Creative Activities
Having a hobby or an interest can be very beneficial to people who are elderly and unable to get out and about easily. By keeping the mind active and being interested in something or by being creative can help improve a person’s mental health as well as their physical health. Researchers from the Department of Psychology at New Zealand’s University of Otago (www.uckg.org) have found a positive correlation between doing creative activities and better mental health. Also, on The Craft Council’s website www.craftscouncil.org.uk, there are suggestions on ‘easy ways to get crafting to boost your mental health’.
It must be realised though, that it is not always easy to start (or continue with) a hobby if a person has mobility problems or needs help to stay at home. This is where Acquire Care Ltd. could help. A carer can do so much more than oversee medication, help with dressing, cook meals or do housework.
A carer can also give support in how a client lives their life. This could include help with hobbies, creative activities or social activities. As long as the suggested activities are in the personal care plan of the client and therefore have been agreed by the client, carer and care manager, then time is the only limiting factor. By having a carer that takes an interest in the hobbies or interests with a client, then a new outlook of life can spark new interests in the client. In this way, the client’s quality of life can be improved.
Below is an A-Z of possible creative activities which might be of interest to elderly people. This was complied with the assistance of the BBC via their website www.bbc.co.uk.
- A. Art
- B. Bridge, Baking, Bird-watching
- C. Chess, Collage, Cross-words, Cinema
- D. Drawing, Dancing
- E. Embroidery
- F. Floristry, Flower Arranging
- G. Gardening
- H. History, Horse Racing, Horticulture
- I. Illustration
- J. Jewellery Making, Jigsaws
- K. Kite Flying, Knitting
- L. Lacemaking, Literature
- M. Mosaic, Music, Making Cards
- N. Needlework, Nature
- O. Opera
- P. Painting, Photography
- Q. Quizzes, Quilt-making, Quilling
- R. Reading
- S. Scrapbook Making, Scrabble
- T. Theatre
- U. Ukulele
- V. Violin, Vocal Harmonising
- W. Whist, Weaving, Writing
- X. Xylophone Playing
- Y. Yoga, Yarning
- Z. Zither Playing, visiting Zoos
Of course, the list could go on and on. So, if you need help to stay at home and wish to continue with or start a new hobby or interest, contact Acquire Care Ltd. on 01865 601010, email info@acquirecare.co.uk or visit the website www.acquirecare.co.uk. A friendly, helpful member of staff will then discuss with you how Acquire Care Ltd. can help you or a loved one.