Professional Caretakers Blog

10 Ways to Spend Mother’s Day With Your Elderly Parents

Mother’s Day is a perfect occasion to celebrate and honor the mother figures in our lives. Dedicate your time to making her happy. Here are a few ideas to create new memories together and have fun doing something different than usual.

1. Gardening

Gardening is an activity everyone can do – it is not tiring, but rather creative and satisfying. Whether it can be buying new plants or make your balcony or garden a nicer spot, make your mother a surprise – prepare all the things you need beforehand, gather them in one place and let her find them as soon as she wakes up. Then, make her decide how to place the flowers you bought, or the seeds that could give life to a new, beautiful tree, which you will see grow together. Make sure you check the weather forecasts before, though, in order to avoid bad surprises.

2. Bake Something Together – Or Prepare Her a Nice Meal

After years of knowing your parents, you surely know what they like to eat. Mothers are usually easy to make happy, if you do something entirely for them instead of letting them do all the work – they have, all their life, while raising you. This is why preparing her a nice meal, whether it be a nice morning breakfast or a more elaborate lunch or dinner, will send your mother the message she can relax all day. You can dedicate yourself to do her chores, especially if she lives alone and she has to do everything by herself. If you are not really creative or particularly good at cooking, you can ask her for help and have fun trying a new recipe together. Otherwise, the internet is your best choice – there are desserts specifically invented for Mother’s Day that are not difficult to recreate.

3. Go For a Ride!

If your loved mother has difficulties walking, this is the tip for you – take her to a beautiful place! The only walk she will have to do will be from the house to your car and if it is sunny, choose a nice route with nature for her to look at while you drive. Then, the final destination could be a nice view, or even better, a restaurant with a nice view – be careful, though, to choose a place that has the right facilities for your mother.

4. Go to the Movies Together – Or Choose a Mother’s Day Themed Film at Home!

Watching a movie is easy if you and your parents would like to stay home. If it rains and you don’t get to go outside for a walk or a short trip, but still want to do something meaningful together – a movie would be a great option. Choose a title that goes well with your mother’s interests – maybe it is her favorite film and she would like to watch it another time, maybe it is something well-known because of the latest Oscars, just make sure you have it ready to play, perhaps with some sweet dessert to eat along.

5. Go Dress Shopping!

Buying your mother a nice dress she looks beautiful in can make her feel pretty even though she is getting older. Compliment her while browsing around stores, let her choose the style and the color, have fun in the fitting rooms and come back home as if you were two young teenage friends. Choose an occasion to wear it!

6. Set Up a Party With Your Family

Mothers are not only important for their sons – they are also sisters, aunts, wives. This is why it would be nice to spend Mother’s Day together with your family, perhaps with other mothers. It is an easy way to celebrate if your mother can’t go out.

7. Learn Something New Together!

Workshops are always the perfect occasion to learn something new, meet new people and strengthen the bond with those you already know. It can be a sewing class, a cooking course, but even one that teaches you how to paint or how to use the computer. Seek for something you know your mother has been wanting to learn, or something she may want to pick up again.

8. Visit a New City

This one may be for the most active moms out there, but going somewhere for a weekend is always relaxing. Perhaps you can choose a city nearby, book an Airbnb some weeks in advance, and go exploring together.

9. Go to the Spa

If you don’t live in a very warm place already, going to the spa may be the most relaxing activity of these all – and the healthiest too, for sure. If your mother told you she has back pain, for instance, gifting her an all-inclusive spa day, can make her feel young again.

10. Create a Collage of Your Photos

This is a good idea to use some photos of you and her that have been sitting in a closet for years. Dust them off, be creative, and choose together the most significative ones – place them somewhere nice in the house, and appreciate the love between you two.

10 Ways To Spend Spring Break With Your Aging Parents

It can be difficult to find original ways to spend spring break with your aging parents. We listed some tips for you to find the perfect family events and make your parents happier than ever.

1. Go on a Short Trip

Holiday time also means doing something you normally can’t. Why don’t you choose together a relaxing location to visit? Whether it is a place you have been many times to and would love to see again or something absolutely new, the most important thing is to plan ahead and be ready to have some fun. Nowadays, many websites suggest infinite possibilities, take advantage of all those functions in order to be organized.

2. Gardening

Maybe you would prefer to stay at home. According to many psychologists, tidying up helps us clear the mind. Gardening, in particular, is suited for all ages and can be very fun. While it creates a memory, it also leaves space for further activities together. In fact, when you decide to plant a flower, for instance, you instantly have fun, but you will also have to keep the flower nourished in the future. Seeing your results together is rewarding, perhaps take pictures if you want to keep track of the progress you have all made.

3. A Family BBQ

Who doesn’t love eating? A barbecue is the perfect occasion to gather with family and friends and spend a nice evening together. The weather is warm, the days are longer, sit back and relax with your family and enjoy the change of season.

