribute to the family. If help is needed, then provide it. Alter activities to meet your loved one's needs, such as using non-breakable plates if your loved one has trembles. That way, if your loved one drops a plate, he won't feel like he let you down by breaking it.

3. Only assist your loved one as needed.
At times, you may need to help your loved one with an activity in the home. Let him do as much as he can on his own.

4. Look for favorites.
If your loved one appears to really enjoy folding laundry, let him fold laundry whenever he wants. You'd be surprised how household activities (such as laundry) can be fun to another person.

5. Try to do activities that your loved one enjoyed in the past.
If your loved one enjoy gardening in the past, try to get your loved one outside and help you. If you live in an apartment or condo, your loved one can water inside plants. You can also plant fresh herbs that are meant to be grown indoors.

HOUSEHOLD ACTIVITY IDEAS:

Folding Laundry
Folding laundry is wonderful exercise for the fingers. Towels would be a great start. The warmth from fresh towels out of the dryer may relax the hands and fingers. If your loved one folds them differently then you, not to worry. Either refold them later on or put them away as is.