By Anna Hazard
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Due to health & economic related worries as well as burgeoning cabin fever, now is a time that many people may be seeking new forms of stress relief and anxiety management.
Here are a selection of free online activities for stress reduction during the coronavirus crisis. Options vary from guided meditation classes, to calming or tension venting online games, to various relaxing livecams & livestreams that are still being broadcasted.
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By Anna Hazard
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With the coronavirus lockdown and stay-at-home orders in effect, a large percentage of the population will find themselves spending far more time indoors within their own households that they may be used to. Here are a collection of fun & educational websites focusing on entertainment to help stave off any budding cabin fever. All sites are free to access with a focus on providing visual, auditory, and mental stimulation.
Entertainment
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of inexpensive & easy to make DIY sensory toys that have a St. Patrick's day theme (which includes rainbows, pots of gold, shamrocks & clover, as well as other suitably green tinted recipes & tutorials). Crafts range from various varieties of doughs suitable for tactile, olfactory, and gustatory stimulation as well as visual bottles, bags, and balls for more convenient and less messy play.
In particular, sensory toys are recommended for their therapeutic effect on kids, seniors, caregivers and others in need of stress relief, patients with dementia or Alzheimer's, as well as those with arthritis and other hand issues.
By Anna Hazard
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The next part of our Thanksgiving themed therapy toys series focuses on other DIY sensory options besides the various doughs. This includes sensory sand, paints, as well as a variety of self contained alternatives such as bottles, bags, and bins.
Similar to the doughs previously covered in the first part, these items are easy & inexpensive to craft from a variety of common items and can be used as therapy and stress relief for a wide range of ages. Sensory Sand
By Anna Hazard
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The upcoming holidays are a time for celebration and the gathering of the extended family from grandparents to grandkids, but it can also be a stressful time due to all the planning, activities, and changes in routines. Sensory toys can be a beneficial addition to the holiday paraphernalia as they are a popular choice when it comes to engaging & stimulating kids as well as Alzheimer's and dementia patients.
In addition, sensory toys are commonly used as hand therapy for those with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or a variety of other hand, finger, or arm conditions. They are also a good source of general stress relief which can be particularly helpful for those feeling frazzled by the holiday frenzy. Here are a selection of various do-it-yourself sensory toys that are inexpensive and easy to make as well as having a Thanksgiving related holiday theme. This includes having pumpkin, apple, cranberry, or mint flavors & scents that are often associated with the Thanksgiving table. Sensory Dough
By Anna Hazard
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Here are a selection of further senior appropriate activities, events, and other suggestions for helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and social isolation that can commonly occur as one ages. The focus is on more Maryland specific resources, but similar organizations & events should be available in various states throughout the country.
By Susan Ashby
When looking for activities for seniors, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind. The first is whether this is an activity that you want to do with them, or you are looking for something they can do when you’re not there. If you are providing in-home care, you may be looking for both types of activities.
Before introducing a new activity, make a realistic evaluation of your senior’s abilities.
The activity you choose to introduce should have a chance of success, so don’t overlook one of these obstacles.
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of festivals, markets, and other events & activities taking place within the Maryland region during this fall season. The focus is on senior and family friendly gatherings and outings that have easy accessibility and are suitable for those with more limited mobility or other health concerns.
While most events have an autumnal theme based around harvests, in-season foods, leaf viewing, fall flora and fauna, and other seasonal happenings, events with a more general or different focus (such as the yearly Renaissance Festival or Baltimore Light City exhibits) that take place during this time of year have also been included. Please remember to check beforehand for accessibility and availability of seating, shade, suitable drinks & food, and other potential requirements in all locations for those seniors who may have more severely limited mobility or those with special health conditions and requirements.
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of 4th of July related festivities available around the Maryland region directly before, during, or slightly after the holiday. Most events take place outdoors during the day and into the evening, so caution should be taken when it comes to preparing for the summer heat as well as avoiding dehydration, sunburn, and other related health problems especially for those seniors who may have physical or medical issues that may be aggravated by heat or sun exposure.
These events have a particular focus on fireworks, summer food vendors, music, parades, and other historical related activities. While many events are free to attend (with the availability of extra paid amenities such food, drinks, and related merchandise), more premium experiences such an enjoying the Inner Harbor fireworks from a cruise ship instead of along the city streets will cost extra. While fireworks displays can be seen from afar and many of the festivals take place along streets with easier accessibility, the venue should still be checked in advance for those who may have more limited mobility.
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a collection of more senior friendly activities, festivals, and other forms of entertainment during the summer season within the Maryland region. The focus here is on relatively inexpensive, time limited or seasonally focused activities that take place outdoors or otherwise take advantage of the warmer weather. Many are whole family friendly and should be accessible to those with a wider range of mobility or health issues, although as always, accessibility requirements for the venue should be checked in advance for those seniors with bulky mobility aids or more severe health concerns.
While many festivals & exhibits are free to attend, some will require entrance fees or extra costs for added amenities, additional content, or otherwise will have more of a focus on available summer produce & other seasonal fare to purchase. Summer Nature Exhibitions & Demonstrations
As the balmy summer weather often makes it possible to view and otherwise interact with wildlife that may not be available during the rest of the year, here are a selection of wilderness, animal, and otherwise other nature related events taking place throughout the Maryland region.
The focus here are on natural based excursions that are accessible to those with more limited mobility and are otherwise not overly physically taxing. While many of these events may have indoor components or will otherwise have shade & resting areas nearby, normal precautions should always be taken regarding any potential heat or sun-exposure related conditions.
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AboutNews updates, tips, and guides on senior care, senior health, stress relief and a host of other caregiving related topics from the professionals at Ella Stewart Care. |