Bringing Spring Cheer To Relatives In Assisted Living
If you have relatives who live in an assisted living facility, be sure to visit them this spring. There is often a huge focus on visiting family in assisted living and nursing homes during the holiday season; however, your relatives will appreciate a visit any time of the year. Here are a few things you could do to brighten their day when you visit.
Bring Some Green Inside
The start of springtime is the start of flower season. It can be hard for individuals who used to be able to work in their own gardens and take care of their own yards to get used to living in an assisted living where they no longer have those opportunities.
Take some time to bring some greenery inside. If you only have a few minutes, pick up a bouquet of flowers for their room. If you can't make it out every few weeks, surprise them by arranging flower deliveries throughout the spring.
If your relatives live in an assisted living home where they still have a little kitchen where they can prepare some food, help them start an indoor or window herb garden. That way, they can put their green thumb to work without all the work that goes into a regular garden.
A few herbs that are easy to grow from seeds include:
- Cilantro
- Sage
- Basil
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Lemon Verbena
If they have a really big window, you can even help them plant a tomato plant and a bell pepper plant inside. That way, they still get to enjoy some fresh vegetables from the comfort of their home.
Take Them Outside
You do not have to stay on-site when you visit your relatives who live in an assisted living or nursing home. Often, the only trips they take outside are with other residents of their facility. They are sure to enjoy being able to go out with you and your family instead.
- Visit A Local Flower Garden: Don't just bring them flowers, take them outside to see the flowers! Take them to a local park that has a rose garden, or go visit a nature park in your area that is easy to access. They will appreciate the breath of fresh air and getting to see spring with their own eyes.
- Visit Your Local Farmer's Market: Visiting the farmer's market never gets old. Take your relative to your local farmers market, pick out some fresh food with them, and enjoy an outdoor picnic together.
The most important thing to remember is that any time you spend together will be appreciated. A visit from you will break up their normal routine, and if you take the time to bring them something they would enjoy, like flowers or an herb garden, they are sure to appreciate the gesture. If you do decide to go on an outing, make sure wherever you go will be easy for them to access.
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