Having a live-in carer can mean many new opportunities are available to you. With a care professional at your disposal there are lots of fantastic ways to use them. We’ve collected just a few of our favourite activities to enjoy with your live-in carer.
Research has shown that for those living with a degenerative illness or in their elderly years, having elements of stimulation and creativity in your daily routine can be very beneficial. For many people that benefit from a live-in carer, it may be the case that in order to fund the carer themselves, they have had to sell their house and downsize, or move out of what was their family home, so a little additional enjoyment can be a welcome distraction.
Trying something new and exploring a new activity can work wonders for our mental health and well-being. If you’re beginning to find yourself stuck in a rut why not try one of these seven activities.
- Travel around the world in your kitchen
Not all of us are lucky enough to be able to jet off to different countries whenever we please, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the food of another culture. Learning about a new cuisine can be an exciting (not to mention tasty) experience. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to have a go at making pasta like the Italians do, or creating an authentic Indian curry by blending your own spices. Whatever takes your fancy, indulging your centres in another culture cuisine can be a fantastic way to spend an evening, day or week.
- Undertake an artistic project
Art therapy has been shown to have astounding effects on many groups of people, including those with traumatic brain injuries. No matter what your situation is, expressing yourself artistically can do wonders for your mental well-being. If you feel apprehensive about undertaking an artistic project start with something simple like completing an adult colouring book. You can also look into local art courses and online lessons to teach you new artistic techniques. You can’t go wrong with art, whatever you choose to do will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
- Host an afternoon tea party
Whether it’s just you and your carer or you choose to invite a few friends, an afternoon tea party is sure to lift your spirits. Make some sandwiches, bake some cakes and set the table with your finest china. If you’re feeling creative you might even like to set a theme for your party, Like Alice and Wonderland or the 1950s. Remember a party doesn’t need to be a celebration of a specific date, why not just invite a couple of friends to enjoy some tea and cake with you.
- At home spa day
An at home spa day can be a fantastic choice if you’re not in the mood for something creative or adventurous. A nice relaxing day at home with your carer could be made even more special with a couple of tweaks. Buying some of your favourite treats to make the day a little special, a jug of cucumber water is always a nice touch and you can’t go wrong with chocolate covered strawberries. You can find recipes for homemade face masks online, get into your best robe and you’re ready to go.
- An evening of culture
Why not give your day a theme. Choose a place you love or one that you would love to visit and dedicate a day to it. If you decide to have a day of French fun you could find a French film, enjoy a glass of French wine and perhaps make a cheese board to enjoy with a baguette. There is no wrong way to do this activity, find something that you enjoy and run with it.
- Take a picnic
This idea is slightly weather dependent, especially if you are living in the occasionally rainy UK, you want to wait to pick the perfect day. Pack of a hamper with your favourite choice of sandwiches, crisps, drinks, fruit and whatever else you fancy. Then take a walk or drive to somewhere beautiful in your local area to enjoy your meal with a view.
- Physical activity
We all know that doing exercise is good for us. It improves our mobility and our mental health. Why not ask your live-in carer to support you with a new form of exercise. There are an endless number of options to choose from, you could try anything from chair yoga to water aerobics. Choose something that is right for your level of mobility and have fun trying something new.
- Enjoy mundane chores
There is no shortage of mundane chores to carry out around the home, be it cleaning, buying wholesale cleaning products to carry out the cleaning, doing the shopping and more. However, if you are able to make these jobs more enjoyable in any way, shape or form, you may find that they in themselves become a bit more fun. For example, consider playing music whilst cleaning up or perhaps set up some drinks in the garden whilst tending to your lawn.
