Caring for someone who is housebound comes with unique challenges. While some individuals find ways to stay physically and mentally active, others struggle—often due to the rapid loss of independence and navigating unfamiliar territory. This can lead to feelings of frustration, boredom, or even depression.
How to support housebound loved ones starts with creating daily routines tailored to their needs. Maintaining a positive outlook and emotional well-being requires meaningful activities and consistency. Drawing from my personal experience as a carer and my professional work as a domiciliary professional, I’ve seen both sides: individuals who thrive with a routine and those who struggle without one.
This blog focuses on what we can do, rather than dwelling on what is no longer possible. Every individual has unique likes, dislikes, and abilities, so activities should always be tailored to their specific needs. If you’re looking for daily routines for housebound individuals, or activities to uplift housebound seniors, you’re in the right place.
Here, I’ll share activities my loved one enjoyed and the passions that shaped their daily life. For them, going out was a cherished part of life—and because it was possible for us, we made it happen.
I’ve observed a significant difference between individuals who maintain a daily routine and those who do not. Engaging activities for disabled individuals can help reduce loneliness and improve mental health. Having a routine, engaging with others, and staying active can uplift spirits, while isolation often leads to loneliness and depression.
Unfortunately, housebound individuals often rely on others to help them leave the house, and daily outings may not always be possible. However, a routine doesn’t need to be packed or rigid. For some, it might involve pottering around the house, doing small chores, or spending time reading, watching TV, or listening to music. Others might enjoy puzzles or simply reflecting quietly. Home care for the elderly often focuses on creating fulfilling daily schedules, adapted to their abilities.
The Power of a Simple Question
One question I always ask every patient I visit is:
“How do you like to spend your day? Are there any hobbies you enjoy?”
This simple question often reveals a lot about how someone approaches their day and their outlook on life. I typically hear one of two responses:
1. “Oh, I’m very busy! I do XYZ.”
These individuals have found ways to stay engaged and maintain a sense of structure, despite being housebound. Examples include:
Reading books, newspapers, or magazines.
Solving puzzles, crosswords, or Sudoku.
Doing light cleaning or tidying.
Cooking or baking small meals.
Calling friends and family
These patients often inspire me—they focus on what they can do, no matter how small, and they have developed routines that help them feel accomplished and active.
2. “Nothing—I can’t do anything.”
Some patients feel defeated by their circumstances, expressing frustration or sadness about their physical limitations. Reducing loneliness for housebound people requires consistent social interaction and tailored routines. Just because physical mobility is different or reduced doesn’t mean they can’t find other meaningful activities to enjoy.
The Goal
The goal is to meet individuals where they are and gradually reintroduce joy and purpose into their routines. By focusing on what is possible, even the most disengaged individuals can rediscover hobbies or interests they once loved—or discover new ones. The question—“How do you like to spend your day?”—is a powerful starting point for helping housebound individuals reimagine their daily lives. It’s not about making drastic changes overnight but rather taking small, meaningful steps toward a more fulfilling life.
From My Professional Experience
Social Isolation: Some housebound individuals live alone and have very little social interaction. I’ve met patients who were withdrawn or irritated at the start of my visit. By the end, many apologised for their initial behaviour, as they felt heard and seen for the first time in days.
Eager to Connect: Others were eager to talk non-stop, often because I was the first person they’d seen aside from carers in days—or even weeks. These individuals typically spend most of their time watching TV and lack a structured routine.
The Power of Pets: Animals provide companionship and a sense of purpose. Pets have been shown to ease feelings of loneliness and depression. However, this is only viable if the pet can be properly cared for. I’ve often heard patients say, “I don’t know what I would do without them.”
Personal Care: Prioritise self-care activities like grooming and dressing to boost self-esteem. Feeling clean and well-presented can have a significant impact on emotional well-being.
From My Personal Experience
My loved one faced similar challenges after becoming housebound. The loss of independence and reduced mobility were particularly difficult. Once we acquired a wheelchair and started taking them out for short walks, their mood improved significantly. Simple activities like going outside—something we often take for granted—made a world of difference.
The Power of Children
I also realised the incredible power of children in lifting my loved one’s spirits. Every time I brought my kids around, their eyes lit up with joy. They loved watching the kids play, listening to their stories, and engaging with them in simple games like catch the ball or colouring together.
These moments created wonderful memories for the whole family, and it was heartwarming to see how much happiness the kids brought to my loved one. They would eagerly listen to stories about what the kids had been up to and genuinely enjoyed their presence.
Daily Activities for Housebound Individuals
Here are some practical ideas to help housebound individuals stay engaged:
1. Mental Stimulation
Engage the mind with activities that encourage curiosity and creativity:
Reading Books and Articles: Many UK libraries offer Home Library Services, delivering books, audiobooks, and other materials directly to housebound residents for free. These services often include large-print books. Additionally, organisations like the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) provide extensive resources for visually impaired individuals, including accessible reading materials and audiobooks.
