How to Show Your Elderly Loved One You Care

Now that Valentine's Day has passed and all your loved ones have received your cards (or maybe they didn't and you have some making up to do), things tend to go back to normal. Responsibilities build up and you lose track of time.

But with the elderly, it's good to consistently remind your loved ones that you are there for them and that you care all the time because you never know when you'll wish for that missed opportunity.

1. Host a movie night.

Grab the popcorn, candy, some old movies and a blanket and spend some time on the couch with your loved ones. Family time is quality time. Taking time outside of your normal schedule to create a special night or outing will show them that you care and will be more enjoyable than the typical visit.

2. Ask for story time or an interview.

Look online on Pinterest for questions and allow your young ones to be reporters with recorders. Or, if your children are old and grown, show them your old pictures and reminisce together. If your loved one has trouble with remembering things, try to jog it with these images. If not, share your own stories as their child about when you were growing up.

Fond memories looked back on are still fond memories and your parents will enjoy knowing that you remember how they loved and cared for you. And, they are older and wiser. Take advantage of that. Learn things you never knew, like how your grandparents met or where they first fell in love. Stories connect us and are good ways to show and share love. Stories have power to change our perspectives and see things in new ways. What a beautiful way to reconnect families and grow them together.

3. Bake or make something.

Whether it's grandma's chocolate chip cookies or cinnamon rolls, the family recipes are always the best recipes. Ask to make something together and bring all the ingredients yourself. Watch over everything to make sure everyone stays safe, but this is a way to let your loved one take the reins and teach you something.

If you can't bake something, you can make something. Try making a wind chime, a kite, a letter, a drawing or even a cookbook to give to your loved one. They will appreciate that it's from you just as they appreciate something they can throw on the fridge. These little moments can turn into big ones that your family will always cherish and remember.

4. Do something active (if possible).

Garden, go on walks or take your elderly to a baseball game. The opportunities are endless. Some time in the sun or sharing a hot dog in a stadium can make your loved ones feel more included then just the one-hour visit now and then. Don't push it and make sure you are well prepared for anything that might come your way, but staying active is healthy for everyone and can result in more memories to look over later.

5. Go somewhere they go often.

Go to church or go to Friday night bingo. Your loved one will thank you for thinking of them and be excited that you're willing to share with them something they enjoy on a weekly basis. Obviously, plan it ahead of time so you're not crashing the fun, but once you've gotten the logistics figured out, you can enjoy something they enjoy versus always toting them along to something you enjoy. The best way to grow with someone is sometimes to see how they interact with friends and to make sure that they're happy by spending time.

http://www.allseasons-homecare.com/February_2017/how-to-show-your-elderly-loved-one-you-care.php