How Can Children Help Taking Care of Seniors at Home?
The “sandwich generation” defines the group of people (usually in their thirties or forties) who are responsible for raising their children and caring for their aging parents simultaneously. Caring for children is tiring. Caring for older adults is daunting. Doing both at the same time is positively exhausting, especially as one’s parents continue to degenerate.
As this happens, some parents feel they must keep their family caregiver responsibilities separate. However, this does not have to be the case. If your children are a little older (around late elementary school), they can help care for their elderly grandparents—and both of them will benefit. So how can children help taking care of seniors at home?
Companionship
Did you know that loneliness occurs in 43% of seniors? These feelings of isolation can lead to an increased risk of mental and physical decline. One of the best things you can do to avoid these feelings in your elderly parents is to encourage your child to talk with them It doesn’t have to be complex; simple conversations about their day, their interests, or things they’re excited about can make a significant difference.
When children regularly engage with their grandparents, they create an environment of warmth and connection. This companionship can brighten the grandparents’ mood, while also giving children a safe space to ask questions and learn about their family’s past. These simple moments give parents the opportunity to step back, catch up on a chore, or even enjoy a few minutes for themselves.
Light housekeeping
Light housekeeping may be better suited for slightly older children who can understand and perform basic household chores. As a family caregiver, you shouldn’t have to handle all the housework alone. Assign your child simple tasks like washing dishes, dusting, vacuuming, or doing laundry. By creating a progress chart and rewarding them with a treat or sticker, you encourage responsibility and independence.
This responsibility teaches children discipline, and it also helps create a cleaner, safer environment for their grandparents by reducing clutter, tripping hazards, and germs. A clean environment is especially beneficial to seniors with mobility issues or weaker immune systems, as it reduces the chance of accidental injuries or illness.
Brain games and activities
Mental exercise is important for both seniors and children. Older adults need to keep their minds sharp to prevent cognitive decline, while children need mental challenges to expand their problem-solving abilities and foster creativity. Encourage your child to engage with their grandparents through board games, card games, or puzzles. Games like chess, checkers, or even simpler puzzles can be great for intergenerational play.
These activities stimulate the brain and provide an excellent opportunity for bonding. You can find games that cater to varying abilities to keep things inclusive. Brain games are not only enjoyable, but they also improve memory, increase focus, and support cognitive health—something both age groups can benefit from. Plus, these games create valuable opportunities for you to step away and tend to other responsibilities or enjoy some personal time.
Help with technology
Children today grow up surrounded by technology and often have a solid understanding of smartphones, tablets, and even apps. If your parent finds technology confusing, your child may be able to assist. Kids are quick to pick up on using apps, setting up devices, and navigating websites, so teaching their grandparents to use video calls, find family photos, or enjoy online games can be rewarding.
Ask your children to walk their grandparents through steps slowly, as seniors often need extra time and patience to learn new tech skills. Remind your child to remain patient and avoid frustration, as negative reactions can make seniors feel discouraged or inadequate. By practicing patience and persistence, your children learn valuable skills in empathy and understanding.
Gardening and Outdoor Activities
For seniors who enjoy spending time outdoors, gardening can be a fulfilling activity that encourages physical movement, improves mental well-being, and fosters a sense of accomplishment. Younger family members can help with small gardening tasks, such as watering plants, picking vegetables, or arranging flowers. This offers a chance for seniors to share knowledge about plants, flowers, and the environment.
Outdoor activities with children are excellent ways for older adults to enjoy mild physical exercise and fresh air, which has benefits for both their mental and physical health. Planting flowers, raking leaves, or even filling bird feeders together can be enjoyable, educational, and good for overall well-being.
What are some benefits for seniors?
In spending more time with their grandchildren, seniors can reap benefits that extend past having some caregiving needs accounted for. The connection between children and seniors creates a much deeper emotional impact than one might realize.
Older Adults are Energized by Children
Children bring energy, curiosity, and optimism, which can be infectious to seniors. Engaging in play with grandchildren, even if it’s as simple as going for a walk or playing a board game, can encourage seniors to be more active and mentally engaged. The increased activity can also help reduce symptoms of depression, promote better sleep, and improve overall mood.
