Celebrating Fall With Your Senior Family and Friends

Just because Florida doesn’t get the typical fall weather you might find on the east coast, doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate fall with your senior loved ones. Even in the warmer climate, there are signs of fall - such as less humidity in the air, fall blooms and of course fall festivals in nearly every nearby town.

Whether your senior loved one is gung-ho to get out and explore all of the festivals and walk through nature preserves to see the changing foliage, or they’re more content to watch the big football game from the comfort of their couch with a bowl full of chili, you can celebrate fall together. There are many options for enjoying the season, no matter what their ability level.

Head Outside

Fall in Florida is a beautiful time of the year as the humidity starts to drop and the days are less rainy. It’s a perfect time to take your senior outside, as the weather is much more bearable, and easier to exercise in with walks and hikes. Take a walk or a drive, and look for signs of fall throughout nature. Look to the sky and search for migrating birds heading to this area. You’re likely to notice more hawks than usual, as they leave the north for warmer temperatures. You also might notice more butterflies landing among the blooming wildflowers. As far as flowers, you’re likely to see more of them, as well as purple muhly grass and the yellow flowers of the Goldenrain Tree. You’re also likely to see purple beautyberries, and grasses turn from bright green, to a more subdued autumn color.

Find a Fall Fest

Though it might seem like the Florida warmth and fall festivals don’t necessarily gel, there are plenty of fall fests throughout Florida each year. They aren’t hard to spot. You’ll see pumpkins of every color atop haystacks on the streets, and kids with gooey caramel apples. That’s where you’ll want to take your senior this year. There are many in various nearby towns. Find one that looks inviting to your senior, and bring them. It’s a great place to pick up some fall decorations for their home, and some tasty goodies that they can eat throughout the week.

There also are fun activities that you can do, depending on your senior’s ability level. Many host corn mazes and haunted houses. There also are Oktoberfests with dancing and drinks. Find out what your senior loved one is most interested in, and you’re sure to find a fall festival with all of the fun nearby.

Bake Some Treats

There are many baked goods associated with fall. Grab some fresh apples or pumpkins and get to baking with your senior loved one. You can even pick a new recipe to try each week together. Alternate between apple crisp, then pumpkin pie, then baked apples and pumpkin dip. Flip through recipes together, and find out what you both want to make. Do they love apple cider donuts, and want to give those a try? Or will something as simple as warming up some apple cider on a cold night fix their sweet tooth?

Snuggle Inside

Even in Florida, the fall can get chilly - especially to natives. If your senior would prefer to stay close to home this fall, plan for some fun inside. Pick up an autumn-themed puzzle. Pop some popcorn, drizzle it with caramel, and do some coloring pages together. Make some fall soups or chili, and watch a movie together on the television, snuggled on the couch. Enjoy the beautiful fall colors from inside, and plan out together what candy you’ll be handing out on Halloween this year.

Get Your Game Face On

For many, it isn’t fall until football starts. If your senior is up for it, bring them to a game. Tailgate with some brats and walking tacos, and head into the stadium to feel the thrill of the crown for some fall ball.

If they’d prefer to stay home, put the game on the television. Make it a big deal. Have game day snacks, wear the team’s colors and get matching paper plates and napkins. Scream loud at the tv when the opposing team scores, and cheer so loud that the neighbor’s can hear when the home team wins.

We Can Help Local Seniors

If you are looking for a helper for your senior this fall, or during any season, Visiting Angels Winter Park has the compassionate and knowledgeable caregivers that you need. Our compassionate and trained caregivers can provide companion care, fall prevention, help with getting ready each day and more. Our trained caregivers help seniors in the Orlando Downtown East, Winter Park and surrounding areas of Orange County. We can come into your home to assess your needs, and discuss how we can help make this journey easier. For information contact us at (800) 365-4189.