It’s hard to admit but even harder to avoid. Feeling uninterested in your role as family caregiver is a very common response to spending so much time together, performing exactly the same tasks, engaging in the exact same activities, and running out of interesting conversation topics. This isn’t at all associated with your feelings for the person in your care. In fact, they might be feeling just as bored with a stagnant routine.
How can you breathe fresh life into your caregiving relationship? Our care team has some ideas on how to alleviate caregiver boredom and make each day more fun and enjoyable for both of you.
Tap Into Your Imagination. Remember creating imaginary worlds of play as children? It can be just as fun as an adult! As you are waiting in the doctor’s office, take a look at the people around you, and then try to picture an extraordinary story of their lives. Challenge your loved one to do the same, and then share your stories during the drive home. Practicing mindfulness is another way to fully participate in the moment rather than dully observing from the sidelines. Use all five senses to experience your surroundings in a new and interesting way.
Plan Something Fun. Brainstorm ideas for fun outings or new experiences you can plan along with your loved one. These may be as simple as trying a new restaurant in town or planning a trip to a destination they have always wanted to visit but never had the opportunity. If traveling with the senior loved one seems too challenging, consider bringing along a skilled caregiver from Serenity Home Care! We’re always available to help make dreams become a reality for the older adults we serve.
Break Out of the Norm. Take a mental walk through the routines you have established, and think about techniques to implement changes. Are you preparing exactly the same bowl of oatmeal each morning? Try doing a quick online search or pull out a couple of cookbooks and find an interesting new recipe to try with the person in your care once weekly. Rather than those morning talk or game shows, turn off the TV and go for a walk together. Drive a new route to the doctor’s office or hair salon to see some new sights.
Celebrate! Don’t wait for a birthday, anniversary, or major holiday in order to make life more interesting and fun! There are so many unique and lesser-known holidays to choose from, for example, National Umbrella Day, Cook a Sweet Potato Day, or Random Acts of Kindness Day – and these are just a few of the many special days in February alone! Or why not designate your very own? All it takes is a little creative thinking as you look around your environment, pick something you’re thankful for, and think about ways to make it the star of the day.
Let Serenity Home Care help by providing breaks from care that give both of you the opportunity for experiences outside of each other’s company, allowing for interesting conversations to have when you’re together again. Contact us at 250-590-8098 for more information about our home care in and around Victoria, BC!