Truth: Everywhere we look, we see people glued to their smartphones. Age doesn’t matter; preschoolers and seniors alike spend countless hours texting, talking, and scrolling.
Don’t get us wrong, because phones provide essential services and keep us connected. But, excessive screen time can lead to isolation, fewer creative pursuits, and decreased mental stimulation.
The Abbey at Westminster Plaza approaches that topic by providing better ways for our residents to spend their time. For example, craft activities for seniors offer a fine alternative. It isn’t just about using your hands, either. When seniors work on craft projects, they share stories, laughter, and memories, strengthening their relationships in ways that scrolling through news feeds can’t. And when they finish, they have something extraordinary to show for it.
Before you get started, we recommend brainstorming crafty senior activity ideas with care. Think about your loved one’s abilities and mobility and choose doable projects that they’ll enjoy. We’ve generated a list of senior-friendly ones worth your consideration.
Meaningful Senior Crafts You Can Enjoy Together
Here are some ideas that encourage creativity and provide opportunities for connection:
- Scrapbooking: Gather favorite photographs and memorabilia to create a personalized scrapbook.
- Painting and Drawing: Use watercolors, acrylics, or colored pencils to create artwork. This endeavor expresses emotions and thoughts, making it a therapeutic activity.
- Knitting or Crocheting: Many seniors love creating scarves, blankets, or even toys.
- DIY Greeting Cards: Create personalized cards for family or friends’ birthdays or holidays. This activity shows appreciation and spreads joy to loved ones.
- Nature Crafts: Collect leaves, flowers, and other natural materials to make nature-inspired art. This activity is beautifully suited for handmade holiday decorations.
Considerations for Seniors with Dementia
Seniors living with dementia can also benefit from crafting, and we suggest approaching it with sensitivity. Simple, repetitive tasks are often best, as they provide a sense of accomplishment without overwhelming pressure. Look for crafts that stimulate the senses, like molding clay or working with textured materials.
Gently encourage your loved one to explore their creative side during these craft sessions. Extra patience and understanding may help them express themselves and enjoy the moment despite cognitive challenges.
Other Unique Activities for Seniors
Craft sessions hold a lot of value, and older adults also benefit from other senior activity ideas. Depending on their abilities and interests, they might enjoy:
- Gardening: Many seniors grow flowers and plants; that, along with weeding, can be very therapeutic! Even more importantly, gardening allows seniors to take pride in their accomplishments.
- Gentle Dance Classes: These sessions combine melodic music with movement, which can significantly improve balance and coordination.
- Community Nature Walks: What better way to get gentle exercise, observe nature, and chat with friends and family at the same time? Outdoor walks promote physical fitness, cognitive engagement, and social interaction.
- Fitness Classes: Seniors get their heart rates up to healthy levels when they take fitness classes. Suggestions include yoga and Tai Chi; swimming is an excellent, all-around exercise.
These activities cater to various interests, offering paths to physical wellness, mental stimulation, and a vibrant social life. However, many older adults who live in private residences face roadblocks because they don’t have transportation to senior centers or fitness clubs. Accessibility is an essential part of this picture.
The Abbey at Westminster Plaza Has Rewarding Activities for Seniors
At The Abbey at Westminster Plaza, we help residents express their individuality while enjoying the company of their fellow residents in the same building. Our activity calendar showcases arts and crafts programming and other unique activities for seniors. Family members can join in the fun, contributing to shared experiences that enrich relationships.
Here’s a short list of some of our recent on-site activities:
- The Abbey Men’s Club
- Drum Circles
- Monthly Cooking Demonstrations
- Sunday Brunch with Live Music
- Fall Door Decor
Don’t those sound like fun? Our team continually comes up with creative senior activity ideas. We work diligently on our activity and social calendar, arranging a diverse, ever-changing selection of events that residents look forward to each day.
What else does The Abbey at Westminster Plaza Offer?
Now that you know about our crafts for seniors and other activities, let’s look at the broader picture. We offer three elegant lifestyle options, personalized care plans, and resort-style, on-site amenities.
Independent Living
Our independent living residents enjoy hassle-free lifestyles that free them up to enjoy every day to the fullest. We take care of meals, housekeeping, and maintenance.
Assisted Living
Designed to help seniors maintain their independence, our assisted living lifestyle offers help with medication management and personal care assistance. That’s in addition to the independent living services.
Memory Care
Kensington at The Abbey serves seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other forms of memory loss. Our highly trained caregivers make these residents feel valued through specialized programming, encouraging a sense of structure and purpose.
On-Site Amenities
Everything you or your loved ones need is right here, including:
- A hobby and crafts studio
- Spacious, private apartments with different floor plans
- Restaurant-style fine dining and bistro
- Hair salon and barbershop
- Spa services
- HydroWorx® indoor aquatic therapy pool
- Outdoor patio
- Housekeeping, maintenance, and on-site security
- 24-hour concierge services/valet/parking/courtesy patrol
- Movie theater with stadium seating
- Fenced dog park
- Business and technology center
- General store with ice cream parlor
- Senior wellness center
- Licensed rehab services available
That’s only a partial list of what seniors access at The Abbey. We create memorable moments where better health outcomes, laughter, stories, and artistry come together. Our residents also benefit from peace of mind, knowing they have the support needed to maintain their independence as they enjoy everything we offer.
Craft a Brighter Future With The Abbey at Westminster Plaza
Looking for a community with creative senior activity ideas? We look forward to showing you the heartwarming opportunities waiting at The Abbey at Westminster Plaza. Contact us for a personalized tour, and we’ll walk you through our lifestyle options.
