With summer already here, it’s gotten me thinking about the things I did for fun in the summer despite the changes a stroke had had in our lives.
For the patient, there might be a number of activities that they can no longer do, or think would be too difficult to do. For the caregiver, they might be trying to come up with creative ideas about how to have fun and enjoy the summer with their spouse or patient. Working together as a team and discussing ideas can be a very rewarding exercise for the caregiver and the patient, and help both parties feel important and needed.
The most important ingredient to summertime fun is to continue doing the things that you love! You might have to make adjustments to how you enjoyed certain activities in the past, but continuing to enjoy them is the key to maintaining a high quality of life. Remember not to make the picture too big. Small ideas and activities will be less frustrating and more rewarding in the end.
Here is a sample of some of the summertime activities that we continued to enjoy after adversity:
- Going to the beach to watch the sunset (even if you don’t get out of the car)
- Taking a ferry ride to be near the water
- Going for walks at a shopping center (there is always lots of activity and stimulation there)
- Inviting friends over for a cocktail and barbeque (most likely the patient will only be able to partake for a short period of time, but keeping up a social life provides normalcy and goals to look forward to)
- Going camping
- Swimming! It’s great therapy and a patient with physical disabilities may be able to move better in the water
- Do anything to get out of the house. Go for a stroll, even if you’re in a wheelchair!
Have a great summer!
Many Blessings,
Kathi Koll
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