Home Companion Care Recommends Mental Exercises
Exercise is so much more than jumping jacks, jogging, and touching your toes. It’s important for your loved one to keep their mind fresh. As your parent has been aging, they may not be pursuing mental exercises. Just like stretches and other physical exercises can ward off against injuries such as falls, mental exercise can help your loved one avoid issues like memory loss or dementia. But without being prompted or opportunities to interact with people, it can be difficult for your loved one to keep up those habits. Home companion care can help your loved one stay mentally sharp. Here are some ways a caregiver may be able to help:
- Whether you or a home companion care provider assists your parent is involved in day-to-day tasks like housework or groceries, try asking your parent to create a list – whether it is groceries or items that they want to accomplish in a day. After they have created the list, put it away and an hour or two later have them repeat what is on that list. This is an exercise they can do regularly. This can help mom and dad sharpen their memory.
- Having mom or dad take a cooking class is a great idea. It places them among other people so it can add an element of socialization. The cooking process itself will also include planning and sensory engagement, which means plenty of opportunities for your loved one to stay keen. And your mom or dad might have a chance to learn a new favorite recipe!
- Read about sports or games. Your parent doesn’t need to be the next Babe Ruth, but if they are interested in sports like football, baseball, they should spend some time reading it. Reading about strategies or player stats will make their brain work. They may also be interested in strategy games like chess or bridge. It’s much easier to be vigilant about working your brain if you’re excited to do so, and home companion care gives your loved one a person who can share their passions.
Visiting Angels is happy to offer companionship to your loved one. Reach out to us to learn more about how our caregivers can help your loved one stay engaged!