Don't Forget The Elderly And Chronically Ill

With most of the country in an arctic freeze, we need to remember how difficult it may be for the elderly and those living with chronic illness. The harsh frigid temperatures make it difficult for them to get around in more ways than one. Below are just a few suggestions that may make life a little “warmer” for them:

1. Call a loved one that may be living in one of the states that are experiencing frigid temperatures. Let them know that you are going out to the store and if they would like you to pick something’s up for them while you are out.
2. Ask them if they need their walk way or driveway shoveled.
3. Ask them if they are staying warm. If they need extra blankets, or if their heat is working fine.
4. If they have a fireplace, offer to bring over some wood for them to burn.
5. If they do not drive themselves, offer to take them to the store or to a doctor’s appointment. Even if they do drive most of them do not like to drive when there is snow outside.
6. If your loved one lives far away and you are worried about them, make sure you have a neighbor’s phone number, or a local church number so that they can check on your loved one.
7. Most importantly, spend some time with them. As one with a chronic illness myself, with the weather being so harsh, I do not like to get out in this weather. At the same time I am going stir crazy as well. So give them a call and offer to come over for a cup of tea and chat with them. Bring a pot of soup/ or meal with you so they can have a warm meal. Many elderly who live by themselves do not cook for themselves. They just snack, so bringing a meal over or even having them over for dinner would be greatly appreciated.
   

These are just a few suggestions, but ones that will help make a loved one’s life a little brighter during these rough winter months.

Do you have any other suggestions? I would love to hear them.