Five Great Things You Can Do For A Senior

Ways to Help a Senior Live a Healthier, Happier, More Fulfilling Life 

Ever wonder what more you could do to help a senior in your life? Perhaps it’s a family member, a friend, or a neighbor who you’d like to ‘be there’ for and do something nice? There are many ways one can assist the elderly, and many times simply lending an ear to conversation can be the most valuable, but here are a few other ideas…

5 Great Things You Can Do For A Senior

1. Help with a Home Safety Audit
   It’s well-known that more accidents occur at home than anywhere else. When it comes to seniors, the numbers are even higher. Statistics show that falls are the cause of 70 percent of accidental deaths to people over the age of 75 and 40 percent of all nursing home admissions.
   
   One way to prevent falls is to arrange for a professional home safety audit for your senior loved one’s home. The audit will identify areas of concern and offer recommendations. You can also simply take a look around the house the next time you visit. Check to see that rugs are wrinkle-free and edges are firmly tacked in place. If there are area rugs, make sure there are no-slip pads beneath them.
    
2. Show a Senior How to use New Technologies
   Remember the first time you used a computer or tried to program your cell phone, VCR, DVD or cable? It isn’t as easy as you’d think. Instruction manuals are printed in small type and the tiny buttons on remotes and digital equipment make following the instructions even harder.
   
   Many seniors are techno-savvy. But those who aren’t are often afraid of new technologies and frustrated by the equipment and manuals. You can help your senior loved one enjoy a whole new world of communication and information by taking the time to determine what kind of equipment they have and finding out what they know and where they are having difficulties, then provide assistance.
    
3. Create Opportunities to Socialize and Learn
   Loneliness, boredom, and apathy are common emotions that plague seniors. The death of a spouse and distance from friends and family members can leave seniors lonely and isolated. Poor health or disabilities may prevent them from getting out of the house and socializing.
   
   Sitting home in front of the television day in and day out is no substitute for engaging with others and exchanging ideas, especially when hundreds of courses and activities are available at community centers, colleges and non-profit organizations. Get a catalogue and review the courses with them. With all the choices, there is bound to a class or program that sparks their interest.
   
   Perhaps they have a hobby, such as fishing or shuffleboard. Invite them along the next time you’re heading out to the lake or recreational complex. Offer to take them to church, or take in a movie. In the end, it doesn’t really matter what you do. It’s the fact you’ve taken the time and effort to include them and your interaction that counts.
    
4. Provide Pet or Vet Assistance — Pets are family too.
   Studies show that people who have pets live longer and healthier lives. Having a dog or cat to care for keeps seniors active and emotionally fulfilled. If you’re pet-friendly, perhaps buy your senior loved one’s pet a toy, or tag along during walks. You can also make sure pets are being properly fed and groomed. Offer to pet sit, take pets to the groomer or in for annual vaccinations.
    
5. Help Organize a Garage Sale.
   When seniors decide to move into more senior-friendly housing, or move closer to kids and grandkids, one of the first steps is to get rid of all that excess stuff they’ve accumulated over the years. Garage sales are a tried-and-true way of doing that.
   
   The key to a successful garage sale is planning. The longer you spend collecting, pricing and organizing items for your sale, the more successful it will be. Choose a weekend date that won’t conflict with holidays or other special events that might distract prospective customers. Try to schedule your sale to coincide with other neighbors’ sales. More sales equal more customers. Cluster things in categories. Place the most desirable items in the back of the garage so browsers have to look at your other merchandise on their way to the most popular items.

 

If you’re presently seeking a senior apartment, independent-living, assisted-living, or other continuing-care community for yourself or a senior loved one, don’t forget to visit alternativesforseniors.com to assist your search. Or call an Alternatives for Seniors Senior Specialist at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747).

 

BLOG Date: Thursday, October 23, 2014
Writer: Ryan Allen