It’s hard to think about our elderly relatives and not feel an overwhelming sense of guilt. We often picture them alone, in a nursing home, or living with family members who are stretched thin, dealing with their own lives and struggles. We know that they need us, but we can’t always be there for them in the way that we want to be.
But even if you can’t be there in person every day, there are still ways that you can help your elderly relative feel loved and supported. Here are six things you can do to make a difference in their life, no matter where you are:
Help Them Manage Their Finances
One of the most important ways that you can help your elderly relatives is by helping them to manage their finances. This can be difficult for them, especially if they live far away from you, but there are a few things that you can do to make it easier.
One thing you can do is protect them from nursing home costs. Nursing homes are expensive, and many people end up having to pay out-of-pocket for them. But if you set up a trust or use other legal measures, you can protect your loved ones from having to pay these high costs.
According to experienced lawyers from Okura & Associates, setting up these types of legal protections requires special knowledge and expertise, so be sure to consult an attorney. Another thing you can do is help them apply for Medicaid.
Medicaid is a government program that helps people with low incomes pay for medical expenses. If your elderly relative qualifies, then Medicaid will help to cover the cost of their nursing home care.
Offer Transportation Services
One of the biggest challenges our elderly relatives face is getting around. They may not be able to drive anymore, and public transportation can be difficult to navigate. This can leave them feeling isolated and alone. But there are ways that you can help them get around town, no matter where you live.
One way is to offer transportation services. You can drive them to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, or other places they need to go. This can be a huge help for them, and it will give you a chance to spend time with them and chat.
Plus, it will free up their family members so they can focus on their own lives. If you don’t live close by, or if you’re unable to drive, there are other options available too. You could hire a personal driver for your elderly relative, or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft.
These services are affordable and easy to use, and they provide a great opportunity for socialization.
Help Them Stay Connected With Friends and Family Members
Keeping in touch with family and friends is important, but it can be difficult for our elderly relatives. Technology can be confusing and intimidating, but there are ways that you can help them stay connected without having to deal with complicated gadgets.
One way is by setting up a video chat on Skype or Facetime. It’s easy to use, and it allows your relatives to reconnect with their loved ones no matter where they are. You could also set up a Facebook page for them so they can keep up with what their friends and family members are doing.
Social media is a great way to stay connected, even if your relative isn’t the most tech-savvy person in the world. Finally, you could help them set up an email account, or sign them up for a service like Grandma’s Mail, so they can send emails to their loved ones.
Encourage Them To Take Advantage Of Senior-Friendly Activities
our elderly relatives must stay active and engaged. This can be difficult if they are living in a nursing home or if they don’t have access to social activities. But there are plenty of senior-friendly activities that they can take advantage of, no matter where they live.
Encourage them to get involved with a local senior center or other community organization. Most cities have centers specifically designed for seniors, and these places offer classes, lectures, workshops, and other activities geared toward older adults.
It’s a great way for your elderly relative to meet new people and make new friends. You could also help them find volunteer opportunities in the area. Volunteering is great for seniors, as it gives them a sense of purpose and helps them stay connected with their community.
Finally, you could help your relative find an appropriate physical activity program, like chair yoga or water aerobics. Exercise can be beneficial for people of all ages, but it’s especially important for our elderly relatives. It can help to keep them healthy and active, while also giving them something fun to do each day.
Provide Companionship
Our elderly relatives often feel isolated and lonely, but there are ways that you can help them to stay connected and engaged. One of the best things you can do is spend time with them. This doesn’t have to be a big commitment—you could just take a walk together or chat over lunch once a week.
Having someone they can talk to and spend time with can make all the difference in their lives. It allows them to connect with another person, which is essential for our mental health no matter what age we are.
So, if your relative lives close by, try to make time for regular visits or phone calls—it will mean the world to them, and it will give you both something. Even if you don’t live close by, try to stay in touch with your elderly relative as much as possible.
A simple phone call or email can make a huge difference in their day. Show them that you care and let them know they’re not alone. They’ll appreciate it more than you could ever imagine!
Help Them Find Appropriate Resources
The internet can be an overwhelming place, and it can be difficult to find the resources that our elderly relatives need. That’s why it’s important to help them find appropriate websites or services that will provide them with the information they need.
There are plenty of helpful websites and apps out there specifically designed for older adults, so take the time to research what’s available in your area. You could also look into local organizations or programs tailored toward seniors.
These programs typically offer assistance with health care, financial aid, housing, transportation, and more. It’s a great way for your relative to get access to social activities and other resources that may be beneficial for their overall well-being.
You could also help them apply for any programs or grants they may be eligible for, such as those offered by the government or local charities.
No matter what resources your relative needs, it’s important to take the time to find appropriate services and organizations that will meet their unique needs. Your help and support can make all the difference in their lives!
Taking care of our elderly relatives can be difficult and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of simple ways that you can provide them with the help and support they need, from providing companionship and helping them find appropriate resources to encouraging them to take part in senior-friendly activities.
Your efforts will mean more than you know and will go a long way toward making their later years as enjoyable, comfortable, and meaningful as possible. So, take the time to show your elderly relative that you care and let them know they’re not alone. It will make a lasting impact on both of your lives.
