Simple Ways to Have a Rewarding, Loving Relationship with Your Parent

By Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP | August 4, 2016 | Comments Off on Simple Ways to Have a Rewarding, Loving Relationship with Your Parent
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Caregiver in Scotch Plains NJ

As our parents age and sometimes develop diseases or illnesses, it sometimes becomes hard to know how to talk or socialize with them. And let’s face it, it would be unfortunate if you didn’t take Caregiver-in-Scotch-Plains-NJadvantage of their golden years and time you still have with them.

There are many ways in which you can accomplish that. Here are some suggestions.

  • How well do you really know your parent? You’ve known them all your life, but do you know things about their youth, early adulthood, military service, work, etc. Ask them questions that encourage them to share stories of their younger years. As a family caregiver, your hands are full, to be sure, but sometimes just spending time and engaging them in conversation can mean the most.
  • As they’re sharing stories and special memories with you, you could jot them down. It’s a great way to preserve family history—for you and them.
  • During a visit, why not bring along a family photo album or scrapbook? As your loved one tells you about each item, perhaps you could write down a short description or caption of it. Be sure to include names if you’re not familiar with some of the folks in photos.
  • Instead of just preparing their meal for them, actually dine with them, then maybe watching a favorite movie of theirs afterward.
  • If getting out is challenging for them, or they no longer drive, when you’re running errands for them or yourself, take them along for the ride. It’s get them out of the house and gives you quality time at the same time.
  • Discover their passion. Do they love to write poetry? Do they enjoy singing or drawing? What about birdwatching or cooking? Whatever their passion is, ask them questions about it. Better yet, join them in the activity. Who knows, it might become a passion of yours, too.
  • What did they do for a living and what skills do they have? Asking them about their work is a great way to share with them, while learning something at the same time. Maybe they have a skill like woodworking, sewing, kitting, or something else that they could teach you.
  • Make some artwork or craft together. It can be almost any kind of craft, water-color painting together, even coloring in a coloring book can be fun, no matter one’s age.
  • Listen to music from their era together and let them tell you what memories certain songs may elicit.
  • If you have family videos, perhaps watch them together. If their memory is slipping, this could be something that helps jog some fond memories for them.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional caregiver services in Scotch Plains, NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

 

Source: www.dailycaring.com

Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP
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