How to Remember the Elderly during the Holidays

If you continue living, you will age! Now is the time to consider the elderly and make an effort to make their holidays memorable. I have some tips that will greatly improve their mundane lives. Bring someone joy this season.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A warm heart
• Willingness to share
• A warm smile
• A big hug
• A little time

1. 
    
   Prepare for your visit

   Google nursing homes and hospitals in your zip code. When you find one near you, call for information on visiting hours, special visits and explain your reason for visiting one of their patients. Once you have the info, schedule a date and time when you will be coming by to visit. Ask if bringing of gifts are permissible. Go so far as to find out how many males and females and decide who you will visit.

2. 
    
   Research a little

   Do a little research on what goes on in Nursing homes and hospitals as far as unusual behavior, attitudes or thinking you are someone else. Be prepared for outbursts or possible tears. Be cordial and let the patient know why you came by just to see them. (You'll get a smile).

3. 
    
   Pack a lunch

   Invite a friend to go with you and make it all worth your while for both of you. Pack a lunch in case you can't use their lounge and perhaps there is no cafeteria. If possible, if there is a dining room, ask the supervisor if you could lunch with the elderly.

4. 
    
   Use a nice bag/basket

   You don't have to be extravagant in purchasing a gift. You can go to your local dollar store or Walmart and pick up a variety of inexpensive toiletries. Place them in a basket or nice gift bag also from the dollar store. Get a card so they will remember your visit. For the male patient, you can also buy men's toiletries like shaving cream and the like.

5. 
    
   Create a gift

   Another friendly gesture is to create some arts and crafts items and give them as gifts. Some ideas are homemade picture frames, a mug with their name (if you can get one), and so on. Be creative and watch his/her face light up!

6. 
    
   Share your experiences

   Share your experiences with your patient and be sure to laugh a lot. Keep the mood warm and heartfelt. Pray with them if that's what they want.

7. 
    
   Have Fun

   If festivities are scheduled and it planned while you are there, don't be shy, join in the fun! Don't be a wallflower. If you are in a hospital setting, allow the interruptions of chow time, medications or BP readings. This is normal so just go with the flow.

8. 
    
   Respect the elderly

   Try not to be "overly" nice but do be warm and gentle with the elderly. Treat each one with respect no matter what. Their days can be long, boring and lonely.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember each elderly person is someone's grandparent or great grandparent.
• He who gives mercy shall obtain mercy.
• What goes around comes around.
• Compassion has its rewards.
• Spreading love is contagious!

[QueenofMisc]

on 11/21/2008 Great ideas. Thanks for thinking about the elderly!
QueenofMisc

[BeaEmery]

on 11/19/2008 This is great, I spent a few months volunteering at a local nursing home that wasn't in the best shape and it was one of the hardest, and most rewarding things I have done. I baked cookies for a lot of them as the cafeteria food wasn't very good and they loved the treat! Thanks for the article it makes me want to find a new nursing home to visit where I've recently moved to. 5*