Audiobooks or Podcasts: Perfect for enjoying stories or learning new things hands-free.
Coloring or Painting: A relaxing and creative outlet for all ages.
Learning New Skills: Explore hobbies like knitting, sewing, or basic technology to boost confidence.
Listening to the Radio: Stay entertained with news, discussions, or music programs.
Journaling: Writing thoughts or keeping a gratitude journal can promote positivity.
Poetry: Reading or creating poems encourages self-expression
Puzzles and Games: Sudoku, crosswords, or jigsaw puzzles keep the brain sharp.
Card Games: A fun way to pass time and improve focus.
2. Physical Movement
Even with limited mobility, regular movement is essential for maintaining strength and flexibility:
Wheelchair-friendly activities, such asChair Yoga or Light Stretches: Gentle exercises that can be done while seated.
Simple Exercises with Resistance Bands: Build strength and flexibility in a safe, controlled way.
Community Classes: Many areas offer chair-based exercise or dance classes tailored for those with physical limitations.
Personal Example: My loved one attended a weekly Bollywood dance class. Despite their physical limitations, we used a special band (provided by an occupational therapist) to help them participate. They eagerly looked forward to this class every week and enjoyed meeting new people.
3. Social Interaction
Building and maintaining connections is vital for emotional well-being:
Video or Phone Calls: Stay in touch with friends and family through regular virtual conversations.
Joining Online Communities: Participate in social media groups or forums tailored to their interests
Visiting Day Centers: These accessible activities can provide companionship and engaging activities.
Using Befriending Services: Housebound individuals can become telephone befrienders, offering companionship and support to others through regular phone calls. This role provides a meaningful way to connect with others and give back, even from home. Alternatively, those experiencing loneliness themselves can benefit from telephone befriending services, receiving regular calls from a friendly voice to reduce isolation and improve emotional well-being.
Hiring a Companion: A friendly companion can join for walks, conversations, or shared activities.
Tip: Electric photo frames displaying family photos can brighten a housebound individual’s day. These frames are easy to update with new pictures during visits, offering a sense of connection and joy.
4. Creativity to spark joy and self-expression
Painting or Drawing: A wonderful way to relax and express emotions through art.
Coloring: Ideal for those who enjoy creating vibrant designs, even with limited motor skills.
Knitting or Crocheting: Use adaptive tools designed for arthritis or reduced dexterity to make these activities more accessible.
Singing: Music can be a powerful form of expression. For our loved one, even when speech became difficult, singing remained a way to connect and communicate.
Personal Experience:
Our loved one had limited hand strength, but they loved coloring. They used felt-tip pens and gel pens, which required reduced pressure yet still produced vibrant colors.
For individuals with arthritis or similar conditions, I found that using pens with larger barrels, cushioned grips, and smooth ink flow significantly improved comfort levels. These small adjustments allowed them to enjoy creative activities without added strain.
Practical Tools and Products for Daily Living
An occupational therapist can assess an individual’s needs and recommend products to improve daily living. Here’s what was helpful for our loved one:
Height-Adjustable Tables and Side Tables: Ideal for flexible use while seated or in a wheelchair.
A Reclining Chair: Brilliant for getting on and off the sofa, providing excellent comfort for naps or relaxation.
Handrails: Installed in bathrooms, entryways, and stairways for added stability and safety.
Bed Rails: Helped our loved one get in and out of bed with ease.
A Shower Chair and a Chair for Brushing Teeth: These were essential for personal hygiene and made daily routines more manageable.
Indoor Walking Frames: We kept one upstairs and one downstairs to ensure accessibility throughout the home.
A Walking Frame with Wheels for Outdoors: Provided support and increased mobility during outings.
A Waistband for Standing Support: Assisted with safe transfers and standing, reducing strain on both the carer and our loved one.
A Wheelchair with a Foam Cushion: Ours was foldable, making it easier to transport and store when traveling.
Additional Tools We bought ourselves:
Electric Toothbrushes and Water Flossers: Helped maintain dental hygiene despite limited motor skills. Regular dentist hygiene appointments were still necessary due to these challenges.
Clothing Adjustments: Tops with zips or buttons made dressing easier, while well-fitted sandals provided comfort and safety indoors. Slip-ons were not suitable as they increased the risk of tripping.
Bathroom was changed into a wetroom for easy shower accesss.
What I’ve Observed in My Professional Work:
From my experience as a domiciliary professional, I’ve seen additional tools and products that can significantly improve daily living:
Wheelchair Push Assist Devices: If pushing a wheelchair uphill or on uneven surfaces becomes too physically demanding, consider investing in these devices to reduce effort.
