Keeping Older Adults Active and and Engaged

Photo credit Bret Meliti As family caregivers, we strive to meet all our loved ones’ needs. We give medication reminders, cook meals, manage doctor’s appointments and keep schedules. Our daily tasks can be challenging, but one, in particular, gives families a lot of grief: ensuring our loved ones are stimulated and entertained. If a senior’s abilities have waned, it can be challenging to find ways to adapt or replace the pastimes they once loved. Sometimes, though, our loved ones simply lose their motivation to participate in life. They may complain, nag us, or spend all day sleeping or watching television. What is a caregiver to do? It all depends on a senior’s personality and their living situation.  Helping Seniors Find a New Sense of Purpose: I recently spoke with a caregiver named Ann who was struggling with how to adapt to life as a caregiver. For the last several decades, Ann has had no problem loading her dishwasher, washing her clothes or making her bed. That is until her widowed father moved in with her and her family. Now, her father follows her and her husband Jim around the house, telling them how things should be done. Ann just doesn’t know how to handle it graciously. Sound familiar? Continue reading on Agingcare for some ideas about keeping your aging parents active and engaged: Support a caregiver or jump-start discussion in support groups with real stories - for bulk orders of Minding Our Elders e-mail Carol   Discover...
Source: Minding Our Elders - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: blogs