'Holiday Check' on Elderly

It’s that joyous time of year again
...when we visit elderly parents and friends.

It’s also a good time to do a ‘holiday check’ to be sure things are OK:

• Is there adequate and nourishing food in the refrigerator, for one week?
• Also some fresh fruit and vegetables?
• Do you see a supply of canned goods in the pantry?
• Does refrigerator and stove/oven need cleaning?
• Should you remove scatter rugs? Better safe than sorry.
• All medications up to date? Prescriptions to be filled?
• Any noticeable changes in appearance?
• Wearing dirty clothes? Clothes stacked up to be washed?
• If there’s a dryer, be sure the lint trap is cleaned.
• Is the bathroom clean and safe?
• Check the tub, shower, toilet and sink for cleanliness.
• Should bed sheets and pillowcases be washed?
• Any bills to be paid?
• Is there a new filter in the furnace?
• Is the setting on hot water heater a reasonable temperature?

A good holiday gift for the elderly still living at home:

• Arrange for someone to clean once a month.
• Give a gift certificate from the supermarket.
• Books, DVDs, magazine subscriptions
• House slippers with rubber soles
• Warm robes/make sure they are NOT too long...to avoid tripping.

The gift Mom liked most was several gift certificates from the supermarket.

I wish you all a blessed holiday season.
...Rebecca


“Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow’s a mystery.
And today? Today is a gift.
That’s why we call it the present.”
.....B. Olatunji