During my 28 years employed as a nurse, many of those were working with the elder population. In those many years, I observed the lack of hydration, decline in socialization, less activity, many medications and in many cases, poor nutrition.
With recent changes in health care, I have to wonder about the body, mind, and spirit wellness of our elderly population. I also remind myself that even though I don’t like to admit it, I am a member of that population!
For yourself, or for the elder family member or friend, please consider the following:
- Do not use throw rugs or area rugs.
- Use non-skid tape runners in the shower and bathtub
- Use nightlights in the hallways and dark areas for getting up at night
- Call these folks to say Hello and offer to shop for them
- Perhaps some of these folks have had to give up attending a place of worship and would like to go
- A social visit would be great!
- Often, these folks no longer bake or cook as they used to, so a small loaf of banana bread, jar of homemade jam of ½ dozen cookies would bring a smile to their face
- Drop them a note recalling an event of the past. Thank them for a kindness they showed you in the past.
The health of one’s spirit is as important as the body and mind. Lift someone’s spirit by showing them you care.