There’s an old saying that you don’t know what you’ve got, until it’s gone. When it comes to loved ones, especially aging parents, that idea is downright heartbreaking.
It certainly doesn’t have to be that way. You can know good-and-well exactly how much a loved one means to you, right here and right now. When it comes to your aging parents, showing them how much you care doesn’t need to take a lot of time and money. It takes only a little bit of effort and it is one you will be happy you make time to do.
Let us share with you nine easy ways to say “thank you” to the seniors in your life!
1. Invite them over for a family meal. Make it easy, make it light, make it fun. And make it all about them. Try out a new recipe of their favorite food. Spruce up the dining table and break out the fine china. They’ll appreciate the gesture.
2. Surprise them with a quick phone call to see how their day is going. Remember, saying hi and listening is always preferable to calling because you want something.
3. Send a random thank you card. “Hey, remember that time you surprised me at school when I was kid, and took me to the movies when I was having a tough time? That always meant a lot to me. Thank you.”
4. Prepare some frozen or refrigerated meals and drop them off at their house. No special notice needed. Drop and go, it’s the thought that counts — not the recognition.
5. Buy a surprise gift. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Just let it communicate that you’ve been thinking about them.
6. Randomly stop by and clean up their house. If you have kids, then bring them along and put them to work. It’ll be fun, thoughtful and helpful.
7. Send flowers. Generally speaking, women love flowers. So bring your mother some. If you don’t know her favorite color by now, find out! Then either personally deliver or order a bouquet of her favorite colored flowers.
8. Look through old photos. Bring by some old photos and talk about the good ol’ days. You’ll be creating new memories as you do so.
9. Just tell them. Whether offering a toast at a fancy dinner, an embrace at a family event, or in a casual moment during some one-on-one time, just tell your older parent how much they mean to you.
Do you need more ideas? Do you have questions on how to support your elders in your family? Are you and your parents facing elder care challenges right now? Do not wait to contact our office and schedule an appointment so we may help you.
