Your Time is a Loving Gift
While gifts are always appreciated by older adults, most of "the best gifts come from within", and through the connections and time we spend making them, and the love and support that we give.
Here are some ways to invest your time and show love to the seniors in your life:
BE A GOOD FRIEND:
Even when our senior loved ones live far away, or we can't visit them, we can "engage with them through tech via the telephone, facetime, email, game apps, or text messages". These interactions can be very meaningful. "For some seniors, writing and receiving physical letters and cards bring excitement and joy."
"Interaction frequency matters, especially for a senior who you know feels isolated. Reaching out several times each week can be extremely comforting and can greatly enhance your relationship. It comes down to doing what you can do out of genuine care toward your special senior(s)."
"One of the most important things we can give to a senior is our understanding. Seniors often experience strong emotions as a result of health, work, family, or home-related changes later in life. It’s important for us to hear their words, try to refrain from judgement, and let them know that they are being heard and understood. Asking a senior an open-ended question about how they feel will likely signal to them that you want to know about their thoughts and emotions, not just facts."
Everyone likes to be told that they matter with a compliment or a kind word. Tell an older person that they are loved and appreciated. Notice the positive things they do and the efforts they make, and acknowledge them.
HELP SENIORS BE SOCIAL:
Helping how older adults have more meaningful interactions with others, like participating in social occasions, groups, and activities can "greatly benefit them". "According to the National Institute on Aging, research studies show that social relationships are associated with measures of health. Social isolation serves as a major risk for mortality, and physical and emotional health are very much affected by amounts of social interaction."
Help seniors engage in social activities by "researching groups in the community, encouraging involvement, and – with their consent – initiating introductions if they feel intimidated."
The following activities in Louisville are great social opportunities for seniors:
- bonding with animals
- book lovers
- chorus, music appreciation, or orchestra
- comedy
- cooking or baking
- dance, swimming, or yoga
- drama or theater
- drawing, painting or sculpting
- fishing or boating
- gardening
- golf
- life-story writing or poetry
- spirituality or choir groups
- swimming
- tea time
- volunteering
HELP AROUND THE HOUSE:
For seniors who live on their own and/or who may be bogged down by the stress of maintaining a home, cooking, or downsizing, it can be a great help to them when a friend or family member offers to help them out
Read More Here: http://blog.radiantseniorliving.com/five-ways-to-show-love/
BrightStar Care of Louisville provides hourly to 24/7 Senior Home Care.
We provide support around the clock and a full continuum of private duty home care services including companionship, personal care, transportation and Alzheimer's care. We proudly serve Greater Louisville areas including Fairdale, St. Matthews, Middletown, Jeffersontown, Shively, Anchorage, Jeffersontown, Hikes Point, Glenview, Crescent Hill and Taylorsville.
For more information on how BrightStar Care supports seniors and families, and to learn more about our local team of caregivers, home care professionals, and our home services for Louisville families – Please Click Here.