I have been caregiver for my precious mother almost seven years. Since August 21, 2007, I have been caring for her full time. During the years we've been together I have learned a lot about the elderly, or at least enough that I feel the need to share it.
On Friday, June 11, 2010, my mother will be 99 years old. We have planned a birthday party for her at Ryan's Restaurant in Enterprise, AL at noon. The balloons and cake are ordered. We hope she will be able to enjoy the day with all the family members, and extended family, who plan to celebrate with her. She has outlived all 17 of her brothers and sisters.
I have learned....
...elderly hearts are tender hearts that need to be guarded with tender care.
...just because a person is elderly does not mean they are senile.
...elderly people love attention and genuine conversation.
...elderly people enjoy talking and hearing about day to day things; small, insignificant things to us often are very important to them. Eyes seem to sparkle when hearing things of interest, especially about family members.
...elderly people enjoy company, any age, any time.
...elderly people like gifts. Gifts don't have to be expensive gifts. A bag of candy, honey buns, an apple, socks, a card with money in it are always welcomed gifts. Wrapped gifts are even more special.
...elderly people like to be touched and hugged gently. Many bruise easily and a gentle pat or hug with a tender greeting is sufficient. Squeezing the arms is a "no-no."
...elderly people like to be sincerely complimented.
...elderly people appreciate help getting dressed.
...elderly people appreciate any help given them.
...elderly people enjoy watching and petting pets, but not necessarily taking care of them. Never give a pet as a gift without first asking if they would like to have it and you know they are physically able to care for it.
...elderly people enjoy small children, but often are afraid the children might hurt them in some way. Many elderly people bruise easily and a fresh bruise causes lasting pain.
...elderly people like to do things they did when they were active, like going to worship, shopping, etc., even if they have to be pushed in a wheelchair.
...elderly people liked to be asked their advice on subjects, or brought into conversations on subjects about things they used to do.
...elderly people like to feel needed.
...elderly people like to get out of the house and go for rides on a car, sight seeing. Seeing new growth, animals in fields, groups of pretty trees, new businesses, new roads or things happening outside the confines of their world is always enjoyable to them. Going for a simple ice cream cone is very special to them.
...elderly people enjoy being quiet.
...elderly people enjoy rest.
...elderly people don't like to feel they are in the way.
...elderly people don't like to be pushed aside by someone younger rushing ahead of them. An example is waiting in line to speak to the preacher after services when someone breaks line ahead of them.
...elderly people have tender feelings that need to be protected.
...elderly people need reassurance they are wanted and needed.
...elderly people want to be loved and accepted just the way they are at any given time.
...elderly people enjoy the security of home and being with those they love.
...elderly people always want to go home.
...elderly people always want to go see their mother and daddy. They never stop loving their parents, no matter how many years it has been since they departed this life.
...elderly people like for their rooms to be kept clean and the bed made.
...elderly people like to hear the words "I love you," "I am so proud of you," "I'm so glad you are with me," etc.
...elderly people like to be assured that we will know each other in heaven.
These are some of the things I have learned about the elderly in my years of caring for my precious mother. God has blessed me beyond measure in giving me the opportunity to care for her during the final years of her life. My prayer is that He will bless me with good health and life, that I may be able to continue caring for her as long as she lives.
