Community: Making Time For Seniors

Q: Fall is such a busy family time with school and sports activities for our children, and work and home obligations for my husband and me. I’m guilty because I feel I’m neglecting my 72-year-old parents. I know they get lonely. What can I change to make more time for them?

A: Balancing work and family obligations is never easy for any families, especially those with young children and older adults. The first thing you should do is try to get organized. Do you have weekly and monthly family schedules? If not, sit down as a family and write down all the activities that you, your husband or children have planned. Keep everything on one calendar so you don’t get confused and let activities fall through the cracks.

By doing that, you might find places in your schedule where you can plan a fun activity or a visit with your parents.

Making your parents part of your routine…

Ask them to pitch in to take your son or daughter to school, sporting activities or practices. At the very least, they might like to attend as guests.

Your children could go to grandpa and grandma’s home to do homework.
When you dine, out why not invite your parents to join you?
Or take dinner to them if they’re not able to get out.

If your parents need assistance around their home or additional companionship, consider hiring someone to come to their house. Home Instead Senior Care’s CAREGivers may be just what your mom and dad need to add a new dimension to their lives.

In addition to serving as companions, CAREGivers can…

Help with meal preparation and light housekeeping
Medication reminders
Errands and shopping

(Information submitted by Tom Chuchmach, Home Instead Senior Care. Tom can be contacted at 905.847.8433.)

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