Senior Community Centers and Your Aging Parent
Senior Care in Grand Rapids MI
One of the challenges faced by primary family caregivers is how to keep their loved one socially engaged, active and inspired as the aging process diminishes their physical strength and mobility. 
Much of your time is spent on the daily tasks of living such as daily hygiene, cleaning and meal preparation. You somehow find the time to chat for a bit, take daily walks, garden every now and then and occasionally fit in a social outing. Still, you find your parent in need of additional stimulation. The truth is, you cannot be everything to one person As Dr. Seuss said, “To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.” Expanding your parent’s world will benefit both of you, and Senior Community Centers can help you do just that.
Offerings
Senior Community Centers offer various classes and events. Most will have a schedule that includes many of the following: arts and crafts, card and board games, various exercise classes, educational programs, dances, lectures, shared meals and occasional outings. Pick up a brochure or take a look online to see what your particular Senior Community Center promotes. Most programs are free, though some field trips and educational programs can cost a minimal fee.
Choice
Prepare a list of all the activities as in the example below.
- Arts and Crafts: Jewelry, Ceramics, Quilting, Water Coloring, Photography, Scrapbooking, Knitting, Crochet
- Recreation: Pickle ball, Table Tennis, Bridge, Game Day, Gardening, Tai Chi, Yoga, Social Club, Chess Club
- Classes: Money Management, Computer Literacy, Foreign Language, Dance
- Miscellaneous: Volunteer Programs, Field Trips to museums and special events, Friday Dinner, Book Club
Share this list with your parent and see what strikes their interest. Not only can they pursue something they truly enjoy, they will also find strangers that become friends.
Some Facts
Senior Community Centers are growing in popularity. 11,400 senior centers serve over 1 million older adults every day. The average age is 75 and many of these participants live alone. Among their peers, they have higher levels of health and life satisfaction. Over half of the participants visit one to three times per week. Improvement in physical, social, emotional and mental well-being is measurable. These community centers are committed to helping seniors remain active and engaged in their communities.
Senior Care Providers
Remember to keep your own life in balance as you try to do the same for your loved one. A senior care provider can give you the time you need to go to classes, workshops and events that bring joy and enthusiasm to your life. Whether it’s completing the daily activities of living such as light housekeeping, meal preparation and daily hygiene, or providing transportation for your parent, a senior care provider can give you the free time you need to lead a balanced life.
If you or someone you know needs help with senior care in Grand Rapids, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
Resources: National Council on Aging: www.ncoa.org
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