All too often our culture focuses on the power and appeal of youth. Each year, however, the Administration on Aging encourages the nation to come together to celebrate the strength, vitality and beauty of older adults. This year’s Older Americans Month is your opportunity as a family caregiver to encourage your aging loved one to “Unleash the power of aging”. If you have been providing home care for an aging loved one, make May your time to honor your aging loved one for the years he has lived, the wisdom he has gained and the continued contribution he makes to society.
The Administration on Aging holds Older Americans Month each year in an effort to bring honor, awareness, and enthusiasm to elder care. This month, unlike other observations, is not about the people who care for aging adults, but the seniors themselves. Rather than focusing on the care they receive and the efforts to help them through their challenges and limitations, Older Americans Month is about celebrating the power and value of seniors.
There are many ways you can help the aging adult for whom you provide home care participate in Older Americans Month. Some ideas include:
- Find organizations in need of volunteers and encourage your aging loved one to get involved volunteering within the community.
- Find speaking opportunities that allow your loved one to teach others with the wisdom and knowledge he has gained over the years.
- Find a new hobby or activity for your aging loved one. Contact the elder care community center or agency in your area to find out more about the clubs, activities or groups available.
- Find civic opportunities for your aging loved one. Start a community organization, or encourage your loved one to seek leadership roles within an existing organization.
Older Americans Month is the chance for you to ensure your aging veterans lives the happiest, healthiest and most productive lifestyle possible. Just because your veteran is getting older doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have plenty more to contribute to society, and plenty more life to live. This month-long observation is about encouraging activity, excitement and high quality of life in your aging loved one so they can see the value they continue to offer to the community. Sometimes our aging veterans feel looked over, but this May you can join up with the rest of the nation in telling your aging loved one that he is not forgotten, but rather loved, acknowledged and appreciated.
For more information on the VA Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit that helps senior veterans pay for in-home care services, or if you have a general question about VA Home Care, please don’t hesitate to call Veterans Home Care at 888-314-6075.
