As children, Mother’s Day gifts and celebrations often fall in one of two categories: flowers, chocolates, cards or other items meant to mimic her beauty and kindness, or those macaroni necklaces, crayon-colored portraits of Mom herself and other handmade gifts meant to show our heartfelt appreciation for all her hard work. (Truly, shoutout to mamas everywhere for looking at our bizarre artwork like it were a Picasso!)
By the time adulthood rolls around, Mother’s Day may feel a bit different. Maybe Mom lives miles away, in a long-term care facility or is grappling with various health challenges that may come with aging. But as Lisa Morris, a homecare medical social worker at Granite VNA explains, that same heartfelt sentiment associated with childhood gifts can be expressed in adulthood too.
“As children, our moms treasured our handmade cards and artwork, maybe even pottery that we made for her,” explains Morris. “As adults, we can now consider her interests and abilities as we celebrate her value in our life.”
Instead of handing her a bouquet of daffodils or a piece of patchy artwork meant to express her beauty, we can honor what makes Mom truly her — a powerful, imaginative, strong-willed human who deserves to be celebrated through the years.
Here, Morris and other senior care experts share Mother’s Day activities for seniors of all ability levels.
Mother’s Day activities when Mom has limited mobility
Make a playlist of her favorite tunes
Not only can music ward off depression, boost mood and potentially even ease chronic pain, but a perfectly crafted playlist can be transportive, too, whisking Mom instantly to her rebellious, fun teenage era. Morris says that this can be one of the best gifts for an aging mother with limited mobility.
“Giving the gift of music can be treasured for all moms regardless of abilities or limitations,” she explains, suggesting you create playlist of mom’s favorite music from her younger years. “A smart speaker, like an Alexa, can be programmed so that all mom has to do is say, ‘Play my music!’”
“Find her favorite movie, show or musical, and host an event for the family to watch it with her. I remember watching ‘Riverdance’ with my mother, who was mesmerized by the performance.”
— Amy Cameron O’Rourke, author of “The Fragile Years”
Have a theater night
Chances are, your Mom has a movie that’ll transport her to a different era — whether it’s the first time she gazed upon the “Star Wars” Death Star in theaters, or felt the burning romance beneath Leonard Bernstein’s famous score in “West Side Story.”
That’s a favorite way to celebrate Mother’s Day for Amy Cameron O’Rourke, a dedicated care manager and author of “The Fragile Years.”
“Find her favorite movie, show or musical, and host an event for the family to watch it with her,” O’Rourke suggests. “I remember watching ‘Riverdance’ with my mother, who was mesmerized by the performance. I think we watched it three times in one weekend!”
You can set the mood, too: Have copious amounts of popcorn onhand, stadium-like seating for the rest of the family (maybe even have one member act as a ticket usher!), and mood-setting candles or dim lights to match the aura.
Enjoy a fancy meal at home
For mamas who have some mobility (i.e. they can move around in a walker or wheelchair), consider setting a reservation at her favorite restaurant or get catering at home — and deck Mom out to the nines.
“Get dinner catered from her favorite restaurant, and fill the evening with family and friends,” suggests Tina M. Baxter, a gerontological nurse practitioner. “I remember one of my families decked out their mother’s rollator walker with bling.”
Baxter recalls another family giving their mother stylish ruby sneakers to wear. “She got to wear her ‘fancy’ shoes in her wheelchair.”
Another idea Baxter suggests? Have a professional hairdresser stop by to give Mom a stylish updo.
Mother’s Day activities for a Mom who’s struggling with cognitive impairment
Craft a memory collage
For mamas who still have some memory (and maybe just need to be reminded with visual cues), try creating a photo album or “memory collage” or her favorite pictures, suggests O’Rourke.
Collages like this one on Pinterest, which help Mom retrace important, key moments in her life, can help re-trigger particular pleasant emotions that arose with each event. Or, consider making the collage singularly themed — maybe it’s solely of Mom and her girlfriends, Mom and her partner or key moments in her children’s life.
Try aromatherapy
Studies have shown that a single smell can unearth a rush of memories (and boost our mood, if it’s a good memory!), which makes baking a particularly good idea for those mamas with some cognitive impairment or memory loss, says O’Rourke.
Even better? Have an assortment of her favorite dishes on-hand, and then deliver some of those goods to someone in need, she suggests. “Livestream the deliveries so she can watch their faces to see how happy a home-delivery of baked goods can be,” says O’Rourke.
Another idea: Maybe there was a particularly pungent flower assortment at her wedding or a perfume she used to wear that you can gift her.
Have a game night
For mothers with early onset dementia, or particular cognitive limitations, Morris suggests having a family game night.
For moms who love games, puzzles and puzzle books, or who did so in the past, you can find all types of games with varied levels of complexity or simplicity, she notes.
The Alzheimer’s Association suggests the following games and activities to try:
- Dominos
- Puzzles
- Card games
- Checkers
- Modeling with play dough
Mother’s Day activities for mamas who are isolated or lonely
Go with her to a meet-up group
Whether Mom’s partner or close friend recently passed, there are certain times in life when she’s susceptible to loneliness and isolation the most. And while it can be scary remaking a social life, there’s no reason why you can’t do it alongside her for support.
“If Mom is open, sign up for a meet-up group or other [social] activity together,” suggests Baxter. “Many local senior centers have activities, such as bingo, cards, outings and dances, that can encourage seniors to stay active.”
Scan Facebook or Meetup for nearby senior-focused activities, based on Mom’s interests.
Set up an tablet specifically for virtual gatherings
Especially if your mother has limited mobility or has children or grandchildren who live far away, dedicating a specific item (like a tablet) for chatting online can be a convenient, safe way to assemble loved ones, says Morris.
Try finding a tablet that can be synced with a virtual assistant, like the Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab. That way, all Mom needs to do to stay in touch with loved ones is say a single command — no navigating confusing tech interfaces required. The 2021 Apple 10.2-inch iPad (and later models) can also be synced with other devices, like a home assistant, is hearing aid-compatible and can quickly change font sizes — perfect for mamas who need a larger type to read.
Best Mother’s Day activities for all senior mothers
Fulfill an item on her bucket list
If your mama is physically and mentally able, one of the most rewarding things you can do as her child is help her fulfill a lifelong dream, says Baxter.
“Has she always wanted to go to the Grand Canyon, learn to swim or sky-dive? Has she always wanted to go to Las Vegas or see a performer live?” Baxter says, adding that Mother’s Day is a chance to do something fun and unusual together.
Plus, as Baxter notes, it can be rewarding for you, too — you may learn something about your mom that you never knew. “I bet your mom is a lot more fun than you think,” she adds.
Book a Mother’s Day massage
This one’s a celebration idea your mama probably could’ve used when you were a kid — but may very well appreciate these days too. “I know so many moms like this idea,” recommends O’Rourke. “Touch is so important, and a massage can bring such pleasure.”
A manicure or pedicure works just as well, adds O’Rourke You can hire a nail tech to come to your home or perhaps you or another family member is up for the task. Consider it payback for all the times she sat hunched-over tying your shoelaces or mending scraped knees.
Hire a private yoga or exercise instructor
If your mom is a big fan of a particular exercise — be it Tai Chi, Zumba or yoga — consider enlisting the help of a fitness instructor to do a private, in-home class for you, your mother and her close friends and other family members.
O’Rourke adds that you can also look up specialty fitness classes in your area, like goat- or animal-themed yoga sessions.
No matter what activity you plan for your beloved mom on Mother’s Day, she’s sure to appreciate an attention to detail — and her interests.
