Random acts of Kindness for the elderly

It’s the thought that counts!

Christmas is the season of good will. While it is a warm and wonderful time, for many it’s quite lonely and isolating. Particularly, for older people due to fears of ice, slips and trips. With COVID -19, it’s made things become a lot harder to socialise and interact with others too. A random act of kindness may be insignificant to you, but for someone it will have went a long way.

There is nothing better than the feeling of knowing you’ve made a difference to someone’s life, big or small. Kindness is one of our ethos at Kare Plan. We’ve compiled a few acts that’s sure to bring a smile to your face as well as to those you’re helping.

  1. Salt!

    That’s right, salt! For many elderly people, ice is a very dangerous hazard. Chances of slips & trips are heightened with the effect of ice. Leave them a bag of salt by their doorstep and let them know. Perhaps, you can help by salting their drive or path so they can leave their home safely.

  2. Take their pets out

    If you know of an elderly neighbour or friend who have pet dogs, why not offer to take them out for a relaxing, long walk? Even if they refuse, the gesture will be much appreciated. This would be a brilliant act if they haven’t been able to take their pets out themselves.

  3. Offer to do their shopping

    Maybe, your neighbours haven’t been able to go to the shops as often as they’d like. You can offer to do their grocery shopping for them. Or even offer to order it online. Supermarkets such as Tesco and Aldi now offer delivery service, which is a great tool for your neighbours who can’t go to the shops.

  4. Flowers

    If you know your neighbours are fond of their flowers and plants, you can offer to water their flowers and plants. Another sweet gesture is to get them a set of flowers or plants. You could include a homemade or a store bought card to let them know you’re thinking of them.

  5. Cook an extra portion

    Who doesn’t love a Sunday roast? You’re not strictly limited to giving a portion of a Sunday roast, of course. If you’re cooking up a feast for the family, feel free to add an extra portion to offer to your neighbours. It shows you’re thinking of them and that you made the jolly effort to give them a meal.

  6. Chat to them

    Last but not least, take the time to speak briefly to them. It’s a small thing to do but humans instinctively thrive on social interactions. That 5 minute chat will make a massive difference to people who are isolated.

Providing and showing kindness is essential here at Kare Plan. If you’re looking for the right homecare organisation and wish to be in an environment where you’re valued, it would be a pleasure for us to accommodate those wishes. Contact us at 086 107 6742 to schedule your interview. Or click the link below.

Wellness Wednesday!

For Wellness Wednesday, we’ll be discussing mindfulness.

It’s all about being in the moment!

Mindfulness can be described as being wholly in the present. Or as they say “to be in the moment”. Mindfulness is keeping a moment by moment awareness of your thoughts and feelings, through a gentle and nurturing lens. It’s an essential human ability to be aware of who we are, what we’re doing and where we are. While all this sounds common and almost sarcastic, it is a skill we can practice. The more we practice, the better we become at it. The great thing about mindfulness is that it can be practiced pretty much anytime and anywhere. Seriously!

Mindfulness isn’t to be mistaken as the perfect solution for overcoming stress. It’s a way for us to open our mental, physical and emotional processors. When we practice mindfulness, it allows us to be in tune with our emotions. Therefore, we can recognize times that we’re either enjoying or just wishing would end. It helps us to be able to cherish it or react to it better.

How can we practice Mindfulness?

I could be better at being mindful. So, it’s great to be able to share with you the activities that we can try together to be more present. What are some of the methods we can utilise to be more mindful?

  • Let’s start with deep breaths

    Slowly breathe in through your nose and just let it fill your stomach for 3 seconds. Hold for the same time you were breathing in. Again, slowly breathe out through your nose all for the same time. Easy, right? Breathing gives your mind a reset. Thus, it’ll allow you to feel at ease and be in the moment. Deep breaths are great for when you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, frustrated or just whenever you feel like you need to take a breather.

  • It’s the little things

    Take note of the simple, everyday things. It could be the food that you’ve had for lunch, the colour of a nice car you’ve seen or a funny joke that someone said whilst you were having small talk or an everyday chat. You can also try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique. Acknowledge 5 things you can see around you. 4 things you can touch. 3 things you can hear around you. 2 things you can smell. 1 thing that you can taste.

  • Go for a stroll

    Try to get outside and go for a gentle walk. It gives your head the space to relax and to ease any anxiety you might have. Try the 5 grounding techniques during your little stroll. You might even be surprised at your mood and mindset after your walk.

  • Mindful start

    Before you get started on your day. When you wake up, sit on your bed or a chair. Sit up straight and relaxed and take 3 deep breaths. Ask yourself “What are my intentions for today?”. Again, the simpler the better. For example, to be more patient with people around you or to persevere during the tough times in the day. It gives you a set purpose day by day.

    As the day progresses, check in on your intentions. As you take notes of your intentions, you may even find the quality of your actions and communications alter positively.

Why should we practice Mindfulness?

Again, mindfulness should never be used as a one size fits all approach for mental health. It is however, a great mental tool to help you when you’re overwhelmed or awfully stressed. It’s a great aid in ensuring we’re not too emotionally reactive. When we practice mindfulness, what benefits come with it?

  • Increased emotional regulation

No matter how positive or negative the situation, it empowers us to identify and manage our feelings. Since we’re less emotionally invested, it means our brain can healthily and logically react to the situation around us.

  • Cognitive Improvements

Studies have found that mindfulness contributes to finely to your ability to think flexibly and clearly. This correlates entirely with the purpose of mindfulness which of course is being entirely aware of your thoughts. These improvements allow you to focus more. It also allows you transition your thoughts and attention in spite of the distractions surrounding you.

The time for mindfulness

Although practicing mindfulness is important, any form of self reflection will always carry some difficult thoughts and emotions. Therefore, you’re welcome to exercise the tips only when you feel it is helpful.

With all this being said, there are other benefits that come with being mindful that doesn’t necessarily need explaining. Naturally, when you’re mindful and are in the moment you are more empathic to someone who is venting to you. We wish that you benefit from this month’s Wellness Wednesday blog and that you enjoyed the read. Feel free to share it to peers that you think would benefit from this!

Articles:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeenacho/2016/07/14/10-scientifically-proven-benefits-of-mindfulness-and-meditation/?sh=4389495963ce

https://www.verywellmind.com/the-benefits-of-mindfulness-5205137

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-maintain-interpersonal-relationships-5204856

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/07-08/ce-corner

https://www.habitualroots.com/uploads/1/2/1/3/121341739/whatarethebenefitsofmindfulness_1.pdf

mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/

https://www.mindful.org/three-ways-acceptance-helps-work-difficult-emotions/

mindful.org/take-a-mindful-moment-5-simple-practices-for-daily-life/