The elderly sufferd from loneliness and boredom during the many Covid lockdowns.
Plus, there are quite a few elderly people who need live-in care in the UK and many other countries around the world. In spite of the fact that they need help with certain tasks, many elderly people can still achieve a lot around the house, including enjoyable hobbies.
Do you need a few ideas for home projects that are suitable for the elderly? If your answer is yes, this article is definitely for you! Here, you will find a list of such projects, including flower arrangements, crocheting, string art, and birdhouses. Take a look!
Flower Arrangements
Making flower arrangements is a great idea for elderly people. This activity allows you to bring a touch of beauty and relaxation into their lives. To make a flower arrangement, you will need flowers, vases, twine, and scissors. You can choose a wide selection of flowers according to their personal preferences.
The most important part of this project is that it allows people to get in touch with mother nature. Flowers are a great source of comfort, and they can help aid relaxation. Therefore, making flower arrangements is quite an effective way of improving mental health and well-being.
STEP 1. Cut the stems of the flowers. You may need to step in and help if your elderly friend can’t use hand held or sharp objects.
STEP 2. Put the flowers in the vases, one by one.
STEP 3. This YouTube video showes you how to make a simple flower arrangement.
STEP 4. Add water and plant food to the vase and arrange the flowers nicely.
Crocheting
Does your loved one want to make a warm blanket for themselves? What about a few soft pillows? If that sounds interesting, they could learn how to crochet! It is an incredibly useful skill that allows for a great scope of creativity and the chance to make a wide selection of useful accessories. Moreover, crocheting is a therapeutic activity that can help people unwind.
STEP 1. In order to learn how to crochet, obtain a book that explains the basics, some needles and yarn. Many people already have the basics, so they may be able to skip this step. If you know how to crochet you could also show them, as many people are visual learners.
STEP 2. Once the basics have been practiced and mastered, there’s limitless possibilites. Many start with a scarf or a hat, as they are a great stepping stone to larger more complicated items. The elderly like most people like to feel of use. Suggesting an item that you or your children would like, is a great way to spark enthusiasm.
String Art
You might not be aware of this, but string art is an easy and pleasant project that every elderly person can enjoy! In addition to that, string art can later be used as decoration and make their house look nicer.
STEP 1. First of all, find or purchase the materials required to make string art. Depending on what they would like to achieve, you may need thick thread, crayons, scissors, and frames of different sizes. For example, to make a patterned picture frame, a thick thread is needed plus scissors, a needle, and a small wooden board. Other than that, purchasing ready-made frames from craft stores and online shops is also an option.
STEP 2. Look for a nice pattern! You can download specific patterns for your loved one online or help them create their own. Once you have found an image or a pattern that inspires them, get them to trace it onto the board using pencils or crayons. Making sure that the curves are smooth and as neat as possible!
STEP 3. Once the tracing has been completed, they need to take the needle and start constructing the picture frame by attaching threads of various colours at certain points within the pattern. Try to use different shades of colours to make it more interesting.
STEP 4. Hang the string art picture on their wall! It’s their work of art and one to be proud of. If will also help them remember what they can achieve.
Birdhouses
If they have a garden or a patio, you can help them make their own birdhouse. They just need some time and patience and possibly a little helping hand if it all gets too difficult. Helping create something that looks really nice and that attracts birds to the garden has an added reward!
STEP 1. Help choose the type of birdhouse that they would like to create and where they would like it placed, as that is a great start. Here are some great tips from the RSPCA on making and placing a bird box. Each bird has different requirements. If the bird box is to attract birds as well as look pretty, it’s best to consider each bird’s needs.
STEP 2. Now, obtain a few pieces of wood for the birdhouse. Pinewood or cedar wood can be used, as both types of wood are very durable, and they do not crack even if they get repeatedly wet! The RSPCA suggests that if the bird boxes are made with softwood they can be treated with selected water-based preservatives, which are known to be safe for animals, such as Sadolin.
STEP 3. Help your loved one attach the pieces of wood together with a hammer and nails. Ensure that the nails are positioned inside the wood. This way, they will not spoil the appearance of the wooden birdhouse!
STEP 4. Next a drill should be used to drill a hole in the sides of the birdhouse – this way, the birds will be able to enter it! You might need to give a helping hand with this task. Depending on how much your elderly loved one is able to do themselves
In Conclusion
These are just a few examples of how to help elderly people remain active and creative! Even though they may find they can no longer do certain things, many elderly people can still enjoy life and contribute to the world around them in many different ways.
Do you know any other do-it-yourself projects that elderly people can enjoy? Share your knowledge with the rest of us in the comments section below!
