Activities for Homebound Seniors

Being homebound doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.

There are plenty of ways for older adults to stay engaged and enjoy themselves while in the house. Furthermore, there are plenty of ways to assist homebound seniors so they can sit back and not worry about life challenges and necessities. In this post, we’ll review what you need to know about activities for homebound older adults.

Download Our FREE Guide to Home Safety

Activities for Homebound Seniors

Activities for homebound elderly include:

• Keep the body moving. Gentle physical activity like chair exercises, walking, yoga, Tai Chi, or even dancing can lift spirits, improve circulation, and maintain muscle strength. Regular movement also supports cognitive health by increasing oxygen to the brain.
• Dig into the dirt. Gardening offers both relaxation and reward — whether it’s planting flowers, growing vegetables, or tidying up.
• Try a creative project. Crafts like knitting, painting, beading, or flower arranging are excellent for fine motor skills and self-expression. Even small creative tasks can provide structure and purpose to the day.
• Feed the soul with music. Whether it’s vinyl records, CDs, playlists, or live singing, listening to familiar songs can be calming, energizing, or nostalgic. Music therapy is especially powerful for memory recall.
• Enjoy a good read. Books, e-books, and audiobooks are a great way to escape or learn something new. For those with vision limitations, audiobooks offer accessible entertainment.
• Cook something comforting. Baking or preparing simple, healthy meals can be joyful and grounding. Familiar recipes often bring back memories and promote creativity in the kitchen.
• Play a game. Board and card games like Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit can be enjoyed solo or online. Studies show these activities may help slow cognitive decline by engaging memory centers in the brain.
• Challenge the brain. Crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and brain-training games offer mental stimulation. Just 45 minutes a couple of times a week can help maintain memory and focus.
• Build a memory box. Collect photos, keepsakes, and small personal items that evoke positive memories.
• Revisit the past on screen. Classic movies, home videos, or old TV favorites can bring joy and spark conversations.
• Sort and share photos. Going through photo albums or organizing digital files can be a meaningful activity. It’s also a great way to reminisce and share stories with loved ones.
• Stay connected. Reach out to friends and family through phone calls, video chats, emails, or handwritten letters. Staying social, even remotely, helps reduce feelings of isolation.

Homebound Helpers: How to Help Homebound Seniors

Planning activities for homebound adults can often provide getting outside help for homebound care. These include:

• Home health care services. In-home nurses or aides can help with medications, wound care, and chronic conditions.
• Help with everyday activities. Support with chores or personal care like bathing and dressing, can come from family, friends, or hired aides. Regular check-ins are also helpful.
• Friendly visitor programs. Volunteers provide companionship through short visits. These services are often free, though some agencies charge a fee.
• Meal and nutrition services. Meal delivery programs and community meals can ensure proper nutrition. Some are free; others charge fees or accept donations.
• Money management. Help with bills and financial tasks may come from trusted relatives or trained professionals. Legal tools like power of attorney can also be useful.
• Transportation services. Rides to appointments or errands may be available through nonprofits, public transit, or ride-share services. Some are free while others offer senior discounts.
• Emergency alert systems. Wearable devices can call for help during emergencies.
• Caregiver support. Respite care and adult day programs offer breaks for Caregivers. Coverage varies widely. Counseling and support groups can also help.
• Geriatric and mental health professionals. Specialists can coordinate care and provide emotional support. Most services are billed hourly and not fully covered by insurance.

To learn about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD or find a Caregiver near you.