How Teens Can Help the Elderly With Moving Around

At Home

• An elderly individual may insist on moving about and doing things himself at home to keep his sense of independence and dignity intact. However, in many cases he might not be able to walk, climb stairs or even get into the bath or shower without the risk of falling and injury. Stair lifts, handrails and safety rails in the bathroom can help the elderly move around. Your teenagers can be responsible for helping to install such home assistance and checking them from time to time to make sure they are securely attached. The site Modern Studies also recommends personal safety alarms for the elderly to wear in case of falls or health emergencies. Instill a sense of responsibility and care in your teenager by having him be responsible for making sure grandpa is wearing the alarm, and responding to it urgently.

Walking

• Many elderly individuals have difficulty walking and need a walker or wheelchair to be mobile. Medic8 notes that an older person may not feel stable enough on her feet to walk alone, even with the help of a cane, and this may leave her house-ridden quite often. Teenagers can help elderly family members and neighbors get outdoors by accompanying them on a walk and lending an arm for physical support. If the elderly person cannot cope without a walker, wheelchair or motorized chair, your teen can help her navigate the sidewalk to get some fresh air outdoors. Teenagers can give the elderly the support, friendship and motivation they need to get walking and be more active.

Community Services

• Social services for the elderly include day centers and other organizations that give the elderly a place to socialize, play games and sports and partake in educational and hobby classes. These centers often include swimming and exercise facilities and medical clinics. The site Modern Studies advocates day centers because they prevent the elderly from becoming isolated, inactive and depressed. If your elderly parent or grandparent is wary of going to a day center alone, have your teen accompany him initially to help him adapt. Also encourage your teenagers to volunteer at elderly care homes and day centers. You may be surprised to learn that they enjoy playing card and word games and chatting with the elderly.

Public Transportation

• Just being able to make a trip to the grocery store or mall can be the highlight of the week for an elderly person who isn't very mobile. The government site Sweden.se notes that the elderly and disabled qualify for transportation services such as taxis and special buses. Instruct your teen how to make arrangements for a pickup and make it his responsibility to ask grandpa or grandma if they would like to go somewhere every week. Teenagers can also volunteer to accompany elderly people in the community on an afternoon out taking public transport to run errands or socialize. Additionally, older teenagers who are experienced drivers can volunteer to drive an elderly relative or neighbor around.