Topic: The elderly.
buttons's photo
Wed 04/14/10 02:51 PM
Im new to this really on outings other than taking her to get her hair done.. today we went shopping again.. but I had her walking for about 2 hours is that too long? she is 89 yrs old walks with cane. barely can walk do you think i over did her? she has arthritis too. and kinda that hunch back.. where she is shrinking must be like 4'8 or so..she did not complain.. however she is stubborn..i notice her ankles a bit swollen looking. will that make them worse? or does she need to get out of her house more often? she wanted to do all that running around her idea.. but i don't think she is used to that much. think i should make a fruit salad and bring to her later and ask her? i hope someone can help because i never really did so much with someone so elderly before well not this often its to where im going over there 3 times a week doing something... she really does need help. so any tips?

thewaterbearer's photo
Wed 04/14/10 02:57 PM
If she has family they can help as well, the elderly need all the companionship and help they need, as far as being stubborn let her do what she would like to do as she pleases hope this helpsflowerforyou

no photo
Wed 04/14/10 03:00 PM
Honey have had some experience in this, just let them talk about their life it means the world to them!! Once U establish that relationship then they will tell U what they want to do!! Bless u for caring for the folks that are often forgotten!! flowerforyou flowerforyou

buttons's photo
Wed 04/14/10 03:04 PM
her daughters are deceased all she has is a grandson that lives about 60 miles away... she does have a maid most days come in.. takes her to some things..i choose to help because i want to.. just need to learn a bit about it..its only about 5 hours a week usually.. this last week i have doubled that..she doesn't drive very good. barely can see over the dash lol! uses pillows to sit on.. still she should not be driving. im more worried about doing too much.. i dont know what is too much..

buttons's photo
Wed 04/14/10 03:05 PM

Honey have had some experience in this, just let them talk about their life it means the world to them!! Once U establish that relationship then they will tell U what they want to do!! Bless u for caring for the folks that are often forgotten!! flowerforyou flowerforyou
lol mikey already learned this!! there is a story behind every item in her house lol! takes over an hour to get out the door to go shopping!!laugh laugh so u are saying she would complain about hurting from walking too much?

buttons's photo
Wed 04/14/10 03:12 PM
one other thing i really fear.. is her dieing.. i really dont know how to cope with that.. i never have been close friends with someone elderly.. but i think about these things , i really fear the day. is there some way i can get that outta my mind? i am going to be devastated when she goes.

no photo
Wed 04/14/10 03:25 PM
hell I'm much youger and in good health but 2 hours shopping for me would kill me frown ....unless it was at a gun show or something like that :tongue:

TxsGal3333's photo
Wed 04/14/10 03:29 PM
Girl she will let you know when it is too much for her I'm sure she has really enjoyed having you around to do things and go places. My grandmother was 91 when she passed away and up till she was 90 she could do circles around me. laugh laugh bigsmile

thewaterbearer's photo
Wed 04/14/10 03:29 PM
Just one hour of shopping is to much for me, buttons, enjoy her time and make some good memories with her she will appreciate everything that you do for her:smile:

buttons's photo
Wed 04/14/10 03:47 PM
Edited by buttons on Wed 04/14/10 03:49 PM
my feet actually kinda hurt too lol! but i was wearing a heal on my shoe... i think ill have a talk with her.... and tell her one store next time if she says it hurt her feet lol! i guess i better check on her in a bit.. she can be sitting cause i put all her groceries away for her... heck i bet she goes to sleep before 3 am tonight! lol again her idea! thought one store... but we actually went to 3 stores the bank and i got air in her tires at les swab.. one store i went in to get her stamps and mailed off her mail..

thewaterbearer's photo
Wed 04/14/10 03:50 PM
Sounds like she is wearing you out, lol, enjoy her timeflowerforyou :smile:

Winx's photo
Wed 04/14/10 04:10 PM
Edited by Winx on Wed 04/14/10 04:12 PM

Im new to this really on outings other than taking her to get her hair done.. today we went shopping again.. but I had her walking for about 2 hours is that too long? she is 89 yrs old walks with cane. barely can walk do you think i over did her? she has arthritis too. and kinda that hunch back.. where she is shrinking must be like 4'8 or so..she did not complain.. however she is stubborn..i notice her ankles a bit swollen looking. will that make them worse? or does she need to get out of her house more often? she wanted to do all that running around her idea.. but i don't think she is used to that much. think i should make a fruit salad and bring to her later and ask her? i hope someone can help because i never really did so much with someone so elderly before well not this often its to where im going over there 3 times a week doing something... she really does need help. so any tips?


