“Buggy Ride” is pretty much an older term that was used to soothe a crying baby, to show the baby the beautiful flowers or trees and the many other beautiful things nature has to offer. Sometimes there was a net to go over the top so no bugs or mosquitos could get inside the buggy. There was a hood on the buggy that could be put up on a sunny day to shield the baby. When the baby would cry or be unhappy, this buggy could calm the baby.
So now the years have past and this caring person that gave me a “Buggy Ride” could use my attention, reassurance, kindness and love. We have the ability to make this person’s later years a pleasant and secure “Buggy Ride”.
What are some of the many things we can do to make this special person feel loved, useful, independent and cared for? Here are some ideas for us to think about so they have a safe ride – not in the order of importance, but at different times in their life.
- Visit as often as possible even if only for 15 minutes – isolation is very unhealthy
- Be kind always
- Be patient always
- Know that you may have to repeat yourself many times – don’t get irritated or impatient
- Always “ask” if they would like you to do something for them – don’t takeover
- Tell them you love them, hug them gently, often
- Give them gentle reminders, like a call in the morning to see if they are wearing their “Alert”
- Do they drink enough water – very important
- If they have been part of a Church be sure to let them know that your loved one can no longer attend – how can they help
- Do they cook, if not, find an alternative way for nutritional support
- Would they be interested and drink a protein drink such as Ensure
- Give encouragement
- Do they have an upstairs bedroom? If so, can that be changed?
- The telephone – do you remind them not to give out any information or better yet, don’t answer if they don’t recognize the phone number
- Allow them to remain as independent as possible in quiet ways (don’t belittle them by saying “you can’t do that anymore”)
- Sometimes their hearing or memory are not good and they will need “gentle reminders” about many things
- Be sure the bathroom or portable potty are near their bed so they don’t have to go far during the night
- If they live in their home alone, are the people to help with yard duties and a handyman available?
These are just of few of things that we can do to give our loved one their “Buggy Ride”