Spending time with loved ones can make for some amazing memories. Whether it’s a simple conversation or a day out, there are many ways to create memorable moments. If you’re seeing a family member with a life-limiting illness soon and you’re not sure how to spend your time together, here are some ideas…

Ideas of what you can do together:

• There’s plenty to do inside: Watching a film, playing board games, and cooking are all activities you can do together. If you’re unsure of what to do with an older relative, reading to the elderly can have many benefits. It can help you both escape from life and enjoy some quality time together. If you both enjoy writing, you could even create a story together.
• Go out somewhere (if possible): Going for coffee, a trip to the museum or a walk in the park can all be interesting adventures. Many people find themselves inside a lot of the time, and going outside can help them feel less lonely. When deciding what to do, ask them if there’s anything they have in mind. They may have some interesting ideas!
• Go somewhere or do something with sentimental value: There may be a childhood zoo you used to go to together, or a board game you used to play. Revisiting these memories can be exciting and create new ones at the same time.

Tips for spending time together:

• Live in the moment: When you’re with your loved one, put your phone away. Giving them your full attention will show you’re listening and are excited to see them.
• Do a hobby they enjoy together: If they’re passionate about something, give it a go! Even if it’s not your cup of tea, it’ll put a smile on their face. You might even find that you really enjoy their favourite hobby.
• Communicate virtually: Life can be busy, and people don’t always live nearby. A simple phone call or video call can make for some memorable conversations. It can also help your loved one feel less lonely. Asking how their day is going could mean more to them than you might think.

Capturing memories:

• Interview them about their life: Doing an interview means you can write down or record their answers. You can then revisit the conversation in the future and show it to future generations.
• Create something together to capture memories: You could create a scrapbook together of places you’ve been to and things you’ve done. If you like photography, you could do a photo shoot together. These are both great ways of capturing memories, but also creating new ones together. If you don’t see each other often, you could start writing letters to each other. This is more traditional than texts and feels more personal as it will be in their handwriting.
• Take photos and videos: Although it’s important to live in the moment, capturing memories is something to look back on. As an activity, you could both look through old photos and videos together. They may even have a photo album lying around of really old photos.

Remember to tell them you care about them:

• Tell them how much they mean to you: Simply letting them know that you care about them can go a long way. It’s easy to forget to tell our loved ones that we appreciate them, so make sure you remember to!
• Give them a present: Surprising them with a gift can make them feel seen. It doesn’t have to be expensive, small presents go a long way as well. When deciding on a gift, think about what they like or talk about often. For example, they may love scented candles and have a collection of them. Something simple like this can make their day.

Cherishing moments with our loved ones can create amazing memories and let them know that they’re appreciated.

Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre is an independent charity, offering care and advice to patients living with a life-limiting illness and supporting families in the North East Worcestershire area. If you’d like to know more about how we can support you or your loved ones visit our referral page here.

By Rosie Buckley

References

The importance of reading for the elderly

6 Easy-to-use Video Communication Devices for the Elderly

Getting started with scrapbooking

Links in references may lead to external websites. Unless otherwise identified, Primrose Hospice is not affiliated with references provided.