As a carer for a disabled individual, it is important that sometimes you do organise activities for both you and the individual you are caring for. These simple activities to organise as a carer can bring you guys closer together, and strengthen the bond. There are many activities, whether it be from the comfort of your own home. You can even take a small adventure outside this familiar space. Especially as the rainy weather starts to (hopefully) clear up for good in time for Autumn, it will be perfect to use this to your advantage!
Remember, the mental health of the carer is equally important as the mental health of the individual being cared for. Having events like these will create a day to look forward to. Caring for carers is super important to ensure that the relationship is healthy and happy.
Host a BBQ
Hosting a BBQ is one of the easiest and most sociable events that you could host. If your house or living area is large enough, and you have a BBQ, then doing it at home would be an ideal option. You could load up the fridge with drinks and some of your fave snacks. Even prep the speaker to blast some of your top tunes and create a funky atmosphere! If your home isn’t big enough, that’s okay too! Find a park close by which is disability-friendly and also has a BBQ pit so that you don’t have to bring one of your own. The beauty of a BBQ is that everyone brings a little of their own food, so there are many options to choose from. You can also invite as many (or as few) people as you want.
This means both you and the person you care for can extend an invite to your social circles. Get a little atmosphere going, play some lovely Autumn tunes, and maybe set the table with lively tablecloths and cutlery as well. Mix up some of your ideal concoctions and spread the love. As long as there’s no rain, it should be a great day of networking, laughs, and fun.
Hold an Animal Meet n Greet
If you have a furry friend in your home, this could be a perfect opportunity to meet other furry friend owners. Or actually, scrap that- they don’t even have to be furry friends. Just, anyone with a pet or those who like looking at other people’s pets can come to your meeting. Holding an event like this is quite easy if you are familiar with Facebook or Instagram, and making a page dedicated to this. An event like this could definitely boost the serotonin in both yours and the individual you are caring for, and your pet as well. Think about all the cute photos you could get. Also, think about how many potential new pet friends you could gain from this too. Sounds like a win-win to me!
Movie Day/ Night
Has that new Batman movie been luring you in to check it out? Or has the series of Harry Potter sitting on your bedside table been practically begging you for a rewatch? Whatever the situation, it calls for a movie night or day- whatever you prefer. This could be done by either organising an outing to a cinema or splurging on their delicious butter-soaked popcorn and creamy choc-tops. Or, this could mean throwing up blankets around the windows and binging the snacks in your cupboard.
Here, like-minded individuals can congregate and bond over their excitement for whatever show it is you have decided to watch. This also gives you something to talk about with the group for the next week, as you discuss conspiracies, favourite parts, and if there could be a sequel. This keeps the mind moving, and something else to feast your attention on amidst the routine of your day-to-day life.
Going to a Cooking Class
For those who love having their cake and eating it too, a cooking class may be just the thing! There is a wide range of classes in Sydney, such as cheese-making classes, pasta, or even wine. Whatever you decide is on the tasting menu for you today, by all means, try it out. There are often Groupon vouchers that make it cheaper for a group of you to go in there and give it a go. And for most places, you get to keep everything you make. That should give you enough to go off for the next few days! The Groupon deal is also a good excuse to reach out to your pals and get them to come along. It is a great bonding experience, and you can all become professionals and maybe even hold your own masterclass down the line. Who knows?!
Have Some Fun!
These simple activities to organise as a carer are only just the tip of the iceberg of untapped options to choose from! Let these activities be your source of inspiration to continue hunting more fun experiences that both carer and cared for can enjoy. Take the routine out of your day sometimes, and just have a good time.
