Father’s Day is Sunday, June 17th, and it’s the perfect time to show the special dad in your life just how much you care. If you’re spending the holiday visiting your father or grandfather in assisted living, you may be wondering how to make the most of your time together. Here are some of our favorite activities to help you celebrate Father’s Day with your senior loved one.
Take a stroll
Walking is a great way to get some light exercise, enjoy nature, and spend quality time with the father in your life. You can go to a park, a local hiking trail, or simply take a stroll around the neighborhood. Walking is one of the best low-impact exercises for older adults, and most assisted living communities have paved walking areas with benches along the path so you can stop and rest as needed.
Listen to favorite music
Does your dad love music? Bring along some of his favorite CDs or even vinyl records and listen to familiar tunes together. Listening to music is known to help reduce stress and promote relaxation in people of all ages. For older adults dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or another memory impairment, music therapy is often used to help improve speech and cognitive skills and provide comfort.
Visit a local museum or historical site
For an educational activity that the whole family can enjoy, visit a local museum or historical site this Father’s Day weekend. You can learn a lot about history, art, culture, science, and more while spending time together. Many local museums also offer free or discounted admission for seniors.
Pamper your dad
This Father’s Day, treat your dad to a day of rest and relaxation. Schedule a massage or take him to the local barber shop for a fresh haircut or a professional shave. Some assisted living communities even have on-site barber shops and hair salons which allow you to purchase a gift certificate for his future needs.
Play cards or a board game together
Most assisted living communities have a selection of games, cards, and puzzles for residents and their families to use while visiting. Whether you’re visiting one-on-one or bringing the grandkids to your father’s assisted living community, playing bingo, cards, or a classic board game is a fun and engaging way to pass the time. Best of all, playing games can help older adults improve brain health and combat memory-related conditions.
There are so many ways to show your love for the special dad in your life on Father’s Day. To many older adults, the most valuable gift you can give is the gift of your time and companionship. No matter how you celebrate Father’s Day this year, your father is sure to appreciate spending quality time together.
