Who Am I? - All About Seniors

By Rev.Joey Estes, Chaplain, Martha Franks Retirement CommunityBeing a caregiver is challenging.Many seniors, by the time they need community care, feel as if they are losing their identity.

Some are fortunate enough to be able to choose to move into retirement communities; however, most are moving to assisted living or skilled care facilities out of necessity.Some have lost the ability to drive due to poor eyesight or slow reflexes.Many forget how to do simple tasks: preparing meals, taking care of their finances, and making simple choices each day.Some lose their ability to walk, see, hear, and also lose cognitive functions.When they arrive at their new home, we have a responsibility to help them navigate their new life, while realizing that some of them have suffered considerable loss.

They deal with depression, feelings of uselessness, and some are confused.It is important that we help seniors feel that they are needed and have much to give.This can be achieved by simply visiting one on one.It is very important not to give advice or try to fix them, but simply to listen and hear their struggles.We help them find ways to be active and get involved.

They can exercise within activity groups, dine with other residents and join in planned activities.We offer spiritual guidance through Scripture and prayer, spiritual enrichment through Bible studies, devotions, prayer times, and worship through music.Music is a tool that can be used to help residents.It is amazing how Alzheimer residents often become calm and even sing along with the old hymns.

Music also brings joy and peace to other residents as well.Some facilities have chapels and worship times can be offered on Sundays or during the week.The residents could read Scripture, lead in special music, or play an instrument.They can use their talents during the services as they worship.It is also vital for residents to feel they can serve.

Participating in a Faithful Hands Group or Residents on Mission Group gives them the opportunity to help others.Serving is a way to make them feel useful rather than always being on the receiving end.In these challenges, we have to remain calm and just be ourselves.Senior adults and their families are not wanting to hear how much we know; they simply want to know how much we care.It is important that we help the seniors know that they are still important and are vibrant individuals who can give and be active in many ways.There needs to be a holistic approach.

Through physical therapy, mental exercises, spiritual guidance, and areas to serve, they can thrive and live with purpose.