Helping the Elderly with ComputersThrough experience, I have found that the best way to have the elderly or special needs people learn a computer is to start them on playing solitaire. They are then able to get use to the movements of the mouse and the drop down menu functions.
Have Friends and Family Check On Older ParentMy mother lives in our home and has several health issues. I ask friends or relatives to call and chat with her. This helps her feel valuable. At the same time it allows others to check on her status several times a day, while I am at work.
Caring For an Aging ParentI took care of my mother until she passed on and now I have the privilege of helping my father. My parents were always of the mindset to be prepared and it rubbed off on me, I suppose. They always took such good care of us growing up, so for me it was a no-brainer to take care of them.
Display Photos of Your Parents When They Were YoungerWherever your parent is living, prominently display framed photographs of him or her in younger days. Exhibit the parent looking glamorous, receiving professional recognition and achieving success in sporting events.
Caring for an Aging ParentI do not regret one moment of moving my mom in with me and having her last few years with me. I agree some times were very hard dealing with her Alzheimer's disease, however, family and friends can give you the breaks you need.
Program ICE Numbers in Parent's PhonesBy now you may all know about programming "ICE" in your cell phones, but have you also done something similar for your elderly parents?
Make Your Own Medicinal Chafing PowderDiaper creams are expensive and hard to apply and talcum powder is not advisable due to problems with breathing it. Make your own medicinal powder with cornstarch and zinc oxide powder.
Protecting a Mattress from Adult IncontinenceMy elderly father occasionally has an "accident" during the night. I have placed a quilted waterproof pad on top of the bottom sheet. If the bed is accidentally soiled during the night, all he does is toss the pad.