Fall Detection Systems: Wearable devices that alert caregivers or emergency services in case of a fall—particularly useful for those living alone.
Smart Speakers: Voice-activated devices like Alexa or Google Home can control lights, appliances, and set reminders, enhancing independence.
Adaptive Eating Utensils: Ergonomic designs with larger handles or angled grips make eating easier for individuals with reduced dexterity.
Stairlifts: Essential for safely navigating multi-level homes.
Floor Lifts: Provide safe assistance for transfers in cases where standing is not possible.
Adjustable Beds: Electric beds that allow head and leg adjustments improve comfort and make getting in and out of bed much easier.
Portable Commodes: Practical for individuals with mobility limitations who cannot easily access the bathroom.
Long-Handled Tools: Useful for tasks like dressing, grooming, or reaching items without excessive bending or stretching.
Building a Daily Routine
A consistent routine helps create structure and purpose, making each day more meaningful. Here’s an example of our loved one’s weekly schedule:
Monday: Chair yoga at a community center, followed by lunch and creative activities.
Tuesday: A morning walk to the park and a chair exercise class in the afternoon.
Wednesday & Friday: Home activities such as cooking or crafts, or a walk to the local shops.
Thursday: Bollywood dance class.
Saturday: Physiotherapy in the morning, followed by family visits.
Sunday: Family visits or a day of rest.
Key Highlights
Incorporating outings or special meals into the week made each day enjoyable, while allowing for flexibility on bad days or when appointments were scheduled.
The park was a particularly great place to visit—provided the weather was reasonable. It offered an opportunity to see others, which helped my loved one feel more connected. Additionally, the park’s gym facilities were surprisingly useful. While their physical capabilities were limited, it was incredible to see how much they were able to do there compared to at home.
Encouraging Independence
Promoting independence is essential for boosting confidence and morale. Even small contributions can help housebound individuals feel more empowered and involved in their daily lives. Here are a few ways to encourage independence:
Choose Their Own Groceries: Take them to the shop and let them select their own items. This simple act can provide a sense of autonomy.
Help with Meal Preparation: Involve them in tasks such as cutting vegetables, stirring, or setting the table.
Participate in Daily Tasks: Encourage them to contribute to household activities, even if only partially. Tasks like folding laundry or watering plants can make them feel valued.
Celebrate Small Successes
Small successes can mean a lot. Whether it’s preparing a meal, choosing a favorite item at the store, or completing a simple task, celebrating these efforts can uplift their spirits. Acknowledge and praise their contributions, no matter how modest—they all add to a sense of achievement and purpose.
Advice for Carers and Loved Ones
Caring for someone else can be both rewarding and exhausting. It’s important to prioritize your own well-being to ensure you can continue providing the best care possible. Here are some key tips:
Recognize the Signs of Burnout: Look out for symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, or withdrawal. Acknowledging burnout early can help you address it before it worsens.
Seek Help: Consider respite care or hiring a companionship carer to give yourself a break when needed. Having additional support can make a big difference.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Practice regular self-care, such as eating well, exercising, and ensuring you get enough rest. Taking care of yourself directly benefits your ability to care for others.
We Create Positive Memories
Enjoy shared activities with your loved one to strengthen your bond and create lasting memories. For us, these included:
Watching a favorite TV show or movie together.
Cooking or trying out simple recipes as a team.
Doing crafts or engaging in creative projects.
Going for walks and enjoying time outdoors.
These moments of connection can bring joy and positivity to both you and your loved one, making the caregiving journey more fulfilling.
Resources for Further Help
Explore these organizations for guidance and support: Carers UK: Offers advice on financial support, carer rights, and practical help. Age UK: Focuses on support for older adults and their carers. NHS Social Care Guide: Information on carers’ assessments, benefits, and respite care. Mind: Mental health resources tailored for carers. If your loved one has a specific condition, search for local support groups or charities that specialize in that area.
Conclusion
I have maintained a positive tone throughout this blog, which might suggest that our family’s caregiving journey was effortless. This was far from the case. My intention has been to encourage you by focusing on the positive aspects. However, I must acknowledge that I made many mistakes and experienced caregiver burnout along the way.
Through these challenges, we learned and improved. There is no handbook on caregiving; each individual has unique needs, and often the journey requires trial and error, patience, and a positive attitude. We faced many difficult days, as well as many wonderful ones—this is inevitable for everyone. I live by the saying, “I want no regrets,” knowing I did the best I could for my loved one.
I still remember the day my loved one received their diagnosis. From that moment, I started taking many more photos, capturing every precious memory. These photos are now what I hold on to, and they are the memories I will pass down to my children.
Stay Positive Your positivity will radiate to your loved one, uplifting them and making this journey more meaningful for both of you.
Comments