February 17th is another date on the calendar, but if you didn’t know, it is also known as Random Act of Kindness Day. If you would like to know how you can make the most of this date, read on for a list of different ideas that will brighten any senior’s day.
Paying it forward and doing a simple act of kindness doesn’t have to be limited to just this date, but it can serve as a reminder that we have the ability to make a positive impact on someone each and every day. Taking the time to do something for one another brings more satisfaction than most things we keep ourselves occupied within our daily routine.
Make cookies or a favorite recipe
As we age, seniors find themselves unable to do as much cooking as they may have once done. For those in a senior living community, they may not even do it at all when they’ve got a superb dining menu served daily!
But, what about their mom’s casserole or a baked apple pie that was always their favorite treat? A bite of a favorite pastime meal will not only bring joy to their taste buds, but to their spirit as well. Food feeds the body, but also the soul. Memories can be tied to different recipes, especially ones handed down from generations. By making one of their favorite dishes, they’ll appreciate the effort and you’ll get a chance to enjoy a quality meal with them.
Bring a board game
Monopoly, Sorry, Clue, Connect Four, the list of all time board game classics are endless! There’s no shortage of what kinds of games are out there, and whether it’s playing one of their long time favorites, or introducing a senior to one that’s new, you’re bound to have some friendly competition turn into fun and many laughs.
On top of being a good time, board games are actually known to boost senior brain health as well. Research is available to back that those who played board games lowered their risk of dementia by as much as 15 percent. Depression was also at a lower likelihood.
Share your musical talent
If you happen to play any musical instrument, such as the guitar or piano, use that as a way to entertain a senior. Think about the musical eras they may have lived through, and learn a song they may really have enjoyed from back then.
The sounds of a familiar tune will make them reminisce and surely bring a smile. Classics can be timeless, and bringing it to life for a senior would be a special treat. For those with memory loss, it can act as reminisce therapy.
Bring them flowers
Fresh florals can entice the senses with sweet smells and an overall calming effect. Lavender is one of the few that’s proven to be a real stress reliever. Vibrant colors of daisies, or a soft white lily bring a natural form of beauty that anyone can appreciate.
Interview them, and most importantly, listen
There is nothing more that seniors can have a supply of than stories. A lifelong novel from every stage of life, is available at the start of a conversation. Taking the time to simply listen to a senior relive some of their past will not only bring them joy, but you may find yourself learning something new as well.
Bring a list of questions about anything from details in their life, or about a specific moment in history. The oldest generation lived through World Wars, booming eras of change, and cultural effects that have shaped the present. You’ll get to hear firsthand what it was like to be living through these events and other decades.
Make kindness an everyday event
Overall, from this list take some inspiration for what you can do for someone on not just February 17th, but everyday. Kindness can be shown in the smallest gestures. By simply placing someone else’s well being into the forefront of your attention and making the time for them, it conveys a lot of meaning.
At Kensington Place, we promise to love and care for your family as we do our own. Every resident has differing needs, whether it be early or advanced stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia. We take each individual’s needs into account and ensure that they get the expert level of care they require, but the same amount of compassion that they deserve.
We hope you come visit us soon. If your loved one is seeking care that is filled with kindness and a safe environment, let Kensington Place be your partners in memory care. Get in touch with us today!
Further Reading:
Memory loss is life changing for all involved. At Kensington Place, we provide a state-of-the-art memory care program, a higher staff-to-resident ratio than industry standards, and more advanced care services. Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
For additional resources regarding your loved one’s condition, please read on about our Memory Care, Alzheimer’s Care and Dementia Care.