Tips for Playing Games as a Family Activity

Being a multi-generational family caregiver is a fantastic way to manage all of the needs of the different generations of your family, maximize your time and effort, and promote strong bonds. There are many ways you can maximize your care efforts, but spending quality time together can be some of the most beneficial. Playing games together as a family activity not only allows you to make memories, laugh and share together, and support stronger family relationships, it can also offer a variety of mental, emotional, and cognitive benefits for your parent. In order for your senior, as well as the other members of your family, to get the maximum benefits from playing games together as a family, you must plan this activity effectively.

Use these tips for playing games as a family activity to boost the benefit and make it an effective care effort:

• Choose games that everyone in the family can enjoy. It can be easy to overwhelm your senior and even children by offering too many options, so narrow it down to a few to make the decision easier.
• Consider using junior versions. If your senior struggles with cognitive functioning decline, conventional versions of the games might be too challenging for them, and they could become frustrated. Instead, consider the junior versions designed for simpler game play.
• Team up. Simplify gameplay and promote cooperation and bonding by creating teams. Choose an older and a younger member of the team so they can help each other, and cooperate throughout the game.
• Review the rules. Even if you have played this game many times before, take some time before playing to review the rules and how you play. This can make everyone feel more confident, and ease any concerns your parent might have about being able to play.
• Focus on the fun. Don't take this too seriously. Even if the game goes off the rails, new rules are introduced, and you never finish, as long as you are having fun together, let that be the focus.

Senior care can be extremely beneficial for your aging parents even if you are with them at the time. Spending quality time with your senior doesn't have to mean also taking on their care responsibilities. In fact, being concerned about their care needs can distract both of you from enjoying your time together. Having a senior home care services provider with you during activities and outings ensures your senior will receive all of the care they need to manage their challenges and health issues. This means your parent can participate as much as is right for them, and you can focus on enjoying this activity and other responsibilities such as taking care of your children while knowing your parent is safe and healthy. 

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING CAREGIVERS IN LAKE SHORE EAST, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.