It’s important to have plans for leisure and recreation activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These keep them physically healthy and stimulate sociability and contribute to the development of cognitive skills. Caregivers must follow a customized strategy because most persons with developmental disabilities rely on others for their care. Determine what the person enjoys doing first. If you choose activities that they enjoy, you’ll have a better chance of succeeding. Next, think about any physical or mental limits they may have.
Physical Activities for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, benefit from muscle-strengthening and aerobic activities. Try these activities with your loved ones at home if you don’t have access to a good adult day care to ensure they stay physically active during the day:
Hiking and brisk walking
This is a fun game for small groups that provides both physical and social benefits. Many parks and trails include paved options that promote safety without sacrificing the aesthetic charm of the walks or exposure to nature’s wonders.
Muscle strengthening exercises
Two days a week, for at least 75 minutes, it is suggested that work on all of the key muscle groups to maintain results and stay in shape. The following are examples of typical activities: yoga, working with resistance bands and weights under supervision, and others.
Memory & Cognitive Activities
Music Therapy
Adults with developmental problems benefit substantially from music therapy. They can join in activities such as foot-tapping, hand-clapping, and sing-a-longs right away. Everyone – including nonverbal individuals – can play percussion instruments and benefit from feeling the beat and vibrations with the help of skilled music therapists and group leaders. Music can improve an individual’s emotional, social, and mental well-being in addition to exciting the senses.
Art Therapy
Art helps creativity and expression in people with developmental impairments, especially those who are unable or unwilling to communicate in other ways. Looking at art encourages people to talk. Creating art, whether on canvas, paper, or through three-dimensional art such as sculpting, inspires creativity and self-expression.
Building a model
Building model automobiles, trucks, railroads, and boats are an excellent way to complete a project from beginning to end. It develops patience when working on a project that can be completed in one day or that must be revisited over several sessions. Cognitive skills are used as a project progresses from start to finish. This gives the model builder a terrific sense of accomplishment, as well as some fantastic team-building and bonding opportunities when done with others.
Jigsaw puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are inexpensive, challenging, and entertaining, and they come in a variety of shapes and difficulty levels. Select topics that pique the individual’s interest. They’re instructive, and they help people build problem-solving abilities, attention span and fine motor skill development, as well as social skills – it’s a terrific way to spend time with the one you love.
Artistic and Sensory Activities
Sensory stimulation therapy activities assist people with developmental disabilities in working their minds, muscles, and emotions. These easy and common activities help adults with special needs develop their artistic and sensory talents from arts and crafts to cooking and playing games.
Crafting
Crafting encourages people with developmental disabilities to express themselves, engage with others, and experience achievement rewards by using color, texture, words, and sounds. This can include paint-by-number kits, stringing beads, crafting objects, sculpting with clay, and Play-Doh crafts.
Cooking
Cooking has many advantages for developmentally challenged persons. It’s entertaining, teaches self-reliance, gives a sense of accomplishment, and is inclusive. Start by looking around the kitchen and showing where everything is placed. Next, choose simple dishes to try together, then progress to more advanced ones by cooking together.
Gardening
Here’s a fun way to get a group of people together to plant seeds and see them bloom into beautiful flowers, vegetables, and even trees. The continuing project fosters teamwork, a commitment to a common goal, and shared benefits.
Join Ebenezer Mission's Day Programs
You want the best for your loved one as a caretaker. If it’s difficult to find time to keep them physically active, socialise with them, or simply participate with them in their favourite activities, Eben Care can help.
Our day programs are important for developing new skills, connecting with the community, making new friends, gaining independence, and becoming more confident.
We have experienced support workers and carers who are highly qualified, knowledgeable, and attentive. We are present to ensure you get a fulfilling and meaningful experience.
If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact us.
