If you have a friend or loved one residing in a care facility, you know that some days are just harder than others. What better way to encourage healing than to help them celebrate the freshness of spring? We all know that feeling of waking up one morning and looking out the window to see the first signs of spring bursting through the grey landscape of winter. While the reality is that nature has been quietly working her magic all winter long, it seems like one day we wake up and it’s all fresh and new again. The first blooms of spring remind us that each day brings opportunity for something yet unseen. Here are some ideas to bring that springtime inspiration to a friend or family member living in a skilled nursing facility.
- Bring them a beautiful bouquet. This doesn’t have to be an expensive gift – a simple bundle of daffodils or tulips is all it takes to bring the excitement of spring into a room!
- Take them for a stroll outside to look at the birds returning from their winter journey.
- Remember the holidays that are special to your friend or loved one. Most facilities offer services for religious holidays.
- Check with the facility for fun events that are planned. We plan holiday related events for the community and our residents. Check out our Easter Events on this month’s calendar View our April 2017 Activities Calendar.
- Pick up a spring themed puzzle and spend time with your friend or loved one working on it.
- Get out the color crayons! Due to the therapeutic benefits of coloring, adult coloring books have become much more available. Even Hallmark is offering them these days! Some craft stores offer beautifully packaged “packages” that include the color crayons/pencils along with the coloring book.
- Take a joy ride! Most facilities encourage residents to leave the facility for a couple hours to spend time with friends. Why not schedule a short drive to look at the flowering trees or visit a tulip field?
- If your loved one is experiencing limited mobility, bring the fun of spring indoors. Pick up a small flower box, some fresh soil and a couple of annuals and plant them bedside. (Don’t forget to bring a trowel and some garden gloves, or work with your activities director for guidelines.)
These are just a few of our ideas… we are sure you can think of more!
