Oldies but Goodies: Cherish Your Elderly Parents

My dad, Stan Moore, celebrated his 85th birthday today. Three weeks ago I was scared that he wouldn't make it to this day. Dad was hospitalized overnight for a very low heart rate due to a prescription drug. He was taken off the medication. His heart rate was only 40 and today he is doing very well with a heart rate of 64.

I am so grateful to my mom, who knew dad needed help and called for the ambulance. I am also very grateful for my sister-in-law, Debbie, who stayed with mom at Bowie Emergency for five hours. The paramedics who transported my dad to Bowie Health Center and Anne Arundel Medical Center and the doctors and nursing staff were also greatly appreciated. Thanks also go out to my brother, brother-in-law and nephews who helped move the bedroom furniture downstairs and installed a shower, washer and dryer so mom and dad don't have to walk up the steps and to my sister and sister-in-law for helping to move the furniture. My parents can now stay in their house of 27 years.

If you have elderly or disabled family members, you can help them stay active and alive as long as possible by:

1. making a list of their medications,

2. being sure they are visited as often as possible or have a family member live with them,

3. keeping doctor appointments,

4. helping them eat healthy and stay active,

5. making sure they wear good shoes so they don't trip,

6. making sure they have grab bars in showers and possibly on walls so they don't fall,

7. making sure they take medications,

8. having them stay on a lower level so they don't walk up and down steps,

9. keeping their minds active with games, photos, TV, visitors and social media.

Keep your oldies but goodies alive and active as long as possible. I plan to!