February isn't the only month for showing you care!
Love often takes center stage during the month of February but it is an emotion in need all year long. This strong emotion comes in many forms and it is one that doesn’t go away as one gets older. Grandparents and other seniors need the positive reaffirming embrace of love as anyone else deserves.
Often times as children grow up and build families of their own, grandparents and other seniors may take a seat on the backburner. It’s not deliberate but sometimes it happens because of the busyness of life. Or, perhaps older adults don’t live close to family. Whatever the case, it’s important to spend some extra minutes or hours showing love languages to the older generation.
Often times as children grow up and build families of their own, grandparents and other seniors may take a seat on the backburner. It’s not deliberate but sometimes it happens because of the busyness of life. Or, perhaps older adults don’t live close to family. Whatever the case, it’s important to spend some extra minutes or hours showing love languages to the older generation.
What are some ways to express appreciation to the folks who have always been there? Let’s examine some simple gestures and activities to keep the mindset of seniors alive and nourished. By the way, these don’t involve being a full-time caregiver but it only takes a small – albeit worthy – chunk of time and effort to let someone know you care.
Go on a Lunch Date
Call up a grandparent or an elder you care about and let them know you want to take them out to lunch. It can be a meal for anytime of the day or even just a coffee date. It’s important to schedule the date in advance because for the most part, seniors like to be prepared even if they aren’t working and have a leisure day. Oftentimes, there’s other appointments to work around.
Make sure you let them know the lunch is on you. They may insist they pay but take charge and sneak up the register before the server has a chance to provide the bill at the table. Connect, laugh and eat and schedule the next date for the future. Don’t let this be a one-time event.
Make sure you let them know the lunch is on you. They may insist they pay but take charge and sneak up the register before the server has a chance to provide the bill at the table. Connect, laugh and eat and schedule the next date for the future. Don’t let this be a one-time event.
Make Cookies
Get together with friends or family and make a batch of homemade treats (cookies, cake, or even healthier options) for your favorite elder. Make sure you take into consideration any nutritional needs such as diabetes. If baking is just not your thing, head to the store and pick up some sweet snacks
Volunteer
isit a senior center or assisted living facility and get to know someone new. Call ahead and ask what is needed. Often there are certain needs at every center and an activity director can point you in the right direction or have you sign up for a future event.
If you are in a club, invite fellow members to join you. Oftentimes, the Christmas holidays may get overrun with volunteers but then the rest of the year is forgotten. Don’t let this happen. Let the director know of any special skills you may have so they can let you or your club shine.
If you are in a club, invite fellow members to join you. Oftentimes, the Christmas holidays may get overrun with volunteers but then the rest of the year is forgotten. Don’t let this happen. Let the director know of any special skills you may have so they can let you or your club shine.
Listen
This may be vague but it is left up to your imagination. Loneliness is an ugly culprit that traps many older adults. Reach out to someone you love or check with a local retirement village or similar place. Just sitting and listening to their wisdom may benefit you more than you think.
Make time for the seniors in your life and make a priority to show love no matter how small. There’s only one life so we all need to make it well spent! Our qualified In Home Caregivers are available to help show your loved one you care! Give us a call today at Hands and Hearts Home Care for more information.
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