Caring for seniors was not the first profession I have had in my life. I have seen how each experience in my life has prepared me for a future experience or work. Nothing has been by chance but by Divine Providence. The things I have experienced, although often painful, are not a mistake but rather part of a bigger picture that I can not always see from my limited view.
What Empathy Feels Like
I recently faced a challenging time filled with criticism, attack on my character and rejection. I felt as though I wasn’t good enough. My mistakes and flaws were repeatedly brought to my attention. I was not able to please the individuals I so desperately wanted to impress. I longed for positive encouragement or a pat on the back. Some sort of acknowledgement that I had value to them. Then came the rejection. All my efforts were met with cold, harsh disapproval. My dignity was attacked. I was set adrift in a sea of self-doubt. Why? What did I do that I deserved this?
Then God spoke to me quietly, “You needed to be reminded of how it feels to be rejected”.
“What? Did I hear you right?”
“Yes, think of the seniors you will serve.”
“Ohhhh!!”
Here are 5 Easy Ways to Show Seniors You Care
- Call them on the phone and talk to them for a while. Bring up a memory or a story they use to share.
- Send them a card in the mail. Yep, you read right. Snail mail. My mom loves getting cards in the mail. Anything that lets people know they think of her. My niece very lovingly sends a postcard whenever she travels. It doesn’t take much to write a few lines and I guarantee they will love it.
- Ask their opinion. Seniors have made it through a long life full of trials and happy times. They can be full of good ideas if you just ask them. It is especially gratifying to them if you follow their advice.
- Send them flowers or better yet, pick some flowers and take them to them. Now I know this isn’t necessarily feasible in some cases right now, but this tiny act of service will bring a smile to their face.
- Have a meal with them especially if they are widowed. Again, I know this is difficult. Currently, the facility where my in-laws are is locked down. However, my in-laws have a sliding glass door. We can talk with them through the window. Take a picnic lunch with you and visit with them.
You know that light bulb moment when it all makes sense. Yep, that was me. Just like me, seniors often feel rejected and lonely, but I experienced it deep enough to be empathetic and focus on caring for their needs. While the situations are only similar in nature, I got the glimpse I needed to move forward with more empathy and compassion. We so often forget that our absence hurts, and our words can bite.
