|
|
Articles
of Interest | Terms
and Definitions | FAQs
| Tips & Advice
Caregiver
Information | Need
Advice?
Ask our Eldercare Specialist
Links
and Resources | Eldercare & Caregiver Resource
Center Home Page
Eldercare
& Caregiver Resource Center:
News & Articles of
Interest
Guidelines
& Tips to Celebrate Older Adult Month
By Theresa Braford, OTR/L
May celebrates Older Adult Month.
This is a time to make a specific effort to honor all Older Adults,
especially aging persons we know and love. What does this mean and how
can I do this?
Most
of the time we relate to the Older Adult in the role or relationships
that we have with that person. For example, if the older adult is your
father, your communication with him may be related to talking about
family, the house, friends and other familiar topics. Communication and
ways of related often have barriers because the Older Adult may now be
physically affected, have cognitive problems and/or emotionally
distraught which ultimately affect their function and abilities. These
limitations cause role changes and interfere with quality communication
and we may sometimes forget to acknowledge our older loved in a broad
and holistic way.
Here
are some guidelines and tips to remind us of ways to relate to an older
loved one that you may not normally do on a regular basis.
Guidelines:
-
Don't
worry if they won't remember what you said, say it anyway! Be
sincere and honest.
-
Look
beyond the limitations of the older adult to see the person
inside.
-
Let
go of negative grievances from the past that hold us back.
Tips:
-
Thank
the Older Adult for something they have said to you or done for you
in the past and how much it meant to you.
-
Tell
the Older Adult about how they have inspired you, either in
the past or something they are doing now.
-
Share
your love for that person and how much they mean to you.
-
Bring
the older adult a small gift of something you know they will
enjoy for example a small plant or flowers, a photo, a food item
that they love to eat (and are able to eat).
-
Give
the person a personal inspirational card or quote that has
significance or gives them hope.
-
Remind
the older adult of fond memories of the past. For example if
they had a job that they loved or a positive family event or memory.
-
Listen
to the older adult, really listen and empathize with them.
You don't' always have to fix them and make it all better.
-
Laugh
with the older adult. Have fun and be playful, believe
it or not the older adult has a playful inner child.
Above
all, respect and honor the Older Adult for being the person they
are. See beyond the physical limitations, the confusion and/or
depression. Look into their heart and soul and see that person in a
whole new way or in the way you used to see the person. Remember to do
this not only in May but throughout the year!
|
Did You Know?
It is important to get plenty of sleep, adequate nutrition and of course
exercise but energy is more than physical .
|
