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Remember ME - You Me and Dementia
July 9, 2009
USA: Spending quality time with a senior citizen is a BLAST!
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WASHINGTON DC /Examiner.com / Family & Parenting / July 9, 2009
By Lori Burdoo
Silver Spring Elder Care Examiner
Laughing with a Senior is good for everyone's soul: Mom, John and me.
Ever read Tuesdays With Morrie? If not, click the link to pick up a copy at Amazon.com and get reading! This fabulous story relates the tales of a man who spent Tuesdays with one of his favorite former teachers as the teacher was approaching his last years of life - the lessons learned by the writer resonate throughout the book.
As we ourselves age, daily life frequently takes us away from the things that are truly important, such as spending time with aging parents. With our own offspring demanding attention and the hustle and bustle of our own daily lives, it's even more important to set aside time to spend with elderly loved ones. After all, how many adult children get a chance to really know their Mother or Father on an adult level? Taking the time to 'date' Mom or Dad once a week will make for some fantastic memories.
Below are a few ideas for dating a senior citizen.
~~Invite the senior to dine out once a week~~
Set aside a specific day and time to have dinner with an elderly loved one - make it a standing date, each and every week. If at all possible, private one-on-one time is wonderful and a great way to really foster a deep relationship. Taking an elderly loved one to a restaurant which holds memories for them will ensure that they impart some interesting information as they relate their past experiences. Mrs Kay's Toll House is a Washington landmark and largely unchanged from days of old - anyone over the age of 50 probably had lunch dates there back in the day!
Another good spot which is a long-standing Glenmont landmark for pizza is The Stained Glass Pub. Visit the website and click on 'coupon' to get a $3.00 off pizza coupon. Just print it and go!
~~Drop by the house for coffee~~
There's nothing more enchanting than to let a senior citizen know that a drop-by visit is just because they were being thought of. Take along some bagels or favorite pastries to share and sit on the front porch and chat for just 15 minutes or so. Their day will surely be brightened, as will yours.
~~BINGO!~~
Then there's a trip to the Bingo parlor. Purchasing just a few cards for a few games will break up the senior citizen's daily routine. There are many fabulous bingo parlors in the area and it's easy to find a parlor or two in a city nearest you. Visit the Maryland Bingo Halls website to narrow down your choices.
There are many creative ways to enjoy senior citizens. Taking the time to really get to know them will be rewarding for all involved. And, most of all, you'll have no regrets when the time comes to say goodbye. [rc]
Lori Burdoo is an Examiner from Washington DC. As the primary caregiver for her 92 year old momma (Gertie), Lori has learned, sometimes the hard way, how to make life easier for senior citizens. Lori and Gert live with their pack of five dogs and one very confused cat.
Lori's E-mail: gerties.galavants@gmail.com
Copyright © 2009 Clarity Digital Group LLC
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