Most of the seniors I know are energetic and measure their self-worth in what they do and what they give. No matter how old they get, they still need to be needed. When they become the recipients of care, it can have a negative effect on how they feel about themselves. So, what can we do to keep them feeling good about themselves? 

Life for a caregiver is often lived at a frantic pace. There's so much to do and never enough time to do it in. Often we're in such a hurry we'd rather just do a chore rather than give our loved ones time to do it themselves. But we forget, they need to be active and they want to do what they can for as long as they can.

I always remember visiting a widow from our church in her neat little home. Granny loved working in the yard and cooking for anyone who came through her door. She was nearly blind when I came to know her but she always had a smile when she opened the door and always offered me something to eat or drink. She loved doing for others.

When she was in her mid-90's, dementia began to creep in and her family put her in a rest home. I went for a visit and found her sitting in a chair looking out of the room she shared with two other elderly women. They were bed fast and when my eyes glanced over at them, she said to me, "I try to help 'em, but I just can't seem to do 'em any good."

Even with all her infirmities, she still felt she should be helping . . . doing . . .making life better for others.

So how can we keep our loved ones feeling needed? There are so many tasks that elders can do that will keep them feeling productive and needed. Almost any elder can still fold clothes, sweep the porch, water house plants, put away the silverware, and read out loud to a child. While they may seem like small tasks, it can make an elder feel included in the activities of daily living and productive.

I sure hope when I get old and decrepit that my caregiver has the patience to let me do what I can as long as I can. Even if I can just sit in the rocker and put a baby to sleep, I know it will make me happy.

What tasks does your elderly loved one still enjoy doing? Share with us the things you encourage them to do that keeps them active and feeling needed.

If you or a family member is going through a crisis, I want you to know that you're not alone. The support and education you need is available at your finger tips from expert care professionals at Lutheran Homes of Michigan. You may talk to a real person who does have the answers, without any obligation by calling 989.652.3470 or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

---

Share this article with your friends...

| More...