When they have edema around the ankles, it's good for them to take a short walk every so often to keep their blood circulating. If the swelling increases from the walk, she should lie down with her feet elevated higher than her heart.

She may be tired tomorrow if she's not used to walking for that long. You may want to give her a call tomorrow and see how she's doing. She'd like that.

A fruit salad sounds yummy. :smile:


buttons's photo
Wed 04/14/10 04:20 PM


Im new to this really on outings other than taking her to get her hair done.. today we went shopping again.. but I had her walking for about 2 hours is that too long? she is 89 yrs old walks with cane. barely can walk do you think i over did her? she has arthritis too. and kinda that hunch back.. where she is shrinking must be like 4'8 or so..she did not complain.. however she is stubborn..i notice her ankles a bit swollen looking. will that make them worse? or does she need to get out of her house more often? she wanted to do all that running around her idea.. but i don't think she is used to that much. think i should make a fruit salad and bring to her later and ask her? i hope someone can help because i never really did so much with someone so elderly before well not this often its to where im going over there 3 times a week doing something... she really does need help. so any tips?


When they have edema around the ankles, it's good for them to take a short walk every so often to keep their blood circulating. If the swelling increases from the walk, she should lie down with her feet elevated higher than her heart.

She may be tired tomorrow if she's not used to walking for that long. You may want to give her a call tomorrow and see how she's doing. She'd like that.

A fruit salad sounds yummy. :smile:


whew im glad to hear that winx! they were like that already i did not know what it was... also did not realize how long we walked till i got home. just got done making it too oh boy its good low cal one too.. im going to post it..... in a bit..

zanne46's photo
Wed 04/14/10 04:24 PM
she will sleep well..and u say stubborn...good for her..she be right back up after rested...

I understand..cause I take my mom out...1-2 hrs she's ok...3 for my mom ..she was ready for her chair and t.v.....lol

Winx's photo
Wed 04/14/10 04:47 PM



Im new to this really on outings other than taking her to get her hair done.. today we went shopping again.. but I had her walking for about 2 hours is that too long? she is 89 yrs old walks with cane. barely can walk do you think i over did her? she has arthritis too. and kinda that hunch back.. where she is shrinking must be like 4'8 or so..she did not complain.. however she is stubborn..i notice her ankles a bit swollen looking. will that make them worse? or does she need to get out of her house more often? she wanted to do all that running around her idea.. but i don't think she is used to that much. think i should make a fruit salad and bring to her later and ask her? i hope someone can help because i never really did so much with someone so elderly before well not this often its to where im going over there 3 times a week doing something... she really does need help. so any tips?


When they have edema around the ankles, it's good for them to take a short walk every so often to keep their blood circulating. If the swelling increases from the walk, she should lie down with her feet elevated higher than her heart.

She may be tired tomorrow if she's not used to walking for that long. You may want to give her a call tomorrow and see how she's doing. She'd like that.

A fruit salad sounds yummy. :smile:
whew im glad to hear that winx! they were like that already i did not know what it was... also did not realize how long we walked till i got home. just got done making it too oh boy its good low cal one too.. im going to post it..... in a bit..


There are quite a few causes for edema around the ankles. Here's some information about it:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159111.php

Why don't you ask her what causes her edema? She should know.flowerforyou

buttons's photo
Wed 04/14/10 05:12 PM
thanks im assuming its not cause she is pregnantlaugh laugh probably her arthritis. her finger tips are crooked like my great grandmas were.. and that was rumitoid arthritis however u spell that lol

Cutiepieforyou's photo
Wed 04/14/10 05:30 PM
My grandmother lived to be 100 and I grew up with her. I think that once you establish a relationship with her, it will be easier for you to ask her more direct questions. I would think she would let you know if it were too much for her. I know my gram loved to talk about the past. Just listening means a lot to them. As for dying, you have to try to not focus on it if you want to help her. I used to really enjoy spending time with her. We would go out for a milkshake or just for a ride. She was like a buddy.

EquusDancer's photo
Wed 04/14/10 09:50 PM
My gran just turned 98 and she loves getting out. They will let you know, especially if you are willing to just sit and listen, too.

DrRob's photo
Thu 04/15/10 05:03 AM
when you talk to her,mention it casually,that YOU were so worn out,and see what she says :wink:

its very nice to read about someone-anyone doing nice things for elderly people.
you are good peeps Buttons flowerforyou