The Fourth of July is marked by fireworks, barbeque on the grill, and friends and family coming together to celebrate our country's independence. The summer holiday can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Family members may need to come up with some activities to help seniors living in assisted living communities commemorate the event.
Here are some ideas you can use to celebrate Independence Day with aging loved ones:
"Decorate seniors' rooms to bring Independence Day to them."
Bring the tradition to them
Seniors don't want to miss out on the Fourth of July, so transform their rooms into patriotic dwellings. Hang American flags, bring grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, and ask them to recount stories from their youth.
In addition to traditional lunch or dinner fare, don't forget the potato salad, Jell-O molds and ice cream. Daily Caring recommended setting up a sundae bar that seniors and youngsters can enjoy together.
Do some crafting
If family members would benefit from using their hands to complete some activities, set up supplies for a crafting session, according to S&S Worldwide. This is an exercise aging adults can participate in with their grandchildren. You'll need items like construction paper, markers, scissors, glue and more.
Once the crafting is complete, hang up the products around seniors' rooms to remind them of the fun they had on Independence Day.
Build a scrapbook
Over the years, your family has probably taken and amassed a large number of photographs of various holidays and celebrations. If you and your senior loved ones have these pictures arranged in shoeboxes kept under the bed, pull them out and place them in a scrapbook. This activity is something you can do together and will allow you to relive some of your favorite moments – and probably hear a few you don't know! Seniors can keep the finished product with them to look over periodically, which can give them a sense of comfort if certain family members don't live close by.
See a movie
Is there a film your loved one has been wanting to see? Are you looking for an indoor activity to avoid the warm, Fourth of July weather? Watching a movie together is a great way to spend Independence Day together. Let seniors choose the film as well as the viewing location. While some loved ones may enjoy a respite from their assisted living community, others will like staying put and having friends and family over for a little watch party. Bring snacks to share and settle in for a fun day.
Play a game
Introduce some competition into the day by inviting seniors to participate in some games. Fourth of July bingo is a perfect indoor activity, while a history quiz tests family members' memories on America's past. You can play these games among your family, or invite other residents to join in on the fun! Pin the hat on Uncle Sam and patriotic charades are good alternatives as well, according to Reader's Digest.
Make a meal
Does your senior loved one have a dish he or she is known for? Celebrate Independence Day by cooking that meal together. Since meal preparation can be a challenge for some seniors, this activity gives them the opportunity to get back in the kitchen. Give loved ones an easy job or two to complete and utilize their recipe or memory to complete the dish.
Take a road trip
Every senior is different. While some may need to remain within their assisted living community during the Fourth of July, others are able to take part in small excursions. Loved ones who are able to take a car ride to a family party or to see fireworks will enjoy a trip outside their normal surroundings. A change of scenery can improve family member's moods and make them feel as though they're a part of a bigger celebration on Independence Day.
Holidays like the Fourth of July are the perfect occasion to spend time with senior loved ones in assisted living communities. These happy celebrations enable family members from around the country to come together and spend quality time with those they don't see on a regular basis. Take advantage of Independence Day by sharing in the aforementioned activities. You'll make memories you won't soon forget.
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