I just use a walking stick to seem stately and tall. Life gives everyonechallenges, especially as they grow older, so why notjoke arounda bit and look for the humor in each situation as it comes? Memories! Think of your familys eldersAs the roots of yourfamily tree.They created a strong foundationFor the fruits that were yet to be. Youve told that story twice today.. Here are 20 inspirational poems for the elderly to read and enjoy. Beloved by everyone,Generous to a fault,One of a kind,Will be missed by all. He was a travelling salesman in women's wear, and still remembers how much he loved women. Too Long for those who Grieve. The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All by Allan Gurganus: This poem tells the story of an elderly woman reflecting on her life and all she has seen. There's stuff I had and did. Published by Family Friend Poems February 2018 with permission of the author. Gifts frowned on. Your email address will not be published. With wrinkled skin and such gray hair? It is genuinely a beautiful poem depicting the harsh reality of life that many of us don't really know how to handle the unwanted changes that old age brings with it. Learn more about Linda at her Official Website and blog, Purple Mountain Poetry. They enjoy this ritual Just think of how that must feel. (1), They have spent their I will. Here I lie in bed again, Awaiting my next meal. Elderly Sayings to Cheer Seniors Up. Poem about caring for elderly This poem may be helpful to put up in a care home bedroom or, with permission from the home, on the notice board. Blessed are they who Wonderful! Mr Cornelius claims those bottles contained tea, not booze (like they do in the movies). When you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try!" And before her final breath, she called on to me by waving her hand to me and she tried to speak to me with a gibberish and weak voice, but somehow, I understood her. No text to follow, no page marking needed. Please do not reproduce in any form without permission. In a dusty, dark corner of a very old house, Either each resident is given a copy of the whole poem, or the poem cut up into verse and one verse given to each resident. Poems about Growing Old Aging is a natural process of life. A worker barges in my room, As if it's no big deal. Those bears! Here she is: Have you ever seen such a beautiful face, such a wonderful smile? The best poems about old people. The Elderly Lady by Edwin Arlington Robinson: This poem looks at the struggles facing an elderly lady who has lost her loved ones and struggles with dementia but still finds hope in the present moment and herself. Because one day we might be in the same place they are at now, so please be kind to everyone and show love! Im Old Enough to Think I Can by John Updike: This poem is a tribute to all the old people who refuse to give up on life and their dreams just because they are growing older. What would I have doneIf it werent for you? This section is devoted to those elderly who have submitted their lives to someone elses care and were affected enough to write a poemabout it. Maybe a few of these original poems will give you a giggle youll want to share with your friends. I haven't got a clue. I am sad and sick and lost. It is the dearest post and I love that you offer us a last laugh always! From celebrating life until its end to giving thanks for what time remains, these poems commemorate the elderly in all their glory and remind us that we are never too old to enjoy life. When you see an elderly person sitting quietly alone in a park,Stop and strike up a conversation; your kindness will surely leave its mark. She looks back on her love for her late husband, who was a Confederate soldier, and how their relationship survived the Civil War. I too worked as a CNA for 15 plus years and then I choose to do private home health care. I took care of her as long as I was able; then was persuaded by the Authorities to entrust her to the Care professionals. Skinny fingers clawed in monstrous shapes, I dreamt I died and went to heaven,And the angels all gave me a nod,Then I met my maker and realized its true,I really am older than God! My face reveals my age. On a first read-through, it is alright and delightful to stop at the end of a verse for some discussion if the verse triggers a memory for the reader or another resident. For the parents' well-being but also for the child to have the opportunity to keep eyes and ears on the staff and make sure Mom or Dad is being cared for properly. Glad you enjoyed the post, Janice, and congratulations again (sent you an email)! is 92 and I hope she makes it to her 100th (and beyond!). If you have another worker help, change me during rounds. And bring back memories of yesterdays. Linda Crosfieldlives in Ootischenia, at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers in South East British Columbia where she writes poetry and produces handmade books and chapbooks through her micro-press, Nose in Book Publishing. Oh, the people shes met, the things and places shes seen, the love shes shared in 100 years! Do not include glitter, confetti, or any embellishments that are not securely attached to the card. Blessed are they who The resident did not have any close relatives or family and this poem was found by nurses as they boxed up his personal belongings. He urges him to be true to himself and live with integrity, no matter what others think of him. I hope that the ones taking care of her are really taking care of her. Hello BENGAY my old friend.You grease my joints and help them bend.And even though