With each passing year, every moment we have with our aging parents becomes even more valuable. And if your dad is a senior living resident, you may be wondering how to make this Father’s Day a meaningful one. Here, we’ve compiled seven thoughtful Father’s Day activities perfect for spending time together in a senior living setting. This Sunday, June 15, take the opportunity to make your dad feel loved, strengthen your bond, and create new memories together.
1. Reminisce and Share Stories
The best gift you can give your dad is your personal time and attention. Invite him to share stories from his childhood, his career, favorite vacations, parenting days, family lore, or other meaningful memories. You can even record the conversation (with his permission, of course!). Or reminisce with a family photo album or a playlist of your dad’s favorite tunes. Never underestimate the value of quality time!
2. Spend Time Outdoors
Fresh air and natural beauty can be a balm to the spirit. Depending on your dad’s mobility, try outdoor activities like a walk in a local park, gardening, an easy hiking trail, or strolling the community grounds. Bring along binoculars for birdwatching or a guidebook to help identify the trees and flowers you see.
3. Cook for Him
Is your dad a fan of shrimp and grits? Pepperoni pizza? Or is he more of a stir fry guy? Organize a backyard barbecue, a picnic on community grounds, or a sit-down meal with family and friends in the community’s dining room. Other Father’s Day ideas include cooking him his favorite dish in his apartment kitchen or ordering takeout from his favorite restaurant.
4. Play a Game
Games famously bring people together and inspire conversation—and it’s especially fun when drinks and snacks are served! Bring along dominos, a chessboard, playing cards, or a board game, or venture outside for a field day on community grounds featuring outdoor games like cornhole, horseshoes, croquet, or bocce.
5. Organize an Event or Activity
Can’t get the whole family together in person? Arrange for a virtual family gathering through a video conferencing platform like Zoom. Or go IRL (In Real Life) with a family photo session at the community — hire a professional or ask team members to help! Another fun idea is setting up a Father’s Day craft session so you and your dad can paint, make cards, decorate pottery, or even create a family legacy project, like a scrapbook with photos of favorite family moments.
6. Give a Thoughtful Gift
If you’re considering the best gifts for your elderly dad, choose items that promote comfort and care, especially Father’s Day crafts you can personalize! Great ideas include custom-made artwork, a handwritten letter, a memory jar full of family jokes and anecdotes, a customized playlist, or a book of family recipes.
And if you don’t have time to make a Father’s Day craft, good gifts to buy include a heated blanket, a digital frame with family photos, an eReader with large-print eBooks, or a gift basket with nostalgic treats.
7. Go on an Outing
Is your dad a culture lover or connoisseur of the arts? Spend a day at the art museum, visit a movie theater showing a film your dad loves, or take in a concert. If your dad is a sports fan, treat him to a live game at a local stadium. Another great gift for elderly dads? A nostalgic experience! Recreate a favorite outing you took together growing up, like a fishing trip or eating at the local diner.
Additional Considerations for Father’s Day
Whether you go out or stay in, prioritize spending genuine, quality time with your father, and make sure to choose an option that fits his personality, preferences, and any mobility or cognitive challenges. Here are some additional considerations when finalizing your Father’s Day plans.
Dads with Mobility Issues
If you’re taking your dad on an outing, make sure to look for venues with accessibility options like early entry or prime seating for seniors or people with limited mobility. If you’re staying closer to home, try an adapted version of one of your dad’s old hobbies; for example, if he’s always liked woodworking, do a model airplane kit together.
Dads with Cognitive Impairment
When celebrating Father’s Day with a dad who is living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, focus on small-scale personalized experiences like watching a classic movie together, enjoying a favorite meal, or looking through an old family album. Quiet Father’s Day activities like these can be relaxing and fulfilling for parents with cognitive difficulties.
Finding Connection and Engagement at Provision Living
Every day, Provision Living communities offer fun and engaging activities that will make your dad (or mom!), feel inspired and fulfilled, from fitness groups and music appreciation to community outings and art classes.
Our caring and experienced teams also understand the importance of creating connections between residents and families, which is why our communities are supportive and engaging environments designed to encourage meaningful visits.
Want to learn more about how Provision Living senior communities help residents live purposefully and joyfully? Download a brochure today, or schedule a visit today to explore life in one of our communities.
