Whenever you visit your elderly relatives, it is important to make sure that they do not come off as contrived. You want your elderly loved one to feel like an important part of your life, not just another duty. Fortunately, there are several ways to do this.
Considerations When Visiting Elderly Relatives
When visiting your elderly relative, it is important to make sure you remain respectful of their autonomy and capability. Do not be patronizing. Respect their authority in the home by taking cues from them or helping only if explicitly asked. Also, show patience and understanding as we all age differently. Some people might be slower at physical tasks, while others need more frequent reminders of familial events or dates. Finally, offer help when necessary with key tasks like cleaning, cooking meals, and running errands, so they can continue to feel independent despite limited mobility or declining capability.
Reasons to Visit That Don't Feel Contrived
There are several excuses to visit your elderly relative that don't feel contrived or forced.
Share a Meal Together
Have quality time spent enjoying family recipes and discussing the latest news and updates in each other's lives. Sharing a meal is a great way to do this when you haven't had the chance to sit down together for a while.
Announce Important Life Events
A homebound senior may struggle to get out of the house to attend important events, but that doesn't mean that they have to miss them completely. Stop by to make announcements or allow them to share in the joy of those moments. In some cases, you may also be able to help your loved one attend those key events.
Take Care of Tasks
Often, elderly individuals will struggle to take care of many of the activities they usually handled on their own. Stopping by to help with basic upkeep on the house, yard work, or even grocery shopping can allow valuable time together.
Bring Gifts
You could bring your elderly loved one small gifts like flowers or potted plants since small gestures of kindness often hold greater meaning than grand displays of affection when it comes from people close to them.
Share Memories
Stopping by to reminisce with elderly family members could be the best part of their day. Share important memories and moments, look through photos together, or invite senior loved ones to share their stories.
Get Extra Help Caring for Homebound Senior Loved Ones
When your senior loved one starts struggling to get out of the house at all, you may find additional care highly beneficial. For seniors in San Rafael, Belvedere Tiburon, Marin County, Mill Valley, and Sausalito, Senior Helpers Marin County can help. Contact us today to learn more about our home care services, including regular check-ins with elderly loved ones that can help ensure that they have everything they need.