Fall is a special time when the leaves turn beautiful colors, the weather cools, and the days get shorter. Seniors living in eldercare facilities in TN or residential assisted living homes like New Hope can experience all the fun of fall through some engaging, enjoyable activities!
We’ve gathered some simple yet festive ideas for fall activities that seniors and their family caregivers will surely enjoy this season.
1. Arts & Crafts
Fall is a great time to enjoy arts and crafts of varying types and is an intergenerational activity family of all ages can partake in! Seniors living at home or in an assisted living facility can have fun creating beautiful and cherished treasures that can be enjoyed the whole season!
Pressed fall leaves: Gather beautiful fall leaves, sheets of waxed paper, and an iron. Ask your senior loved one to arrange leaves on the pieces of waxed paper. When finished, add another piece of waxed paper to cover the leaves and use the iron to seal the leaves between the pieces of waxed paper gently. The result is a pretty arrangement of fall leaves that can be put in a frame, used as a decoration on the wall, and more!
No-sew fleece blanket: Fall is the time of year when the season noticeably changes because the air becomes brisk and cool. So, why not consider creating a no-sew fleece blanket with your senior loved one? Choose some fleece blanket fabric purchased online or at a crafts supply store, and make it large enough to cover your loved one and keep them warm. As a rule of thumb, it takes about four yards of fleece fabric to create one large blanket. You’ll also need cutting shears. For instructions, conduct an online search for “no-sew fleece blankets for seniors,” there is a myriad of blanket styles families can make together!
Pinecone bird feeder: Another easy but fun craft is to create pinecone bird feeders. Your senior loved one will enjoy watching the birds as they gather in the garden or backyard. For this project, you will need pinecones, peanut butter, birdseed, and some string. Grandchildren can help pick the pinecones used for this activity and spend time outdoors with their senior loved ones. To make the bird feeder, tie the top of the cone with a string, tying an additional knot at the top. Cover the pinecone with peanut butter and roll it in a birdseed container. Hold the pinecone over the container and sprinkle on more birdseed if there are any noncovered sections. Select your favorite spot in a tree to hang your pinecone feeder and watch the birds enjoy a lovely, yummy fall treat!
2. Baking Fall Treats
Fall is also an occasion for family caregivers to enjoy quality time baking special treats with their senior loved ones. Delicious snacks can be made for the holidays, a family get-together, or to enjoy a cup of tea! Seniors, including those who have cognitive impairments, can also join in the fun of making fall treats with you! Here are some delectable treats to consider:
Apple pie bites: This is a yummy recipe made with apples, one of the best fall fruits! Families will need some premade crescent roll dough, a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, brown sugar, and apple pie spice. To begin, wash and core the apples and set them aside. You can also buy sliced apples for ease of preparation. Arrange the dough in precut triangles on the baking sheet. Add brown sugar to each triangle dough piece and sprinkle with apple pie spice: Lay one or two apple slices on the sugar and spice triangle. Ask your senior loved one to roll each triangle to cover the apple with the sugar and spice mixture on the inside. Bake these apple bites for 10 to 12 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The result is a yummy apple treat that can be enjoyed by itself when cooled or warm with a spoonful of your loved one’s favorite ice cream!
Hot chocolate spoons: Hot chocolate is another warm treat perfect for chilly fall days. This treat takes hot chocolate to a new level of enjoyment! It’s hard to improve on hot chocolate; however, family caregivers can enjoy making hot chocolate spoons with their senior loved ones to be enjoyed throughout the season!
To get started, you will need plastic or wooden spoons (although popsicles or caramel apple sticks are suitable substitutes), a silicone ice cube tray, mini marshmallows, and semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips. Pour the chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl and heat on low in 20-second intervals until the chocolate chips are melted. Pour your melted chocolate into the ice cube tray to cool slightly. When the mixture is slightly cooled, place your spoon in the middle of each cube and sprinkle in the mini marshmallows. Place the ice cube tray in the freezer until the chocolate is hardened. Remove your chocolate spoons from the tray when desired to enjoy with a warm cup of hot chocolate!
Mixed berry yogurt parfait: Another yummy treat for the fall is a mixed berry yogurt parfait! Your loved one can safely help make this nutritious treat, and this simple, easy-to-make recipe includes ingredients that promote brain health. To make this parfait, you’ll need vanilla yogurt, assorted fresh or frozen seasonal berries, honey (optional), and cinnamon. Begin by placing your desired amount of yogurt in a cup or bowl, place washed berries on top, sprinkle cinnamon if desired, and enjoy! When finished, you’ll have a healthy yet delicious snack to share with your senior loved one!
3. Movie Time
Does your loved one enjoy movies? Do they have some favorite movies from the past they love? If so, you should spend time with your senior loved one watching these great movies and sharing some wholesome time. Whether it’s an old black-and-white movie featuring legendary actors of their time or recent films they’ve come to enjoy, this is another way to have fun and create special memories this fall.
If you’re visiting senior family members or at home like New Hope Senior Living, these are just a few ideas for activities family caregivers can use to spend valuable, quality time with their loved ones. Whether it’s our farm-to-table menu or activities on our 18 acres of land, learn more about us and the beautiful events we have planned this season. Contact us today! We’re happy to share how we support our residents, providing an unparalleled quality of life for seniors in Hendersonville!