Times like this make us think and act differently. We have to find new ways to contact with each other; Ask new questions, share fun stories, goals, and laughter. No matter what age you are, we all need a little extra love and attention while we are isolated from our immediate family. The residents of Orchard View have a few suggestions for your senior family member, whether they live in a seniors’ community or in their family home. These will keep everyone happy, healthy and living life. We hope you enjoy them too.
- Help them to pay bills. Set them up online or go to the bank for them.
- Pick up their groceries list.
- Independent has a wonderful delivery service through CareBridge free to seniors.
- Build them a pick up/ drop off box with your grand /kids.
- Provide them with a device to face time.
- Ask your family to send pictures and stories of your Mom/Dad or parents. Put together a photo album for them to look through and enjoy.
- Drop off a care package like in college: deodorant, tooth paste, their favourite cookies or snack, milk, canned food, a funny picture, use your imagination.
- Window Signal cards: Red means; help, Yellow means; need an errand run, Green means; we are ok!
- Have the pharmacy put their medications in blister packs and delivery.
- Create a physical challenge for each week. For example: walk around the house 4x/day or do a strength and balance exercises.
- Create date nights for your parents: drop off dinner and a movie. Or find their favourite music on TV or drop off a CD they can play.
- Ask them to name 4 things you; use to like to do, are most proud of, etc.
- Have your grandchild interview them. Like they would do in school.
- Ask your loved one to write instructions for those lost arts that our generation doesn’t do anymore: e. darn socks, tie knots, make bread by hand, preserves or pickles, build a fence, sharpen a hand saw, etc.
- Send them a letter in the mail. Include a scratch ticket in there if they like that.
- Have each family member take turns calling them weekly to check in.
- Have them write down their advanced care plan using the tool at https://www.speakupontario.ca/resources-for-individuals-and-families/
- Ensure that they have their Will updated, and Power of Attorney’s for both health and financial in place and current.
- Find out their charities of choice and make a donation in their name. Most charities will send a thank you and notification of your donation.
- Drop off their favourite book, author, a new book of sudoku, jigsaw puzzles (come by and we will give you some!), crosswords, etc.
- Get a family quiz going: If everyone is on email, messenger, text, group chats, send out a daily trivia question. Keep score if you want and the end of the week celebrate together through the app.
- Plan out yard duty that will be coming soon enough. (I hope!)
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