A Sense of Self Worth

When elderly people feel they cannot produce and become independent, they lose their sense of worth and lust for life. Though they have provided for others all their lives and deserve to be on the receiving end, it is hard to give up the role that made them feel good about themselves.

As the care giver you may help elderly people stay independent by letting them do as much for themselves as they can. Waiting on them may be more detrimental to their health than having them get up out of a chair and do for themselves. Reason is the important moderator here.

Mental stimulation and good nutrition helps them stay vital. Interaction is so  important and is often not available to them as they become less mobile. Popping in on an elderly person may be the best thing you can do -- even for a few minutes each day.

Many elderly people who are inactive often feel cold. A microwave heating pad may help stimulate Maine Warmers' microwave heating pad in the shape of a Sheep offer comforting companionship. A gift of a Dachshund Dog that never has to be walked or fed may be the perfect gift for an elderly person who has cold hands or feet -- even in the summer.
circulation and help them through a difficult time with surgery or illness when their activity level is diminished.

Helping an elderly relative

Helping an elderly relative may mean letting them do more for themselves. Yes, you might be able to help do a chore faster, and your intentions are purely to lend a hand, but if it is something the person can safely do for him or herself it might be better to back off. The more one can do for oneself, the more independent one feels. Confidence in elderly people diminishes as activities become more limited.

Being physically active (as is reasonable) can help circulation, flexibility, and balance. Exercise classes for the elderly help to keep muscle mass and provide some social interaction, which can be a challenge as age increases and mobility decreases.

The biggest help is to provide positive human interaction, to make sure the elderly person has fun and laughs as much as possible in the right situations. Encouraging conversation and storytelling, by asking questions about experiences with travel, school, and noteworthy events can help. Keep it light and fun – steering the conversation away from sadness if it creeps in.

Sometimes elderly people feel cold even when the inside temperature is 75 to 80 degrees because blood circulation may not be as vigorous as it once was. A microwave heating pad can provide comforting warmth and help stimulate circulation and flexibility. A gift of a Cozy Sheep, sometime referred to as a Cuddle Ewe, brings comforting warmth and companionship – perfect for an elderly person. It’s reusable, washable, durable, and safe. You can check out a variety of comforting creatures, including a Cozy Cat or Dachshund Neck Warmer for just the right one to bring a smile.

Tips for communicating with elderly parents

Talking with an elderly parent about their needs, fears, and frustrations can go a long way in helping to care for them. Communication and understanding is key to helping them through the aging process. Allowing parents to do as much as they can for themselves, for as long as possible, helps them emotionally and may save the caretaker extra work.

When you talk with your elderly parents, even though some of the issues are serious, try to keep the tone of the conversation light. Ask what they want as they continue their journey through their later years. Let him or her talk about the experiences they've had that influenced the way they do things or want their lives to be. Listen more than you talk.

Discussing finances with them is critical. Respecting their wishes and decisions, as long as they are reasonable and safe, is important to their well being. As long as parents are mentally capable of making decisions, then they need to be included.

Teaching parents about not giving out financial information to solicitors on the phone or at the door, no matter how nice the person seems, is vitally important. Even if phone solicitors claim to represent a utility company or a reputable organization, it is important for elderly parents to know to not give credit card or other personal information to them.

Resources
 
1.  OnlineOrganizing.com offers tips on organization in an article, Caring for Elderly Parents by Ramona Creel.
 
2.  Elder Care
 
3.  GRAND!times.com
 
If your elderly parent feels cold – even in the middle of summer – it may have to do with poor blood circulation and lack of physical activity. It’s worth a check with his or her physician (if the condition has not already been checked out). A microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers helps relax stiff muscles, stimulates blood circulation, improves flexibility.. A Cozy Sheep or Black Bear provides comforting companionship along with nurturing warmth.