Today marks National Senior Citizens Day, a day proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to recognize and celebrate the history, achievements and contributions of our older Americans.
At Cypress HomeCare Solutions, August 21st is a time for us to “pause” and celebrate the lives of our aging adult clients. We are fortunate to be in such a rewarding business where our caregivers are providing care for older adults in our community on a daily basis – enriching both their own lives and the lives of their clients. At Cypress, we provide compassionate care in the comfort of our client’s homes by preparing meals, driving them to appointments, assisting them with dressing and helping with everyday activities.
Here are some ways you can acknowledge and honor the senior citizens in your life, any day of the year:
- Empower the seniors in your life by encouraging them to exercise their independence, with your support. Provide reassurance, yet allow them to participate in their care.
- Listen to what they are saying. Show that you respect what they say and truly take their suggestions and comments into consideration.
- Ask your aging loved one how they would like help. Be aware of their limits but allow them to speak up with the care they need.
- Communicate by giving them a call, writing them a letter or even sending them an email. It may just make their day – and yours.
- Treat them to something special, like dinner or an activity they enjoy but don’t often get to do.
- Finally, don’t forget to say thank you!
As President Reagan expressed it:
For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older – places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity.
The landscape of caring for our aging loved ones is changing, and although President Reagan set aside this day almost a quarter century ago, its message remains relevant today. Let us celebrate and rejoice in our senior citizens together, and continue to create good experiences for our aging population.