There are few things that bring joy into the heart of a grandparent like visiting with their grandchildren (or great grandchildren) does! Grandchildren seem to have boundless energy, something your aging veteran may not be able to keep up with. There are still fun ways to spend quality time together even when existing health concerns of the grandparents make it hard for them to keep up physically with the very young children.
Here are some tips for finding appropriate activities:
1) Ask both the grandparents and children what they would like to do. Sometimes it’s just that simple. Your aging veteran is probably well aware of what his limitations are and what kind of activities he may be comfortable in participating in. Explain the limitations to the grandchildren and they can come up with some very creative ideas. Even though granddad with arthritis can’t play tag, he could be the home base where the children count and when they can’t find each other, he could give little hints.
2) Children could go along with their grandparents on their daily routines. For example, bringing children along to help granddad in the grocery store, or for their daily walk around the block. Most young children enjoy strolling along with their grandparents because it’s easy to keep up with them. The little ones have short legs and don’t have to run to keep up like they do with an energetic adult walking quickly.
3) Neighborhood parks are a good place for grandparents and their grandchildren to spend time together. For very young children, there should also be some younger adults to run and catch them should they decide to wander off. For a larger family group, take along a picnic lunch and a comfortable chair for your elderly veteran to sit in the shade so he can enjoy watching the youngsters running around.
Grandparents always seem to enjoy spending time with their family no matter how elderly they are. It gives them a thrill to see how the young ones grow up so quickly and talks to the older children about what is going on in their lives, what school grade they are in, who their friends are, what their favorite subject is, etc. It’s a special time to spend quality time together and bring much happiness both to the children and to your aging veteran. The emotional nourishment it gives your elderly loved one is a very essential part of life.
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
