Welcome to Fall! It’s that time of year when our senses awaken to cool, crisp weather, pristine landscapes, and the sweet tastes and smells of Autumn. Fall is also an excellent time to partner with your elderly patients to create some festive DIY crafts! If you’ve wanted to share some time with your patients but were unsure of the kind of activities that would be appropriate to implement, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 3 DIY home décor ideas that will not only add color and ambiance to your patient’s home but also provide fun, safe, and cost-effective activities with an array of therapeutic benefits.
Yarn Pumpkins
These cute little yarn pumpkins can brighten up any room in the house. A few on a mantle, window sill, or coffee table instantly make a room feel cozy and inviting. Most of the supplies you’ll need to make these sweet yarn pumpkins can be found at your local dollar store. So, they’re not only absolutely adorable – they’re very affordable too! This activity requires the use of a large sewing needle which will help strengthen fine motor skills. And, much like traditional sewing, the repetition will encourage mindfulness and also ease stress and anxiety.
Ready to get started? You’ll need the following:
- Styrofoam ball(s)
- Yarn
- Knife
- Hot glue gun/glue sticks
- Large sewing needle
- Sticks (from outside)
Follow this link to watch a video tutorial: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1096908052961845515/feedback/?invite_code=f6142518e8af4334baa80d31e6fb5c5a&sender_id=781374741507509771
Dried Orange Garland
Fall has some of the most distinct scents of all of the seasons. From sweet apples to earthy scented leaves, the smells of fall have a way of triggering pleasant memories of yesteryear. And, with this Dried Orange Garland, you can enjoy those pleasant aromas without having to step a foot outside. The aromatic zest of baked oranges will fill your home with fresh, citrus goodness while providing a mood-boosting pop of color wherever you choose to place your garland.
Whether you have some oranges that have been sitting around too long or you pick up some fresh ones from the grocery store, this craft is very budget-friendly. Dried Orange Garland can be draped around a kitchen window, used as a centerpiece on the dining room table, or even strung around your Christmas tree. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this beautiful, fragrant craft that doesn’t require much money or time. Each garland costs approximately $1 and takes about 30 minutes to make, not including the time it takes to dry the oranges in the oven.
You’ll need:
- 4-5 large oranges
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
- Paper towel
- Fishing wire or twine
Visit https://thegingerhome.com/how-to-make-a-dried-orange-garland/ for detailed instructions on how to make Dried Orange Garland.
Fall Leaves Bouquet
Adorning your home with the beautiful aesthetics of fall is one way to extend the season through November. This craft transforms vibrant and breathtaking fall leaves into a soft, delicate bouquet that will add warmth and elegance to any room in the house. The leaves can be bundled and placed in a vase or wrapped around a wreath for an attractive door decoration. They can also be added to a basket, made into a centerpiece, or used to embellish a variety of decorative pieces for a rustic, Autumn feel.
Plan a fun-filled day that begins with a scenic stroll through the woods, a park, or even your own backyard. Then, gather a bag full of leaves in all of the magnificent colors of Fall. You will use these later to create your Fall Leaves Bouquet. This activity will offer your elderly patient the many benefits of being physically active and can also improve memory and cognitive health. The rolling and tying involved in this craft can also aid fine motor and concentration skills.
These are the materials you will need for this project:
- colorful maple leaves
- short twine
- scissors
- floral tape
Follow this link to watch a video tutorial of this craft: https://fabartdiy.org/diy-fall-maple-leaf-rose-flower-bouquet-tutorial-video/.
Emerest
These crafts are great fall activities for patients that may need to stay at home. Ensure that they are safe and healthy in the comfort of their own home by bringing the fall festivities to them! Interested in becoming a caregiver with Emerest? We pride ourselves on not only providing the best care for our clients, but our caregivers as well. Visit our website to apply today or visit any of our locations to apply in person!