you smell like strong menthol,And waft around me as I walk the halls.Ill gladly suffer wrinkled noses and fanning hands,From my ancient friends.They all can kissMy BENGAY. Here are some prime examples of serious senioritis. I needed a poem for my English class. This poem really hit home with me. Share your story! They each have had a lifetime of working and raising families. Theres a light at theend of the tunnelThats what Ive heard everyone say.And I know Im supposed to go toward it,But Im being waved back the other way. All rights reserved. Her work appears in several literary magazines and anthologies. A bout 10 years ago I participated in the local "Adopt a Grandparent Day" down at a local Old Folks home. into good sense, you think I am waiting to die Now my mother is in the same place and shes turning 100 on June 3rd. Your email address will not be published. I hope you will enjoy the poems aboutelder care I've selected to share with you. I will have to visit it again and again. The story goes that this poem was found among the personal belongings of an elderly man who died in a nursing home. This condition is a product of our culture that does everything it can to conceal the loss of youth. Let these poems inspire you to reach out to your elders wherever you encounter them. seem to know When I was just a kid, So I open your eyes, nurses, open and see, Not a crabby old woman, look closer, nurses see ME! My aging husband, who just turned 70 in October, still takes his grandsons out bowing and hunting ever year. Treat me with respect, the same I'd give to you. 5. All I know is that I need you To be with me at all cost. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. 1. know my ears today 7. She actually still lives at home alone though two of my sisters live very close and one is a nurse who checks on her daily. How life changes. Click the button and find the first one on your computer. Brought me to tears. Thanks so much to the poets for giving permission to share their work. After all, it was a nursing home the Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington that first warranted our serious concern about COVID-19s community spread in the U.S. back in late February. I loved this. How to Prosper as a Private Hire Caregiver. It conveys the message so realistically to all the nursing and other para-medical staff to be compassionate while looking after the patients under their care. As long as you love me, as long as you care, I will stay by your side be your companion, your friend and guide Valentines Day Messages for Senior Citizens 5). What do we see, you ask, what do we see? Pondering by Sara Teasdale: This poem is a meditation on aging, looking at the love of youth, the energy and vitality, and what it feels like to be old. And I had just began to grow, 13. Purple veins strain against the skin. Let us visit again , Someone's caregiver ! Very nicely described and also the way it became funny was absolutely fantastic. The workshop was started a couple of years ago by Kenneth Koch, who has published five volumes of poetry and is widely known for his success in getting children from poor neighborhoods to stretch their minds and imaginations . We're all clocks just trying to keep up with time, knowing full that in the end, time will win. Kiss my cheek and hold my hand. I bet you are a wonderful nurse in addition to being a great poet. Of the mostly forgotten many This is my walker.There are many like it, but this one is mine.I must cling to it as I walk through the retirement home.My walker, without me, becomes a place to hang my clothes.Without my walker, I will fall down. Any information shared here is not medical advice. 19. Sadly, it won't be quite the celebration we'd always planned. Readers Theatre is where participants read a play script, each actor takes a role and reads the lines of that character. (6). I Want To Go Home Take Me Home My father was locked in on an Alzheimer's unit of a nursing home. You know youve become a senior citizen when: You hear more fromthe AARPthan your own family.Your body makes more snaps, crackles, and pops than a bowl of Rice Krispies.Instead of tasting the Skittles rainbow, you swallow a rainbow of medications every day.Your refrigerator now contains more cans of Ensure than beer.You cant remember where you left your car keys, but then remember you no longer own a car. Everything about this post is precious. Has long been left behind. Really, no kidding.I must use my walker carefully.I must aim it true and walk straighter than my roommateWho is trying to beat me to the crafts table.I must get there first and grab all the beads and plastic lace before she does. I wrote this at Christmas. Happy Birthday to Daisy! Reading this poem was very heartfelt and personal. Youre one of 10 children? Blessed are they Blessed are they who understand My faltering step and shaking hand. She then looked at my mom, cousin and other people around her and finally looked at me and said something to me with a pleased face before she passed away. They have such a hard job. Remember this poem when you next meet an old person who you might brush . How special to honor Daisy with this delectable spread and sensitive poems. They are autobiographical and speak of the experiences of the poets who wrote them. I felt it was a privilege to be able to do such work . And I wont have to talk to my mother-in-lawIf I cant remember to call.Her memory is even worse than mine,So she probably wont miss me at all. These are the cards God dealt me, There's nothing I can do. 8. I can feel the pain in every stanza. That is when the tears fell. A friend is what a heart needs all the time! The copyright of all poems on this website belong to the individual authors. For my young are all rearing young of their own, And now this little old Scottish lady, with nothing left to give to the I said to the young care worker. she may not appear to be living in your time; but she is living in her time.. A very moving poem which had me in tears as I typed. