Cost-Conscious Connections FUN AND FRUGAL IDEAS FOR GRANDKIDS
Share Your Hobbies Do you have a knack for knitting or a passion for golf? Chances are that your grandkids would love to learn! Sharing your hobbies can be a fun, practically free way to spend time together. Whether it’s a morning fishing trip to a nearby lake or an afternoon crafting, these moments can become cherished memories. Discover Local Gems Smaller, lesser-known museums or factory tours can be fascinating and won’t hurt your wallet. They’re often just the right scale for shorter attention spans and are usually less crowded. Plus, they sometimes offer discounts or free days — don’t forget to ask!
Summer vacation is the golden opportunity to make precious memories with your grandkids without breaking the bank! While life’s hustle and bustle can sometimes throw a wrench in your plans, creativity can go a long way. Here are six ways to have a blast with the kiddos on a budget. Explore Nature Together Nothing beats getting outside! Many local nature preserves offer free or low-cost access, and they’re great places to hike, learn about local plants and wildlife, or even participate in volunteer activities. The fresh air, the sounds of birds, and the chance to explore are perfect for curious young minds (and those young at heart!).
Utilize Community Resources Your local library or community center likely hosts a variety of free or inexpensive activities. From story hours to craft days, these events are for family fun and learning. Also, be sure to check out any local festivals. NEW SURROUNDINGS, SAME LOVE HELPING A LOVED ONE SETTLE INTO ASSISTED LIVING
Oftentimes, a move to a facility comes when the caregiver dies or ends up in the hospital. The person needing care is then moved quickly without much preparation. After struggling through this situation, many have wondered what might help the transition be easier for everyone involved. Here are a few tips. Prepare. Prepare ahead even if no one is ready for a change. Ask how the caregiver is doing regularly. The standing response may be “fine” when they are anything but fine, so take time to really look at the caregiver’s health and well-being. Start slowly if you can. Consider beginning with respite care in small amounts while your loved one is still home. Incorporate joy. Find out what parts of the caregiving brought the most moments of joy to the caregiver, like reading aloud or sharing of meals. Then continue with those if the caregiver
still wants. Remember what brought your loved one the most amount of joy and find ways to incorporate it. Make it a place of comfort. Take pictures of the two places the person spent the most time in at home, and where they slept. Then do your best to pick all these items up in these three spaces and re-create it in the new place. You think you’ll remember where everything was, but it is easy to forget so take those photos. Don’t think you need to buy a new chair; when it isn’t their chair, they will not find comfort. Put the end table on the same side of the chair as it was at home. Put their treasures in similar places as at home, to make it look like home. Reassure them. Avoid saying “goodbye” and “I have to go home.” Try saying things that might reassure them, like “I really enjoyed talking with you.” “Can I visit again?” “This has been so lovely.” “See you soon.” Give hugs, touches and a smile and be cheerful, so it can help your loved one feel more comfortable.
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