Engaging Activities for Hospice Patients
Let’s face it - when someone is in hospice care and spending a lot of time in bed or on the couch, their life can get pretty boring. And while their energy levels may be limited, there are many gentle ways to keep their mind active and spirits lifted during alert periods. The key is to follow your loved one's lead, paying attention to their interest and energy levels throughout the day, and keeping some engaging activities in mind to share when the time is right. Here are a few of our favorites:
Storytelling and Memory Sharing
Some of the most meaningful moments come through simple conversation. Invite your loved one to share stories from their past – perhaps about their childhood, their first job, or how they met their spouse. These conversations not only engage the mind but also create opportunities for connection and legacy sharing. You might even want to record these stories as precious family memories.
Music as Medicine
Music has a unique ability to reach people even when other activities become challenging. Playing favorite songs from different periods of their life can spark memories and bring comfort. Gentle humming or singing together can be soothing, and even those who are tired often find pleasure in simply listening to familiar melodies. Consider creating a playlist of their favorite songs that can be easily accessed during alert times.
Nature and Sensory Experiences
Bringing elements of nature indoors can provide gentle stimulation. Place a bird feeder near a window where it's easily visible from their bed or favorite chair. The movement of leaves in the breeze, the warmth of sunlight, or the sound of rain can offer peaceful entertainment. Soft, fragrant flowers or herbs can provide pleasant sensory experiences when appropriate.
Adaptive Reading Experiences
For those who have always loved books, there are many ways to continue enjoying stories. Audiobooks and having someone read aloud can be wonderful alternatives when holding a book becomes difficult. Short stories or poetry might be perfect for brief periods of alertness. Magazine articles about favorite topics can also provide engaging material that doesn't require sustained attention.
Many libraries offer the ability to digitally borrow audio books and magazines, so your loved one can have a world of resources at their fingertips for free!
Simple Creative Expression
Even small creative activities can bring satisfaction. This might mean looking through color swatches, arranging flowers in a vase, or simply choosing which photos to display nearby. For those with more energy, gentle crafts like sorting colorful items or helping to arrange a photo album can provide purposeful activity without being overwhelming.
Gentle Games and Mental Stimulation
Simple games or reminiscence activities can help keep the mind engaged without being taxing. This might be as simple as doing very simple crossword puzzles or word games together or sharing coloring books. Even simple card games like crazy eights or go fish can keep the mood fun and the time occupied. The key is to keep it light and enjoyable, without any pressure to perform.
Connection Through Technology
When energy permits, technology can provide wonderful ways to stay connected and engaged. Short video calls with family members, especially young children, can brighten the day. Scheduling calls regularly can give your loved one something to look forward to.
Following Their Lead
Pay attention to the times of day when your loved one is most alert and plan gentle activities for these periods. Always be ready to modify or end activities based on their energy level and interest. Some days may call for more engagement, while others might be better suited for quiet presence.
Don't feel pressured to fill every moment. Sometimes the most engaging moments come from spontaneous conversation or simply watching the world go by together. The goal is to enhance quality of life, not to create additional stress or obligation.