Mother’s Day is the one day in the year especially set aside for Moms everywhere.  Don’t forget the grandparents!  When it comes to seniors, they love to be involved with the family.  But planning for Mother’s Day can have its challenges, especially when it involves seniors.  Whether it is games, going out to dinner, or picking that perfect gift for an elderly parent or Grandma, what are you planning for Mother’s Day?  It could be as simple as giving her flowers and a card.  Or your plans could be more complex, like a visit to pick up your grandparents and go out.  Make sure to plan something special to let the mothers and grandmothers in your life know just how special they are.

If you plan to head out, remember that elderly parents and grandparents need more time and sometimes special accommodations.  When taking the extra time to plan ahead, you can really make Mother’s Day that much more enjoyable for everyone.  Even if you have seniors that have Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other debilitating disease where mothers can’t comprehend what day it is and who you are, you can still plan a nice day.  For example, when caring for someone with a debilitating illness, solicit everyone responsible enough in attendance to help keep a watchful eye over her so no one is burdened with the sole responsibility of caring for your loved one.  To minimize the stress, don’t try to do too much and focus your activities on her beauty.  Enjoy the time together while it lasts.

When seniors have aches and pains, they will be slower.  And they may have walkers, canes, or other equipment to assist in getting around.  Be patient.  If you are going out to eat, remember to plan to get there early.  When making a reservation or arranging seating, ask about getting a table close to the door so your loved one doesn’t have to walk too much.  Try what you can to make movement for your seniors as easy as possible.

As you plan Mother’s Day activities for seniors remember that besides potential limitations in movement, energy levels may be lower.  Although some grandmothers may be up for a stroll around the neighborhood, many might be just as happy with playing cards or a board game.  Playing games is a great way for family to bond.  Try to choose a board game that multiple people can play, such as Yatzee, Life, or Chance.  Or play a card game that you can teach to younger ones, such as Crazy Eights or Go Fish.  And if you have some quiet time with grandma alone, you might be able to get in a game of Chess, Checkers, or Hearts.  If games are not her thing, she may prefer a movie such as Steel Magnolias, Forrest Gump, Dancing with Wolves, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, or one with her favorite actor.

As our senior population grows, the number of caretakers also grows.  This can make Mother’s Day more difficult when a caretaker is a family member.  If you or someone you know are caring for a senior parent or grandparent, consider bringing in someone to take care of your mother or grandmother the days before Mother’s Day to reduce stress.  Having even a little time away can help you better appreciate that special day with her.  Because We Care offers many in-home care services that can help you get away from your current duties so you can really appreciate Mother’s Day with your senior parent or grandparent.  For more information about Because We Care, visit their website at www.becausewecare.net or call 770-385-0300.

Article courtesy of:
Because We Care
Providing In-home Personal Care
www.becausewecare.net
770.385.0300