Let’s be honest, supporting an elderly relative can feel a bit like taming a gentle dragon: they’re wise, often wonderful, and occasionally prone to unexpected outbursts of fire. But you know what? Keeping those glorious golden oldies in your life happy, healthy, and – hopefully – scandal-free can be done, and more than that, it can be fun…
Give Them Something to Do (Other Than Watch the News)
First off, if you value your sanity, encourage them to do more than stare at the telly and complain about the weather. Many older relatives adore a spot of meaningful activity. Volunteer projects, gardening, or even the local choir can be an absolute game-changer. Sure, they might grumble that “it’s not like it was in my day,” but once they start socialising, they’ll probably make new friends faster than you can say “custard creams.”
Hear Them Out (Yes, Even That One Story They Repeat a Lot)
Listening is the most underrated way to show support. Ask about their childhood, request the dreaded family recipe for treacle pudding, or simply nod sympathetically as they recount their many “when I was your age” tales. Elderly relatives often want reassurance that they’re still valued. And it’s not all about them being “stuck in the past.” There’s pure gold in their anecdotes – plus, you may discover intriguing family secrets (or at least some shocking tales from the 1960s).
Get Creative with Care Options
Sometimes, our beloved oldies need more help than we can realistically offer in the spare room. Enter the modern miracles of residential, nursing, dementia, and respite care home. These aren’t the grim, stony-faced places your gran might remember from decades ago. Many are wonderfully welcoming, even fun, with activity coordinators who’ll have them dancing to old Beatles tracks or crocheting trendy blankets in no time. Be sure to involve your relative in decisions about care – they’ll appreciate being treated like the family VIP rather than a houseplant you can stick on a windowsill.
Technology: Helping Them Swipe Right on Life
When you can’t physically pop in for a cuppa, technology is your lifeline. Teach them to video call. Show them how to Google the grandkids. Carefully (very carefully) introduce them to social media and online video calls if they seem keen. Be warned: if your nan starts tweeting sassy remarks at politicians, you’ll know you’ve created a monster. But you’ll also be giving them the chance to stay connected to the wider world, which is priceless.
Wield Your Secret Weapon: Humour
Finally, don’t forget to have a laugh. Supporting elderly relatives can be heavy work if you let it. Instead, embrace the silly moments: crack jokes, pull pranks, watch cheesy comedies together, or challenge them to a sing-along (just keep earplugs handy). A good sense of humour breaks tension, keeps things light, and reminds everyone that age is just a number – especially if you plan to reach that ripe old age yourself, dear reader.
The elderly relatives we love and hold dear deserve our love and support, so do right by them, embrace the journey, and you won’t regret a thing!
Image: Pexels – CCO Licence