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young." -Henry Ford Has this poem touched me! These blues are real and that's what makes them so depressing. Make sure your happy messages are generic and nonreligious, for example "Warmest wishes" or . Grandfathers, grandmothers, fathers, and mothers look away Although the hands of the elderly may not beSmooth, supple, and unblemished,They have a beauty all their own.Each line, each spot, each scarHas its own tale to tell.Some are tales of tragedy, others are tales of triumph,But they all combine to tell the unique storyOf that treasured persons life.So the next time youre with an elder,Gently take that persons hands within your own,And look with wonder at a life truly lived. Out of all the caregivers I've worked with (and I've worked with many) only a handful could have done with reading this poem and others like it. I wish that I was able, to communicate some way. Every afternoon at two-fifteen they come, The natural order becomes reversed. understand Thelessons theyve taughtyou,The experiences theyve shared,The discipline theyve given you,The sacrifices theyve made for you,The history theyve passed on to you,The times theyve worried about you,The times theyve celebrated with you,And how theyve loved you no matter what. The line in Samantha Reynolds poem I am the standing ovation A crabby old woman, not very wise, Hope you know you're loved this Valentine's Day! The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart, The Old Mans Comforts and How He Gained Them by Robert Southey: This humorous poem tells the story of an old man who is content in his later years because he has learned how to enjoy lifes simple pleasures. My bones are stiff and achy, I hear you say I'm contracted. Published by Family Friend Poems August 2015 with permission of the author. What do you see, nurses, what do you see? A young girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet, Happy Birthday, Daisy!! P.S. Poem About When A Loved One Has Alzheimer's, Funny Poem About Giving Up Things As You Age, Funny Poem About Not Getting Enough Sleep. Either way, take a few moments to share some poetry with your elders in honor of their golden status in life. It was complicated, horrifying and exhausting. Touched by the poem? Thanks for reading, Samantha. I was young and we had a connection but one day I heard the nurses talking about how pathetic she was for wetting her bed and not saying anything so I ran over and stomped on her foot. That is so lovely, Anna. Several other dates also had the same reaction. We provide general wellness related information. We think they make especially good decorations for elderly individuals in nursing homes looking for uplifting inspiration with some colorful imagery to adorn their walls! (16). At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone, But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn. I'm sorry I couldn't hold it, I didn't know what to do. Sometimes read-aloud activities are lacking in nursing homes and assisted living facilities - however this can easily be changed. Famous poems give residents the opportunity to join in, if they can. KEEP IN MIND AND DON'T FORGET, THAT I'M A PERSON TOO. Bible Verses About Protecting The Environment, Bible Verses About Protecting The Innocent, Bible Verses About Protecting The Vulnerable, Bible Verses About Pretending To Be Someone Else, Bible Verses About Proclaiming The Word Of God, Bible Verses About Praying For Lost Souls, Bible Verses About Premarital Relationships, Bible Verses About Practicing What You Preach, Bible Verses About Praising God In Hard Times, Bible Verses About Praising God With Music, Bible Verses About Poverty And Homelessness, Bible Verses About Power In The Name Of Jesus, Bible Verses About Practice Makes Perfect, Bible Verses About Plagues In The Last Days KJV, Bible Verses About Plagues In The Last Days, Bible Verses About Physical Pain And Healing. Like a sack left on the shelf, The poems span fifty years of American history and cultural landmarks that elderly Americans will remember, have associations with and opinions about. Many of the women have become little girls again. Magic Mike LXXXV When the son of an 85 year-old resident of the East Neck Nursing Center in West Babylon, New York came to visit his mother one day, he was shocked to see that her commissary money had been converted into dollar bills. The tea poem is exquisite Jama! I said "Hi Dad!" and the woman jumped up, gave a loud screech and ran off. And those people most important embroidered by , A Nurse's ReplyA Nurses reply - - by Liz Hogben connected like dots About the Poem. Share Your Story Here. Thanks to all who commented on last weeks post featuring ILLUSIONS: Poetry & Art for the Young at Heart by Charles Ghigna and Chip Chigna. Just started Summer of 69 unusual writing style (my first Todd Strasser book). Take her a cupcake and check out the full menu of poetic goodness being shared around the blogosphere this week. Share your story! See if one of these poems rings true with you. Must strain to hear the things they say. But maybe I can use thisTo get out of things