Practical Tips to Help You Engage Your Elderly Family Members

Many of us struggle to find meaningful ways to engage our elderly family members. Visits can seem daunting, especially if an aging loved one has memory deficits or a chronic health condition. Families with small children may find it challenging to visit the home of an elderly family member, knowing their home isn’t childproofed or filled with toys.

Family caregivers also can struggle to engage their elderly family members. When a family member becomes a caregiver, the focus shifts from relational to task-oriented. Time constraints make it difficult for the family caregiver to engage beyond completing care tasks.

It’s important for family members, especially family caregivers, to find meaningful ways to engage aging loved ones. Creating meaningful moments not only preserves the dignity of an elderly family member, but it can also strengthen the relationship. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are four practical tips to help families engage their elderly family members.

Revisit Familiar Pastimes

Hobbies are a fun way to pass the time with an elderly family member and can help bridge the gap between generations. They also provide the perfect opportunity to learn more about your aging loved one. Ask your loved one about hobbies or pastimes they once enjoyed, then find creative ways to revisit them together. Whether it’s building model cars or baking bread, having something to do together will help everyone look forward to the visit.

Reminisce

Starting and maintaining a conversation can be another challenge while visiting with an elderly family member. Before your next visit, think about topics both parties would enjoy so that the conversation doesn’t lag. Reminiscence works well, especially with relatives who may have dementia or memory loss. Ask open ended questions and give your relative time and space to respond. Some older adults take longer to formulate a response. A few reminiscence topics include favorite childhood memories, family vacations, holiday traditions, and raising children. If you can, flip through photo albums to enhance your conversation.

Create an Inviting Space

Family caregivers can help their elderly family members create an inviting space that keeps them and their guests comfortable. Focus on an area in the home that is spacious and provides easy access to the bathroom for your loved one. Don’t forget to consider outdoor space as well. Purchase a few child-appropriate toys, games, and books for grandchildren or great-children to play with while adults visit. Keep items organized in a basket. Ensure your loved one’s pantry is stocked with coffee, tea, and other snacks so they can offer their guests refreshments. Turn off the television and put devices away so that everyone remains present during the visit.

Always Include Your Loved One

It’s easy for family members to forget to include their elderly relatives in conversation when others are present. Family caregivers can also forget to include their aging loved one, especially when time is limited. However, including elderly family members in conversation and in tasks are two ways families can demonstrate their respect. Take a few minutes to fill in the missing pieces so that your elderly family member can follow a conversation. Ask your loved one for their input as you assist them with personal care or household tasks.

Visiting Angels Cape Coral - North Fort Myers understands the challenges of keeping an elderly family member engaged in conversation and in everyday life. If you are limited on time, let us help. We provide compassionate care at home so that your elderly relative can age in place. Our professional caregivers can assist with non-medical care needs, such as personal care or light housekeeping, giving you time to focus on your relationship with your loved one. When you can’t be present, our caregivers can ensure your loved one stays engaged in activities that are meaningful to them. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 239-226-1620.