6 minute read
CAREGIVERS CORNER
CAREGIVERS O R N E R
By Kathy Cocks, RN
Hobbies and Crafts Provide Purpose
My Dad has spent the last 20 years of his retired life building homes through Habitat for Humanity. Every time he helped finish a home, he would give away one of Mom’s hand-crafted decorations during the dedication ceremony. He made sure that each home had quality construction. When the pandemic hit that activity was put on hold and unfortunately it also caused him to decline physically and emotionally. Building those homes gave Dad a purpose.
My Father-in-law has dementia and very bad arthritis. He goes to a day center, and they were struggling to find activities for him. He enjoys crocheting and the main thing he knew how to make was scarves. They are beautiful and warm. All of my closets and my children’s closets are full of scarves. We needed a new avenue for his scarves and a person from the day center took them to homeless shelters. After that my father-in-law enjoys making scarves knowing they are going to an important cause.
It does not matter a person’s age, they need love first, but they also need a sense of purpose. Many times, we think someone who has dementia is happy to just be safe and well taken care of. They do need that, but they also need a sense of purpose. Sometimes we can get busy making sure someone has a good diet and plenty of physical exercise without helping them find purpose in life. According to research, older people with a high rating of purpose in life have more social support, more resilience with adversity, and better health. This also leads to better mental and physical health. Older individuals though can experience difficulty physically or mentally engaging in activities that give them purpose. It is important to keep trying to find activities they can still do.
Find out what type of hobbies an older person enjoyed doing. I know my dad may not be able to go build houses anymore, but I have been looking at some woodshop classes where he can make smaller items at home and find a place to donate them. Also, do not look at hobbies that seem to favor one gender. Women may also enjoy woodworking. If they enjoy woodworking it would be good to bring the grandkids or great-grandkids over and let your loved one help them make a derby car or birdhouse. The main thing they will be making is memories.
Another hobby is working on genealogy together. Older people may not be as adept at computers, but they probably know quite a bit about different people in the family. This gives grandchildren or nieces and nephews an opportunity to come over and explore their family tree and get their loved ones to tell stories that you want to be preserved. One thing I am thankful for is that my parents wrote their memoirs. Some of those stories I will always cherish. It can be daunting to have your loved one start at the beginning and write their story. Over the holidays ask them what their house was like growing up or what hobby they pursued or tell about their first car. Record it or write it down. You can find all kinds of online programs for recording conversations that will give you a transcript. A video recorded on your cell phone and shared with the family will be a cherished keepsake.
Hobbies can also be utilized to help the community and that really helps an older person feel like they have meaning in life. I knew one lady who would buy flannel material, cut the blankets for what would fit a baby, and tie off the loose ends. She would donate these baby blankets to the local hospital. They did not cost much money and were easy to make for someone who was even confined to a wheelchair.
Other simple projects that people can do are make cards for veterans or nursing home residents, encourage them to get involved in simple gardening projects, or get a bird-watching book. One client I knew had about 20 bird feeders in her yard and she watch the birds that flew by. It gave her something interesting to talk about when she could no longer go work in her garden.
Games are also a great activity that helps with fine motor skills and mental skills. My dad has Kathy Cocks, RN www.kathysconsulting.com 405-202-0708
info@kathysconsulting.com
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always played a game called Rook so even though he cannot hear very well he still enjoys beating all his grandchildren at Rook. I knew a client who liked to play Rummy. Most of the time she did not understand the rules but she was excited to play. Books of games like word searches or Soduko keep their mind active.
Get out some of your loved one’s music and encourage listening to it. It will help them relax and maybe they will be motivated to move more. Music stirs the soul and activates memories. Take them for small walks in the neighborhood or get an exercise bike they can use in the home. Always keep safety in mind when picking out exercise equipment. Hobbies and giving back to the community keep older adults healthier for longer. Handmade hobby items and crafts also make incredible Christmas gifts.
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