(October Spotlight)
The temperatures are dropping, leaving are falling, and pumpkin spice flavors are everywhere – it must be autumn in the Midwest! Whether or not fall is your favorite season, there are certainly many opportunities to connect with your senior loved one these next few months. Autumn encourages us to get a bit cozier and slow down a bit, which makes fall visits with your loved one even sweeter. Here are just a few ways that you can make your next visit a bit more special during this season. Spice Up Your Coffee Enjoying a cup of coffee or tea during your visit is a wonderful way to encourage conversation and connection. This month, consider taking advantage of the seasonal flavors by making your own spiced drinks. Try this easy recipe for a pumpkin spiced latte, or add cinnamon sticks and a dash of nutmeg to warm apple cider before pouring into mugs to enjoy. Go To the Orchard or Patch Part of the Midwest autumn experience is the apple orchard or pumpkin patch. You don’t have to be a child to enjoy the sights and smells of this seasonal outing, and you will love taking it in with your older loved one. To get the most out of your visit, call ahead of time to ask if there is a less crowded time that you could attend. Assure that your loved one can transfer safely in and out of your car, and bring along a walker or wheelchair if needed. You don’t have to worry about heading out to pick your own produce, but instead spend time in the barn area. Grab an apple cider donut or a few small fall gourds to decorate your loved one’s mantle before you head home. Remember, your trip doesn’t have to be hours long to be meaningful; be sure that you leave before either of you are exhausted. Make a Pot of Favorite Soup There’s nothing quite like the season’s first pot of soup. Spend your next visit chopping, simmering, and preparing your favorite recipe together. Make plenty so that you can enjoy a bowl together, and freeze what is left in individual portions for your loved one to enjoy throughout the month. Decorate a Bit Your loved one will enjoy a bit of seasonal décor at home, and decorating together can be a fun way to reminisce and connect. Don’t bring out every fall themed decoration, instead choosing a few favorite pieces to display in places that your loved one will see often. Assure that your decorations don’t require a lot of maintenance and are not fall risks in the home. Finally, choose decorations that offer a bit of sensory stimulation as well. For example, scented potpourri in a pumpkin bowl is lovely to look at and to smell. This autumn, make your visits with your senior loved one extra special by indulging a bit in the season. You will both love the new opportunities to enjoy together. Remember, our caregivers would love to help you have successful visits, or can bring the fall experience to your loved one if you are far away. Give us a call to learn more about our varied services that can support your loved one at home.
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Visiting Angels has a wonderful Staff Coordinator. Caregivers are matched with my mom and are really kind to her. They are happy, cheerful and helpful.