Home care aides can make sure your loved one’s daily routine never grows boring. Through a variety of engaging winter activities, a caregiver can help lift their spirits throughout the colder months. Keeping in mind the challenges of ice and snow, we share some cozy indoor activities that caregivers or family members can do with seniors in the Queen City this winter.
Go to a Museum
Charlotte has multiple museums to choose from. Here are a few great options:
- The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, which offers musical concerts as well as visual arts.
- The Mint Museum, a historic museum that features a wide array of events and special programs.
- The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts & Culture. The Gantt museum features a rich array of programming and exhibits focused on the African-American story.
- The Levine Museum of the New South, which shares stories of the region through art and exhibits.
- Discovery Place Science, which features a variety of interactive, engaging exhibits. It also offers special hours for those with sensory sensitivities, during which it provides a calmer, quieter environment.
- The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, which shares music and memorabilia from the state’s most renowned artists.
Strolling around a museum also offers the chance for gentle exercise without the risk of slipping on ice. Look up special exhibitions and free admission hours to make the most of your trip.
Make a Soup
Cooking a warm winter soup makes for a cozy afternoon indoors. Here are just a few recipe ideas:
- Butternut squash
- Chicken noodle
- Broccoli cheese
- Minestrone
- Creamy ham and bean
Tasty options like these let you cook up a balanced and nourishing meal in a single pot. Put on some relaxing music and get started!
Visit the Library
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers book clubs, as well as programs for seniors through a partnership with AARP, at its various branches. From crafting and knitting to writing groups, there’s something for everyone—and these programs bring enriching social interaction. The library also provides genealogy workshops and one-on-one help with family history research.
Do a Craft
Try a new craft (or an old favorite) on a snowy winter day. Here are some ideas for inspiration:
- Making a winter wreath
- Knitting a scarf
- Crocheting amigurumi toys
- Painting a birdhouse
- Decorating candle holders
- Making soap or candles (you can skip the lye by using a melt-and-pour recipe)
Crafting brings multiple benefits—from supporting cognitive function to boosting relaxation, it can improve seniors’ quality of life.
Watch a Classic Movie
Movies can bring back fond memories, so watch a beloved film together on a chilly winter day. Here are a few classics:
- Casablanca (1942)
- Grumpy Old Men (1993)
- The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
- North by Northwest (1959)
- My Fair Lady (1964)
Pop some popcorn and make some hot cocoa, then settle in for a cozy afternoon or evening.
These activities will help make winter warmer and more enjoyable for seniors. Doing puzzles, playing board games, and writing letters are just a few other ideas. Even on days when it’s too cold or icy to go outside, you’ll have plenty to do indoors!
To talk one-on-one with a skilled professional, schedule a free nurse consultation call. Our staff will be happy to discuss how elder care can meet your loved one’s needs year round.
