My grandfather has been very sick since February. After back and forth to the hospitals and rehabs to get him better and home, he still needs alot of care and rehab. He is in a Nursing Home now to try and rehab him to walk (his left leg gives out due to diabetes I believe and perhaps a stroke) and then hopefully get him home. He drove and did everything for his whole family and my grandmother up until he got too sick and is now in this situation. He really does not want to be there, but he is pleasant. What can I do or my family do to lift his spirits to make him more happy or comfortable???
2007-07-12 13:51:40 · 8 answers · asked by fun11 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Visit him as often as you can --daily, if possible.
Offer to bring him things that he would like to have.
Does he have any interests or hobbies that he can continue to pursue while he is there? If so, you can help him with them.
Bring family pictures that he can show to staff. They will encourage him to talk about them.
If the weather is nice and the staff permits, take him outside to enjoy the day.
Also, bring him a notepad that he can use as a record of visitors. Tell everyone who visits to write a little note of encoragement for him. he can look at it when they have gone and remember the visit. Sometimes older people ( even those with a sharp mind ) forget who came to visit and think that they have not had any visitors.
2007-07-12 14:47:38 · answer #1 · answered by Marilyn E 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry your grandfather, and your family, are going through this. It's tough having someone you love ill.
I've had family members in nursing homes and can tell you that visitors are great, so long as they can manage "cheerful but not insanely chipper." In other words, "genuinely glad to see you, optimistic that you'll recuperate well, but not forcing artificial cheerfullness down your throat." Don't make yourself smile constantly and be perky, just be happy to see him.
Photo albums can be nice, too. An inexpensive photo album with copies of family pictures, including old ones of happy memories, especially if you have family write notes (some albums have space for that, or you can just put a photo on one side and a card with a note in the photo pocket next to it). Going through the album and talking about happy memories can help raise a patient's spirits.
Often during rehab, family can help - if he's supposed to scoot along in a wheelchair, for example, you can walk beside him, head for the nursing home outdoor area (most have a small garden or patio), and chat. Same for walking.
By the way, if there are any issues in your life (not family issues, just things like "I'm trying to decide what I want to do with my life") where it might be nice to get the viewpoint of someone with more life experience, you can always ask grandpa for his input. Remind him that you still need and value him.
He's likely to feel up, then down, from moment to moment. If he isn't receptive to something, try it again later. Hospital patients can get frustrated or sad depending on the rate of recovery, and rehab can be difficult - don't take his moods personally.
Some hospitals and nursing homes will allow you to bring something from home, like a favorite pillow or blanket - you can ask at the nursing station.
Mostly, it's about being there, spending time, showing that he's still valued, needed, and loved.
2007-07-12 21:11:36 · answer #2 · answered by peculiarpup 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I worked in a nursing home, and i saw many people who were just ignored and left there to wither away by their families. it's refreshing to see someone who cares!
I have a few suggestions, but don't know if they'd help?
Does your grandfather enjoy certain types of sports? (hunting, fishing, etc). You could get him magazines on these topics, or whatever you think he'd enjoy.
If he does crossword puzzles, you can give him those, as well.
Some nursing homes provide for family members to eat with the residents at meal time. You might join him for a lunch or supper. That way, you could spend time doing something together for a while...
If you are permitted, perhaps you could take him outside in a wheelchair and push him around while you go for a walk? It's very enjoyable for those who are confined to get out once in a while, and some time outdoors can really perk someone up--especially if they can look forward to it often.
Maybe your grandfather would enjoy a card game or some other interactive activity?
I hope you get some good advice and ideas here. It's hard on your grandfather to be suddenly dependent on others, i know !! I was in a nursing home for rehabilitation for several months. Fortunately, i had my artwork to keep me busy... because i was 100's of miles from home or relatives....
You're a good granddaughter! Keep up the good work!
2007-07-12 21:20:44 · answer #3 · answered by letterstoheather 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are going to see them,that is great.Also send cards and call on the phone if possible .I know even when a person is in the hospital time drags.Those seek and find word books are great.Also if they have a church, have their Pastor go and pray for them.Hope and pray your Grandfather is better and home real soon.You sound like a wonderful person ,take care and GOD BLESS.
2007-07-12 22:06:50 · answer #4 · answered by Betty M 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Write letters to him about your daily life. Every day mail him a letter, not email. Tell him what you are doing, what everyone else is doing and what your thoughts are. Don't dwell on what he used to do for everyone, simply tell him about your day.
I did this for my grandfather in 1968, even though he never had much to do with me, and even though he didn't make it back home, it passed his time easier. When he couldn't read any longer, someone read them to him. I was too young to visit in those days, children weren't allowed.
2007-07-12 21:25:18 · answer #5 · answered by tjnstlouismo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
is he allowed to leave the facility for day trips? take him on one. if not, just grab a wheelchair and walk around the grounds with him. play a game of cards,watch the ball game with him. bring in his favorite take out and eat together. sneak him a beer(if his health and meds allow)rent a dvd of one of his favorite movies and have a movie night together.
hope they spring him soon. my grampa hated it too. peace.
2007-07-12 21:01:56 · answer #6 · answered by racer 51 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
find his interests. and visit him often. for example- my grandpa loves westerns, so i would bring him a couple of movies and watch them with him.
2007-07-12 20:58:19 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Visit often and stay a while.
2007-07-12 21:12:20 · answer #8 · answered by Elmer Fudd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