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September 24, 2001
Recommendations for Helping the Elderly Cope with the Nation's
Tragedy
(CHICAGO) – The recent terrorist attacks
have triggered many upsetting memories for the elderly that directly relate to
present day emotional challenges. Older people have faced many tragedies in
their lifetimes, including living through the Great Depression, experiencing the
horrors of Pearl Harbor and World War II, and worrying about their families
during the Korean and Vietnam wars.
The terrorist attacks are particularly frightening because the identities or
whereabouts of the perpetrators are unknown and the immediacy of today’s news
coverage brings images of devastation into our living rooms. People across the
nation are grieving not only for the victims, but also for their own loss of
safety and security. For many elderly people, in addition to the physical and
emotional losses that accompany old age, the current crisis seems overwhelming,
which leads to possible depression and other physical and emotional
complications.
Family and friends can help elderly people deal with the New York City and
Washington D.C. tragedies through a variety of positive actions. From its experience and
expertise in caring for the elderly, the Illinois Council on Long Term Care, an
association of nursing home professionals, offers the following recommendations
for helping elderly individuals cope with the nation’s crisis:
1. Encourage elderly people to talk about their feelings. Provide the
gift of listening. Talking about one’s feelings assists with the healing
process and promotes a sense of wellness. Family members and friends should
not dismiss fears and anxieties, but be open and candid about the emotions
that have surfaced.
2. Discuss past memories of wartime with seniors and ask how they coped.
Seniors need the opportunity to talk about memories to make sense of current
events. Looking through photo albums from years past and asking questions is
beneficial. Focus on how they were able to successfully overcome their
adversities and regain their feelings of security, safety and well-being.
3. Suggest seeking spiritual guidance if needed. People often turn to
their religious faiths to cope with stress. Speaking with a spiritual
counselor about the current tragedy can be therapeutic and comforting to an
elderly person.
4. Provide opportunities to spend more quality time with family members
and friends. Affirm the value of relationships in the midst of
difficulty. Plan enjoyable activities such as art projects with
grandchildren, visits with pets, or working together in the family garden.
5. Find ways for seniors to help the victims of tragedy. Offering
assistance such as giving blood, participating in a prayer vigil, raising
funds for the victims, or sending cards to fire and police departments can
help elderly people heal and regain a sense of control.
6. Encourage elderly people to participate in relaxation techniques.
Seniors can reduce stress by enjoying a gentle massage, listening to soothing
music or walking through a local nature sanctuary.
7. Watch for signs of depression and seek medical assistance when necessary.
Signs of depression include withdrawal from daily activities, loss of
appetite, difficulties with sleep, feelings of helplessness and expressions of
sadness. If you suspect that an elderly person is truly depressed, especially
in light of recent events, advise the person to visit a doctor who may
prescribe appropriate medications or make a referral to a professional
counselor.
8. Recommend turning off the TV and focusing on daily
activities. The unrelenting images of horror in the media are depressing.
Encourage an elderly person to turn off the television to get a break from
witnessing the devastation. By participating in favorite activities, an older
person can regain a sense of wellness and normalcy.
9. Make sure seniors eat well-balanced meals, get plenty of rest and
participate in appropriate exercise. Elderly people must focus on their
physical health during these difficult times. Proper nutrition, rest and
exercise are crucial in having the strength and energy needed to cope with new
emotional challenges.
10. Let the elderly know that you are there to support them. During
times of crisis, seniors need their friends and family more than ever to
provide emotional support. Elderly people need to know that they are not alone
in facing their problems, and that there are people in their life who truly
care about their well-being. Spending quality time with an elderly person,
holding hands, offering a hug and sending a card with a caring message are
just some of the many meaningful ways that loved ones can show their support.
The tragedies in New York City and Washington D.C. are very traumatic for all
U.S. citizens, including the elderly. By taking time to speak with seniors about
their feelings, listen to their stories from years past and enjoy meaningful
activities together, family and friends can make a real difference in their
morale, health and outlook.
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The Illinois Council on Long Term Care is a professional
association of more than 210 nursing facilities committed
to quality residential health care in Illinois through
a productive and responsible partnership between the private
and public sectors. The Council represents more than 26,000
nursing home professionals serving more than 38,000 residents.
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