Passing Down Knowledge
For many seniors, sharing their family history, wisdom, and life stories with younger generations is an essential way of maintaining identity and purpose. This passing down of knowledge gives seniors a sense of pride, connection, and relevance in their family. Telling stories about their upbringing, family traditions, or significant events gives seniors a sense of purpose and strengthens bonds with their grandchildren.
Overall Increased Quality of Life
By engaging in activities and sharing experiences with their grandchildren, seniors experience a more fulfilling daily routine. Looking forward to activities they enjoy, such as reading, gardening, or playing games with a young family member, helps make medical appointments or daily chores feel less burdensome. Spending time with family fosters joy and improves the overall quality of life, which is vital to emotional well-being.
Emotional and Physical Health Benefits of Family Bonding
When seniors spend time with younger family members, the connection often contributes to emotional and physical health. The laughter, affection, and enthusiasm children bring can improve seniors’ moods, lower stress levels, and even reduce blood pressure. Studies have shown that grandparents who have close relationships with grandchildren often experience a greater sense of purpose and motivation. These interactions may even contribute to longer, healthier lives by reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing well-being.
Building Lifelong Memories
For both generations, the memories created through shared time and activities will likely last a lifetime. Children will look back fondly on the moments spent with their grandparents, and seniors will cherish these experiences that bring them joy and a feeling of belonging. These treasured memories can be passed down as stories and traditions, connecting future generations with their heritage and the legacy of love and support within the family.
Staying Socially Connected
Engaging with grandchildren can be a powerful social connection for seniors, especially those who have limited mobility or may not socialize as often as they once did. This companionship reduces feelings of loneliness and gives them something positive to look forward to regularly. Having regular interactions with grandchildren can encourage seniors to adopt more positive perspectives, adding joy and a sense of community to their daily lives. This routine interaction provides the structure and familiarity that many older adults find comforting.
What are the Benefits for Children?
Children also find great fulfillment in building a connection with their grandparents. Not only are they helping you with some caregiving activities, but they are also developing their social and emotional skills.
How Can Children Help Taking Care of Seniors at Home? By engaging in these activities, children learn valuable life lessons while strengthening their bond with their grandparents.
A Stronger Connection to Family History
Each family has its own traditions and unique history that colors holidays and family reunions. In speaking with their grandparents, children can learn more about what it is that shapes their family members’ history. They can also learn more about history firsthand, as their grandparents lived through significant historical events that shaped the world.
Learning New Skills
Seniors often have unique skills they can pass on to younger generations. From gardening to sewing, woodworking, or cooking, these skills may not only be practical but can also foster creativity and patience in children. By learning from their grandparents, children gain hobbies or interests that may continue for a lifetime
Reduced Misconceptions About the Elderly
Spending time with seniors helps children see older adults as capable and valued family members. They learn to appreciate the experiences and wisdom their grandparents bring, reducing any misconceptions about aging or the elderly. This understanding helps children develop respect and empathy for older adults, skills that serve them well throughout life.
Before allowing your children to help with care for aging parents…
Seniors should, of course, be treated with the same respect as everyone else. Before allowing your children to help care for aging parents, stress a few key points:
- Listen Carefully: Encourage your child to take the time to listen to their grandparent’s stories or instructions without interrupting.
- Speak Clearly: Many seniors experience hearing loss. Instruct your child to speak loudly and clearly, but without shouting.
- Be Gentle: Remind younger children to play gently around seniors, as some may be prone to injury.
- Be Curious: Encourage your children to ask their grandparents questions about their day, hobbies, or life experiences. This fosters genuine connection.
An in-home caregiver can help
Even by giving your child some ways to help around the house, you are still actively providing care to your children and your older parents. This is a lot to ask from one person. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the variety of tasks on your plate, consider enlisting the help of a home care agency for some respite care.
At Home Care Powered by AUAF, we provide support to families across the Chicago area. Our caregivers can assist with any non-medical activities of daily living that your elderly loved one needs help with. We work with you and your loved one to create a plan of care that best fits your needs.
For more information on our home care services, call us at 773-274-9262.
