Grandparents are essential to every family’s life, and we must do what we can to make their lives easier as they age. Grandmas and grandpas often have a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be passed down to the next generation, and they can provide a great deal of support and comfort to us. Likewise, as they age, we can give them a great deal of appreciation by cherishing and celebrating their presence at home. Here’s what we can do to cherish the precious moments we have remaining with them.
1 Make Sure they are Comfortable at Home
No one wants to see their grandparents struggling to get around in their home. If mobility is a big issue, installing a home elevator and/or a ramp might be a good idea. There’s a range of spectacular residential elevators on the market. Contrary to what many think, they’re affordable, considering how much they can change a person’s life. Next, think about seating and create a corner in the home with comfortable seating and footstools or ottomans. Another thing you can do to make your grandparents more comfortable is to arrange their furniture so it’s easy for them to get around. For example, you might want to move their bed closer to the door so they don’t have to walk as far when getting up in the morning.
2 Arrange Regular Visits from Friends and Family
Grandparents often feel isolated and alone after their children move away. One way to combat this loneliness is to encourage regular visits from friends and family. This can be something as simple as monthly brunch or coffee dates or taking a walk around the neighborhood together. They will appreciate the company, and it will give everyone a chance to catch up on what’s happening in their lives.
3 Help them Stay Connected to Technology
Unfortunately, as people age, they may find it harder to stay connected to technology. Families need to take steps to help their senior loved ones stay connected. One way to do this is by setting up a shared family account with iCloud or another cloud service. This will give them access to any device’s photos, videos, and other files. You can also create a shared calendar so they can keep track of events and appointments. Another way to help your grandparents stay connected is by getting them a smartphone or tablet. These devices are easy to use and have many features that can be helpful for seniors.
4 Up to Date Calendar with Appointments
It’s essential to keep track of all appointments – from doctor visits to lunch dates – and using a calendar is the best way to do that. Depending on the person’s tech skills, you can choose between a paper calendar and having an online setup where reminders can be set up. The latter is the better option, and Google calendar is as good as any other calendar app.
