How to Help a Senior Citizen in Need
Senior citizens provide a wealth of wisdom and knowledge to younger generations, and it's not often that we stop to thank them. Let's all do our part to find ways in which to bring joy and encouragement to a deserving senior. Help them enjoy their golden years to the utmost.
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Instructions
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Make a serious effort to visit one or more seniors each month. For those of us with jobs and children, this can be a bit challenging, but if you sincerely want to do it, you will. Bring your little angel along (if the senior likes children) and watch that person's face light up. Kids have the uncanny ability to bring out the best in older people, as long as they don't have to worry with them (see Resources below).
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Prepare a nice, nutritious meal for the elderly person and bring an interesting book to read to them while they eat. This works best for non-nursing home residents and those who live alone. They are often unable to purchase expensive items, such as meats, because many of them are on fixed incomes and receive very limited food stamps or subsidies. Sign them up to receive free monthly food boxes from area food banks, local chapters of the National Council on Aging, Angel Food Ministries and many more. Ask these organizations for referrals to other food resources or contact your state's Department of Social Services for more information (see Resources below).
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Bring along a new sweet-smelling shampoo and conditioner to wash the senior's hair (for females) or a shaving kit for the men and give them a good shave. Treat them to a makeover, facial, manicure, pedicure or foot massage, taking into account how well you know the person and how comfortable they would be. Surprise them with gift baskets containing relaxing, scented soaps and lotions, along with a candle or two for some potent aromatherapy.
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Get the senior outdoors (weather permitting), if they're able, and help them plant a small garden with lush foliage or fresh vegetables. Take them for a nice walk around the neighborhood. There is no shortage of fun-filled, healthy activities the two of you can do outside to get your adrenaline pumping. These activities will give both of you some much-needed exercise, while making the most of your precious time together whenever you stop by.
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Encourage the senior every time you speak or see each other. Call and check on them regularly to find out if they need anything or if they have concerns. Help out with a bill every now and then to save them money and worry. If they are short on food, the next time you go grocery shopping, pick up a few items for them.
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Help them run errands, if they are able to get around. Offer to take them to the doctor for their checkup or to Sunday church services. If they are unable to do their own laundry, offer to do it for them when you do yours. Never charge them for gas and always make sure to return their change. Remember, you earn a nice paycheck, while the average senior only receives a meager monthly benefits check.
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Browse around the house during each visit. If you notice it's dirty, purchase some supplies and give it a thorough cleaning. If you're good with yard work and the grass needs to be cut, then bring your lawn equipment and engage. Before you leave, put $20 or $30 (or whatever you can spare) under the lamp on their nightstand. When you talk to them again, tell them to look under the lamp and listen intently to their reaction. You won't be disappointed!
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Avoid using heavy salt and spicy seasonings when cooking for an elderly person. Make mealtimes fun by leaving warm, personal touches such as gift baskets loaded with fresh breads, fruits, veggies, meats, juices or other items the person likes. Other suggestions include non-food gift baskets with various themes, depending on the individual's interests.
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Tips & Warnings
Take time to find out what interests your senior and learn about their favorites (foods, colors, television shows and so on). Consider these when preparing for future visits.
Dial 211 or visit www.211.org/ to get connected to necessities such as food, shelter, Medicare, Medicaid and other essential community services. This program was started by the United Way of America (UWA) and is currently being considered for federal funding.
Help your senior cope with the loss of a loved one by looking at photos of the deceased and create a lovely tribute, for instance, a scrapbook, to honor the loved one's memory. Comfort and help them find new projects on which to focus their attention, so they won't become withdrawn and depressed.
Make sure that the senior's basic needs are met before proceeding to the pampering stage. This will help ensure that they are totally relaxed and stress-free, making the pampering (massage, pedicure, etc.) more enjoyable.
Focus on positive, uplifting topics and try to avoid long, drawn-out conversations about death, illness or overdue bills. Remind your senior that they are blessed. Reassure them and let them know they are not alone. Tell them that God loves them and so do you.
Some of the above-mentioned ideas work well for both nursing home and non-nursing home residents. If your senior lives in such a facility, always check with the staff for any changes in the senior's overall condition and get permission before making specific plans for your visits.
If your senior dies, you will more than likely be deeply affected by this, depending on how long you knew them and how close you were. Give yourself time to grieve before moving on to another one.
When ordering monthly food boxes, always check the condition of the items before they reach the senior, if at all possible, to avoid unfortunate incidents of food poisoning or other harmful conditions. Pay extra careful attention to perishables (dairy products, produce and meats) and have any spoiled or damaged items replaced immediately.
Find out about any allergies or medical conditions before planning upcoming visits.
Resources
- Photo Credit https://www.ncoa.org/content.cfm/?sectionID=58, http://seniorcorps.gov/about/media_kit/photos_galleries_detail.asp?tbl_gallery_id=1281, http://www.ptc.edu/NEws/images/News_Images/SeniorCitizensFunDay%20Pedicure%20aug%2007.jpg, http://www.childrensfeedingnetwork.org/photos/FoodBox.jpg, http://www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/1612R-19260, http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2626914308_a07a7f01e1.jpg?v=0, http://www.yellow-springs.k12.oh.us/ys-mls/_borders/Kindergarten%20at%20Senior%20Citizen's%20Day1%2012-03.jpg, http://blog.oregonlive.com/washingtoncounty/2008/02/prom.JPG, http://www.jupiterimages.com/popup2.aspx?navigationsubtype=itemdetails&itemID=22197809
