10 Fun Activities for Your Next Assisted Living Visit

Visiting your loved one in assisted living can be incredibly rewarding, as well as challenging. You want to make them feel comfortable, but you also don't want to overstay your welcome. It's important to find the right balance so both you and your loved one can enjoy your time together.

In this blog post, we will discuss some fun things you can do while visiting your loved one in assisted living. We will also provide tips on making the most of your visit!

10 Ideas for Your Next Visit with a Loved One in Assisted Living

1. Bring a Photo Album

   One of the best ways to connect with your loved one in assisted living is to bring a photo album. This can be a great way to jog their memory and help them feel connected to you.

   Be sure to ask about their favorite memories so you can include them in the album. You may even want to create a scrapbook together!

2. Listen To Music

   Visiting your loved one in an assisted living facility can be a great way to show your support and spend quality time together. One fun activity you can do together is listening to music. This can be a great way to bond and make memories together.

   You can create a playlist of their favorite songs or listen to music from their era. This is a great way to connect with your loved ones and create lasting memories.

3. Read a Book

   One of the best ways to connect with your loved one is to find a book you can enjoy reading together. This can be done by visiting your local library or bookstore and finding a book that appeals to both of you.

   You can take turns reading aloud to each other or discussing the book as you read it. This is a great way to bond and create shared memories. It's also a great way to keep your loved one's mind active!
   

4. Play Different Card Games That They Would Enjoy

   If your loved one is up for it, why not break out a deck of cards and play a game together? Games like Go Fish, Solitaire, or War are all easy to learn and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

   Not only will you get to spend some quality time together, but you'll also get to see your loved one's competitive (or not so competitive) side!

5. Write Letters to Family Members

   Writing letters is a great way to stay connected with your loved one, and it can be a fun activity to do together. It's also a way to show your loved one how much you care. Consider writing letters to family members or friends.

   You can also write letters to people who may not be able to visit as often, such as a grandparent or an elderly neighbor. Here are some tips for writing letters:

   • Start with a greeting and let the person know who you are.

   • Next, write about what's going on in your life and ask about what's going on in theirs.

   • Share news, stories, jokes, or anything else you think the person would enjoy.

   • End with a sign-off and your name.

   • If you're writing to someone who doesn't know you well, it's polite to include a short introduction at the beginning of the letter.

   • Keep it positive

6. Eat a Meal Together

   One of the best ways to spend time with your loved one in assisted living is by enjoying a meal together. If you're unsure what to make, plenty of easy recipes can be made ahead of time and brought with you.

   You can order takeout and enjoy it in the comfort of your loved one's home. Either way, spending time together over a meal is a wonderful memory you'll both cherish for years to come.

7. Go For a Walk

   Walking is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air and an excellent opportunity to spend quality time together. If your loved one is feeling up to it, you could even go for a short hike or walk around the neighborhood.

   It's important to ensure they are comfortable and not pushing themselves too hard. Still, a little fresh air and exercise can do wonders for both your moods.

8. Do Hair and Nails

   Getting your hair and nails done is a great way to relax and feel pampered while visiting your loved one in assisted living. Some assisted living facilities have on-site beauty salons that offer hair, nail, and spa services.

   If your loved one doesn't want to leave their room, many beauty salons will also send their representative to them. Spending time getting pampered together can be a great way to bond and relax.

9. Watch a Classic Movie Together

   One great way to pass the time and create lasting memories with your loved one in assisted living is by watching a classic movie together.

   This can be an enjoyable activity for both of you, and it gives you a chance to bond over something that you both love. There are plenty of great classic movies out there, so take your pick and enjoy!

10. Bring Other People with You

    Visiting your loved one in assisted living doesn't have to be a solo activity. Invite other family members or friends to join you on your visit. This can be a great way to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.

    Plus, it gives your loved one the chance to socialize and interact with others, which is important for their overall health and wellbeing.

Visiting your loved one in assisted living doesn't have to be boring or intimidating. There are plenty of fun activities that you can do together to pass the time and create lasting memories.

So next time you plan a visit, keep these ideas in mind and make the most of your time together.