From our earliest days, most of us have enjoyed the stories told to us through books. Reading not only provides an escape to worlds other than our own, but it also stimulates cognitive abilities, relaxes the body and the mind, and provides entertainment no matter the weather. As they age, seniors can enjoy reading alone or with the help of a companion care at home caregiver.
Why is Reading Harder as We Age?
As people age, sometimes the ability to enjoy a good book becomes more difficult. It could be because of vision issues, making seeing small print more difficult. Reading may also decline because of cognitive abilities to focus on the words or follow the story. Sometimes lack of access to readable materials is also a stumbling block to keeping up those healthy reading habits.
Companion care at home caregivers can help seniors enjoy reading again by reading with them and talking together through the story.
Seven Tips to Help Your Senior Keep Reading
1. Try large-print books
If small text is making it difficult for your loved one, try purchasing some of her favorite books in large print. This can help reduce eye strain and the headaches that can occur from squinting to read the words. Companion care at home providers can help get the books your senior needs when you can’t.
2. Introduce technology
While many older adults don’t often take an immediate shine to new technology if your loved one has always loved to read the local news, consider offering an e-tablet or reader to help her read online news and stories. Online readers can have the text and lighting adjusted to their comfort level.
3. Turn up the lights
It might seem like an easy change, but it’s often overlooked. While a little nook in the corner with a comfy chair may look like a great reading area, if it doesn’t have enough light, it might make reading difficult for your loved one. Add a nice bright light that doesn’t cause glare to make seeing those words come alive on the pages easier.
4. Get her eyes checked
Your loved one might need bifocals to help her read or an adjustment to her eyeglass prescription to keep those words clear on the page. An optometrist can also ensure that other eye conditions, such as cataracts or macular degeneration, are not taking away her ability to reach.
5. Consider audiobooks
While they aren’t for everyone, your loved one might love hearing her favorite stories read to her by a famous voice. The nice thing about an audiobook is that she can enjoy listening to it while preparing a meal or working in the garden.
6. Offer reading tools
Reading glasses that sit next to the chair where she reads or a magnifying glass that is within arm’s reach will help her when certain areas are tough to read, such as when she’s reading the newspaper. With them, she won’t have to skip over areas that are smaller print.
7. Provide book stands
Sometimes, holding a heavy book is part of the problem. Look for book stands to help your loved one prop up the book without causing pain to her wrists or arms.
Companion Care at Home Providers Can Read to Your Love One
Finally, if your loved one loves the idea of having someone read to her again, a companion care at home provider can help by sitting with her and reading her favorite books or the newspaper to her. Having a companion care at home provider step in this way ensures your loved one will still be able to enjoy her favorite stories, have companionship, and talk to someone about what she just read.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Bradenton, FL, please contact the caring staff at Family First Healthcare Services today at (813) 461-8000.
Family First Healthcare Services is a top provider of in-home health services in Tampa, Bradenton, Brandon, Riverview, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, Town ‘n’ Country, Florida, and surrounding areas.
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