Older Americans Month in 2023: Aging Unbound

The Caregiver Support Program of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging is recognizing and celebrating the month of May (as sponsored by the Administration for Community Living) to honor and support caregivers and the persons they provide care for. Currently, the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging has 92 caregivers in our program of respite and support throughout the 5 counties served by ENOA. Being a caregiver is clearly challenging, but also a rewarding and loving work. Each season of the year provides opportunities for caregiving activities, but here are some ideas for late Spring and Summer as suggested by the Henry Ford C.A.R.E. Program in Detroit.

• Sit outside, even if only for half an hour. Listen to the sounds of summer (taking into consideration the hearing abilities of your older adult). Sip something cool to drink. Have a bird feeder or bath within view. Put away the cell phones and TV for a while.

• Have summer foods prepared. Are there favorite foods you and your care receiver enjoy? Popsicles, melons, berries, as well as other favorite outdoor snacks, can bring back memories of past summers.

• People watch. Sometimes it’s fun to sit outside and just watch people walk or drive by.

• Catch a sunset or a sunrise (if you’re earlyrisers). Just as a picture is worth a thousand words, so is quietly watching the sun come up or go down.

• Have a barbecue. It’s not necessary, or maybe even workable, to have large gatherings for this. Eating outside can be a good way to spend time with your loved one.

• Go to the Park. Watch kids on the playground equipment. Have some ice cream if appropriate.

• Talk about past summers and share some memories if that’s possible.

• The person you are caring for, especially if dementia is involved, may not remember any of the activities you do with them the next day, but you and they can enjoy the moment. For more information and ideas for caregivers, visit this website: www. henryford.com/familycaregivers.