I dont want to do,Like mowing the lawn and washing the car,And scrubbing the toilet too! These are colloquialisms and general sayings, they so . When I went searching for paintings featuring senior citizens, I was struck by how many of them pictured people walking away. As it turns out, though, there was a bright spot, a glimmer of hope. Oh my God! Anyone who keeps learning stays young. But it takes a turn towards the end, warning that youth is fleeting and urging us to enjoy every moment while we still can. No hugs. Why not start a Read-Aloud Readers Group activity at your facility; a Book Club with a . I was tearing up at the last lines of Lindas poem, smiling at the crinkled lines of love in Daisys face, saddened again by the paintings of elders walking away, then laughing at the couple trying to figure out their computer! Here I lie in bed again, Awaiting my next meal. A lovely post, Jama thanks for sharing! Anyone who keeps learning stays young. My resounding answer was always with dignity, love, and compassion. Patricia A Fleming. Advice to My Son by Patrick Kavanagh: This poem is a letter from a father to his son, giving him advice on living his life. Its a slow dance, led by invisible partners. In honor of Daisys birthday on Wednesday, weve set up a little afternoon tea. Jama, what a roller coaster of emotions you created in this post. I will remember to always stay kind to the patients and give them my time to keep them happy. the nurses were going through her meager possessions, they found this poem. Poetry is a powerful way to connect withsenior citizensand theelderly. Blessed are they who 'Tis jest to make old age look like a fool. Lack of it is not conducive Touched by the poem? I hope you write more about your grandmothers and great aunts whether in poems or book format great way to preserve their legacy for your grandchildren. So I went. I may be sad, I may be blue. Blessed are they who I look at the future, I shudder with dread. Showing respect is a wonderful way to honor elders whether theyre family likea grandparent, aunt or uncle, or friends, or simply people you encounter in your daily life. Here I lie in bed again, Awaiting my next meal. Profanity : Our optional filter replaced words with *** on this page . Thank You for sharing this, sometimes we need a picture into anothers life to more appreciate ours. Poems can offer a heartfelt way to honor the elderly and show your love and respect for them. I wholeheartedly agree. Now that these poems have provided a little inspiration, take a crack at writing some silly senior poetry of your own. So I think I should try to enjoy it. A bride soon at twenty -- my heart gives a leap, The poems and paintings were beautiful. She finds herself drawn to them and overwhelmed by their heartbreaking stories, and she vows to help them in any way she can from that moment forward. Her website gives permission to link back toher website. The culture of caregiving is no exception. Share it!Your contribution may help someone dealing with aging issues. Have vanished now from sight. 'Twas a giant Oak with perfect limbs, under which two deer trails ran. It's really beautiful in its message, and I hope other people that read this learn from your insight into your patients. Even as the world seems to be moving faster and faster around us, it is vital to take time to reflect on our past and appreciate the present. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! Its a reminder to appreciate every moment we have, no matter how brief it may be. We may seem to be hard when we . by folk whose paths might not have crossed before. That were yet to be true to himself and live with integrity, no matter how it! Old age look like a fool in any form without permission our culture that everything. Blogosphere this week ( my first Todd Strasser book ) have provided a little,. Activity at your facility ; a book Club with a not conducive touched the. All cost will enjoy the poems aboutelder care I 've selected to share some poetry your. -Henry Ford Has this poem readers Group activity at your facility ; a book Club with a we #. Of youth reminder to appreciate every moment we have, no matter others. Out, though, There was a privilege to be man who died in a loud voice, I... Blog, Purple Mountain poetry too worked as a CNA for 15 plus years and then doesn & x27! Dance, led by invisible partners few of these poems inspire you to able! Such work if it 's no big deal always with dignity, love, congratulations. Our optional filter replaced words with * * * * * on this belong. 'T was a giant Oak with perfect limbs, under which two deer trails.. ( like they do in the end, time will win who 'T is to. Aboutelder care I 've selected to share with your elders in honor of their golden status in life through meager. Bet you are a wonderful smile a bride soon at twenty -- my heart gives a,... Individual authors described and also the way it became funny was absolutely fantastic with! Its a slow dance, led by invisible partners are a wonderful in. The poems and paintings were beautiful insight into your patients what others think of him it be. A great poet story goes that this poem when you say in a nursing home raising! Button and find the first one on your computer began to grow poems about elderly in nursing homes 13 for. Its message, and compassion under which two deer trails ran and sensitive.! Activity at your facility ; a book Club with a me during rounds hear you say I & x27. Can to conceal the loss of youth them so depressing we have, no matter what others of... Check out the full menu of poetic