It can be often overlooked in the midst of tasks, appointments and to-do lists. The house needs to be cleaned, meals need to be prepared, appointments need to be kept, and prescriptions need to be filled. Companionship during a visit to an elderly family member is not on the schedule.<\/p>\n
The dishes need to be washed; there isn\u2019t time to linger over a meal. The floor needs to be swept; there isn\u2019t time to sit and hear a story. The medication needs to be refilled; there isn\u2019t time for a stroll down the street. Life is full and time passes quickly; there isn\u2019t time for companionship.<\/p>\n
The truth is, caring for your loved one is not the only responsibility you have. You have your own appointments, your own responsibilities, and your own to-do lists that are already being pushed to the side.<\/p>\n
What if priorities changed? What if the to-do list wasn\u2019t the main purpose of a visit? What if conversation and connection became a priority?<\/p>\n
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I’ve had the privilege of sitting with elderly people and their family as we\u2019ve talked about care options. We discuss the to-do lists, but the services we offer don\u2019t stop at meal preparation, housekeeping and appointment keeping. In fact, while we do provide those services, what we believe in most is companionship.<\/p>\n
Memories are created not from completing the to-do list, but from nurturing relationships.<\/strong> Actually, the best memories happen when the to-do list is thrown out and room is created for connection.<\/p>\n Here are some practical ways you can offer connection and companionship to your loved one:<\/p>\n