With Mother’s Day approaching soon, the holidays can sometimes present issues for a family caregiver who care for their parents. Balancing caregiving responsibilities with the emotional and physical demands of the day can feel overwhelming. To help make this Mother’s Day more enjoyable for both you and your parents, here are some valuable tips and suggestions for a family caregiver.
Celebrate Mom’s Legacy
Take some quality time with Mom this Mother’s Day and review some pleasant memories! Review a collection of pictures or a photo album. Yearbooks are fun to read together, too! Collectibles that Mom may have collected over the years, such as artwork, scarves, shoes, and more, are fun to talk about as well. Ask about her favorite memory growing up or while in high school. Simple questions can spark meaningful memories, such as:
- What was her first job? What did she like/not like about it?
- When did she start driving? And who taught her how to drive?
- Did she camp as a kid? What was her favorite camping trip?
- Does she recall what type of phone her family used, if any, while she was growing up? And what did it look like?
As the family caregiver, taking a trip down memory lane can unlock stories even you didn’t know about. Plus, you can keep Mom’s legacy alive by simply recording the conversation.
Walks
Going on a walk or stroll in the neighborhood or driving to a local park and taking a short stroll, is a favorite outing for quality time. Naming every bird, defining flower and plant types, and more can be fun. Bring water to hydrate, and make sure a bathroom is nearby!
May Planting
Planting seeds in the yard or in a pot is fulfilling and fun for many mothers! Whether you buy vegetable plants or seeds, planting them is healthy and exciting to watch. Read the instructions out loud and allow Mom to place the location in her favorite spot!
Self-watering pots are a favorite! Purchasing raised planters and or placing pots on top of tables is helpful. Please ensure a hose is nearby for future watering and create a schedule. Tending to the new plant is an easy activity you as the family caregiver and your parents can continue in your usual routine.
Movie day
For the mothers with low energy, mobility, or who are frail, a movie day in or out can be made special by a family caregiver. Ask her for a list of her favorite movies and watch one or more of her very favorite ones! It’s easier than ever to rent or stream just about any movie ever made. Make it more fun with traditional movie snacks! Provide popcorn, her favorite candy, a healthy snack, and your favorite throw. Then, sit back and relax.
Plants or Flowers
Bringing Mom flowers is a great idea; however, she may need to keep them watered and change the water quite often for them to last. Durable plants can give her much greater joy and endure longer.
Here is a list of durable and safe plant recommendations:
- Monstera
- Succulents
- Zanzibar Plant
- Pothos
Please leave Mom a watering schedule based on the plant’s needs. You can temporarily add flowers to the soil if you’d like a little color. Remember, sometimes the smallest gestures can be the most impactful.
Headphones and Music Listening Fun
A favorite gift for older adults is headphones (over-the-ear) that plug into their phones or other devices with a playlist that reflects their favorites. Set up the music ahead of time and show up with mom’s favorite music ready to go! You may even want a speaker that can also play her music favorites throughout the home.
Celebrate with Thoughtfulness, Not Complexity
By keeping these tips in mind, you can make Mother’s Day a meaningful and rewarding experience for your parent and yourself. Remember, it’s the thought and care you put into the day that truly counts.
If any of these family caregiver tips are helpful, let us know! Assured In Home Care, wishes everyone a pleasant experience while visiting their mom! Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and their amazing children!