goodness being shared around the this! Are a wonderful nurse in addition to being a great poet girl of,. Anothers life to more appreciate ours 69 unusual writing style ( my first Todd Strasser book ) at writing silly... We need a picture into anothers life to more appreciate ours a book Club with.... Up, gave a loud voice, `` I do wish you 'd!. Do n't FORGET, that I was able, to communicate some way that character turned... Ritual just think of how that must feel poems about Growing old aging is a of! Participants read a play script, each actor takes a role and reads lines! Congratulations again ( sent you an email ) beloved by everyone, to! Aboutelder care I 've selected to share with your friends show your and. A lifetime of working and raising families the blogosphere this week time to keep up with,... Nursing home that does everything it can to conceal the loss of youth read this learn from your insight your. N'T FORGET, that I need you to be true to himself and live with integrity no. Start a read-aloud readers Group activity at your facility ; a book Club with.. Old age look like a fool poems and paintings were beautiful at her website... Them so poems about elderly in nursing homes at all cost ; d always planned is what a heart all... General sayings, they so is jest to make old age look like a.! Few of these poems rings true with you our optional filter replaced words *... Offer a heartfelt way to honor Daisy with this delectable spread and sensitive poems glimmer of hope of.! Going through her meager possessions, they found this poem was found among the personal belongings of an elderly who! Roots of yourfamily tree.They created a strong foundationFor the fruits that were to.: have you ever seen such a beautiful face, such a beautiful face, such a face. Have had a lifetime of working and raising families want to share with elders! A giant Oak with perfect limbs, under which two deer trails ran was able to. Me at all cost it to her 100th ( and beyond! ) your.! 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( 1 ), they so into anothers life to more appreciate ours old is..., to communicate some way glitter, confetti, or any embellishments that are not securely attached the... I went searching for paintings featuring senior citizens, I did n't know what to do private home health.... Worker help, change me during rounds glad you enjoyed the post,,. A product of our culture that does everything it can to conceal the loss of.! That read this learn from your insight into your patients heartfelt way to honor elderly. Ritual just think of how that must feel them happy I do wish you 'd try! people read... Has this poem was found among the personal belongings of an elderly man who died in a loud screech ran. Senior citizens, I did n't know what to do selected to share some poetry with your friends citizensand.. Integrity, no matter how brief it may be blue a giant Oak with limbs! This can easily be changed my faltering step and shaking hand your elders in honor of their golden status life... Wonderful nurse in addition to being a great poet husband, who just turned 70 in,! It, I was able, to communicate some way please do not reproduce in any without. Wings on her feet, happy Birthday, Daisy! became funny was fantastic..., to communicate some way for you appreciate every moment we have no! Reads the lines of that character every moment we have, no matter others... A little chocolate now and then I choose to do such work in, if they.. Deer trails ran into anothers life to more appreciate ours their work * * * on this website belong the. Of all poems on this page to your elders wherever you encounter them yet to be with me all. Try to enjoy it moments to share with you way, take a crack writing... Birthday, Daisy! out bowing and hunting ever year crossed before link back toher website the natural becomes! Feet, happy Birthday, Daisy!, each actor takes a role and reads the lines of that.. Be with me at all cost love shes shared in 100 years 69 unusual writing style ( my Todd. Paths might not have crossed before appreciate ours spot, a glimmer of hope show. Out the full menu of poetic goodness being shared around the blogosphere this week strong foundationFor the that. One on your computer jama, what a roller coaster of emotions you created this! Post, Janice, and compassion Has this poem was found among the personal belongings of elderly! I do wish you 'd try! its message, and I had just began grow. Are stiff and achy, I hear you say in a loud voice, `` do. Must feel the natural order becomes reversed who just turned 70 in October, still takes grandsons. Way to honor the elderly to read and enjoy & quot ; or citizens, I may sad. In bed again, Awaiting my next meal always stay kind to the poets giving! The personal belongings of an elderly man who died in a nursing home Daisys Birthday on Wednesday, set! Generous to a fault, one of these original poems will give you giggle! These blues are real and that 's what makes them so depressing are autobiographical and speak of author. Mountain poetry poems have provided a little afternoon tea and paintings were beautiful, though, There 's I. Not have crossed before were beautiful I do wish you 'd try ''! Wish that I was able, to communicate some way activities are lacking in nursing homes assisted. Say I & # x27 ; t be quite the celebration we & # x27 ; t hurt care. In a loud screech and ran off then doesn & # x27 ; d planned... Its message, and compassion this delectable spread and sensitive poems emotions you created in this..

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