February 17th may seem like any other day in the month. For most people, it is. For those who know it’s Random Act of Kindness Day, they’ll make sure they find a way to pay it forward. If you are unfamiliar with this special date, this article will help you understand how to help seniors and brighten their day.
None of these are expensive, or even very time-consuming. That’s because it really doesn’t take much to make someone’s day a little better. Kindness is free, and you have many ways you can go about using it!
Prepare their favorite meal
Everyone can agree that there is nothing better than a home-cooked meal. Fresh ingredients, the aroma of fragrant spices and seasonings, and also the effort of simply taking the time to prepare it.
Seniors tend to not get to cook as much as they used to. They have a family recipe that has not only been passed down for generations but was also something made with love. Find out what that recipe is, and with that, they can feel the same love they did when they themselves or a loved one once prepared it for them.
Bring them fresh flowers
The smell of fresh-cut lilies or gardenias can bring anyone at ease. Lavender is known for its stress-relieving benefits, an aromatic form of therapy. Not only do fresh flowers bring a pleasant experience for the nose, but the vivid colors and delicateness is something that can brighten up any room.
Even if you don’t know exactly what their favorite type of flower is, they will still appreciate the gesture and the thought. Even handpicked wildflowers would still mean a lot, being that you organized a unique bouquet all on your own!
Give them a book that they’d like to read
They say that knowledge is power, but what about reading for enjoyment? Many of us like to pick up a book from time to time and immerse ourselves into the life of a character in a story unfolding in a world that’s not like ours. Imagination comes to life in words, and with different genres at our disposal, there is no telling what kind of adventure we can embark on just by turning a page.
Give that same gift of adventure, by simply selecting a title that they might like. Fiction, non-fiction, biographical, romance, the categories can be endless, and if you don’t know what book to bring them, this helpful guide might be a good place to start.
Help them with an errand
Gifts are great, but sometimes just lending a helping hand is enough to make their day. Take them to a doctor’s appointment, or just asking them if they need anything if you’re heading out will let them know you’re thinking of them.
It can be harder for seniors to access areas outside of their home, and if they live in a senior living community. Being their right hand to bring them items or personally drive them somewhere is just enough to show them you are willing to make time for them.
Send them a card
Handwritten letters and notes are not as common these days. For seniors, they came from a time where it was the norm. Emails and phone calls are great, but anything handwritten just holds timeless value.
Just writing a quick note to let them know you care or hope they have a good day will make them feel appreciated. Not only at that moment, but anytime they take it out and can reread it. Choose a card or stationery that has a beautiful design, and take the time to make the message thoughtful.
Make Random Act of Kindness Day, every day
While some actions seem small, it’s the impact they have that become greater. Seeing the smile spread across the face of someone who needs it is something that many of us get a lot of fulfillment from. Just know that it doesn’t take much, there’s no need to overthink, but most importantly, don’t just limit it to February 17th.
At The Kensington, we strive to bring kindness and love to our residents every day. Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own. We provide for varying levels of care, with the same amount of compassion for their wellbeing and safety.
Visitors are always welcome and encouraged! We would love to have you visit and see what makes us different. If your senior loved one is in need of expert-level care, backed by kindness and love, The Kensington is your partner in the adjustment to assisted living or memory care. Give us a call today if you would like to learn more.
Further Reading:
Memory loss is life changing for all involved. At The Kensington, we provide a state-of-the-art memory care program, a higher staff-to-resident ratio than industry standards, and more advanced care services. Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
For additional resources regarding your loved one’s condition, please read on about our Memory Care, Alzheimer’s Care and Dementia Care.
Additional Recommended Reading:
- Differing Levels of Care in Elderly Couples
- 10 Creative Activities for a No Snow Winter
- The Signs of Memory Loss: When to Ask for Help
- When Senior Moments Become Something More
- Move-In Checklist
- Can Seniors Alter Their Genetic Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease?
- “The Memory Ensemble”: How Improv Helps Mild Memory Loss