Happy Summer to you all! It certainly was a long, snowy winter. I do enjoy the change of seasons as long as winter is shorter than the others! The winter reminded me of winter when I was young when it seemed like there was a lot of snow and much playing outside. Now, Kathy and I enjoyed a break seeing our son, Austin in LA and enjoyed the warmth and his continued successes.
I think of our older people in our lives and marvel at their resilience even with snowy winters! I watch how they have slowed down some but continue to live full lives. I think the key is adaption. The ability to change, maneuver and think differently to “keep up” with the times. I remember when I was young that we would talk to my grandparents once a week on the black, heavy phone. We needed to keep the conversations short as it was expensive to call long distances. Letter writing was encouraged. Now, we can call on the cell phone, landline, Face Time, etc. or even use What’s App if they are out of the country to stay connected. The possibilities are endless to stay in communication these days.
Perhaps one of your own is being cared for by others whether it be a nursing home, assisted living community, live in congregate housing, or remain in their own home. It may be an idea to set up a scheduled time to talk and check in if you cannot visit regularly. It will give the senior something to look forward to. The staff can help get the person ready for the call with electronic device needed. It can help lessen any frustration of missed communicating with the person. If it is a FaceTime call, the carers can encourage them to look their best and wear something nicer than PJ’s, maybe put on some makeup, and brush their hair. It can prepare them and they can think about things to talk about like asking about our kids, or what we are doing, future plans, travel plans, and “when are you coming to see me?”
Also, as a guide, try to keep the conversations positive. Things like, “Wow, you look and sound great!” And reminiscing about great times in the past but not to dwell too much on them to create any depression or anxiety. Try to keep the conversations shorter, i.e., for about 20 minutes, but watch and listen for cues if you feel the senior is finished with the conversation. Try not to drag it out for the sake of satisfying our conscience. One more note, if you are concerned about the care of your senior and cannot visit in person, make random calls or Face Time calls to ensure care is being carried out as prescribed and instructed.
If you see or hear a change in your elderly person’s condition either physically or mentally, then we can help! We can discuss the various options with you for home care. We customize a schedule to fit the elder’s needs and wishes. From grocery shopping to end of life care, we provide both nurses and caregivers to assist where and when needed, which best suits the senior and their family members. From post-surgical care, medication management, injections, client advocacy with health care providers, memory care, showering, bathing, toileting, dressing, feeding, meal preparation, light housekeeping and companionship, Geron can provide the care needed for our seniors to remain in our community.
If you are looking for home care, please call the office on 860-354-7698. We will be happy to talk with you!
We look forward to hearing from you!