4. Go Shopping!

You would be surprised knowing how rarely aging people go shopping. Going shopping can be a great excuse to get your elderly parents out of the house for a few hours. If you decide to go clothes shopping this may provide self confidence and together can make them rediscover what they have lost about themselves. Of course, it can also be fun! Make them choose different colors and fabrics, talk together about new trends and listen to what they have to say about them. Make your parents the center of attention.

5. Family Bingo Night

The majority of aging people love bingo and it is fun for everybody! Try to gather your family in one room, prepare something warm to eat, light up some candles to create the atmosphere including some sing-along-tunes. Not only will it be relaxing, but it will also create an occasion for a family reunion.

6. Go to an Art Museum

Art museums can be difficult to go to during spring break, but if you can choose the right day and the right time, it would be absolutely nice. Choose a permanent exhibition or a temporary one, try to guess your parents’ preferences. Along the way grab some lunch, as a majority of museums there have nice and quiet café where you can talk about what you have just seen. Take pictures along the way!

7. Old Classic Movie Marathon

If your parents are movie fanatics, a movie marathon is the way to go. If you can’t find the perfect movies online, go to a library. Set up the atmosphere with cookies, muffins, popcorn, raw fruits and vegetables. Turn off the lights, bring out as many pillows as you can, and don’t be alarmed if you all happen to fall asleep. Enjoy the night spent curled up on the couch!

8. Create a Collage of your Pictures

Family time also means recreating ways to relive memories. This is why selecting the most significant pictures of you and your parents to hang in the kitchen or the living room will make them happy. Be as creative as possible! Choose the right frame, add some lights and colors, even glitter if you like it.

9. Dance the Night Away

If your parents love dancing, look up a dancing night for aging adults and go with them. Jazz could be the ideal soundtrack for the occasion, but be open to other genres if they are too. It is also an event to socialize with people their age and, of course, enjoy themselves doing something healthy too.

10. Go to the Planetarium

Spring break also means that the nights get longer and the stars are more visible than ever. If there is a planetarium near you, bring your parents there and discover the beautiful secrets of the universe.

25 Life Lessons Written By A 100-Year-Old Man

Andy Anderson, also known as “Mr. Cheese”, is a 100-year-old man who doesn’t actually feel old yet. He has lived his life to the fullest, making true what a man can dream of- a beautiful family, a long-lasting love, a good, rewarding position in a job to work hard for.

If not him, who can teach us about what is important in life and what is the right behavior to reach our goals?

1. Find your sense of humor…

Always maintain a good sense of humor and use it every day!

2. Work hard, be humble harder

Grandpa Cheese’s work-related suggestions are enlightening- always take what you get, even if you need to start at the bottom.

3. Always be in good shape!

No pain no gain, right? Exercise every day- it is worth it, both for your body and mind.

4. Save up as much as you can

You never know what you are going to need in the future. Always remember to keep a part of the money you make for future emergencies.

5. Vitamins are key

A glass of orange juice every day, and you are good to go.

6. Relationships like fairytales can be real

Keep believing in love at first sight, and that your true one, the chance to meet your soulmate, exists and is going to happen sooner or later.

7. You must survive!

Even though it is not your dream job, take it seriously. It is still better than starving! Remember, it’s better to have a bad job than having no job all.

8. Waste less food

Living consciously means to waste less- food, clothes- we need to have what we actually use. Health corresponds to the ability to measure.

9. Cherish your family

Your family and the love shared with one another are the most important things in life.

10. Proteins make you stronger

Protein is life! So continue to eat the recommended portions and savor each bite.

11. Listen to your needs

Don’t think ignoring the moment your mind needs a pause will make you a hero- stop to reflect about your needs, find a solution and move on in a better shape.

12. Believe in yourself

The first step to achieve anything is to be your true self, relentlessly- life is too short to pretend to be someone else.

13. Buy what you need

Fast fashion makes us buy lots of clothes we won’t ever wear. Stop being greedy and keep what you know you can wear everyday.

14. Forgive

It is not easy to forgive, but it will teach you important lessons.

15. Spend your money in the future

Make a financial plan for when you will be older.

16. True love requires work

A relationship is not always going to be easy- you have to put effort into it.

17. See the positive side of every situation

Life has its ups and downs- it is important to keep our chin up and maintain a good sense of humor to lighten up bad, awkward situations.

18. Learn to move on with problems

If you have an issue with something and there is no way out, forget about it.

19. Believe in your dreams

If you do what you are passionate about, you will always be happy. Don’t be afraid of the obstacles that could be in your path- be determined, dreams do come true.

20. Common sense does not equal education

Education in life. According to Grandpa Cheese, it is not necessary, as long as you do keep learning.

21. Curiosity needs to be your fuel

Be interested in the world, do as much as you can to experience it all.

22. Be less serious

Try to not be so critical of yourself.

23. Don’t be scared to aim at the top

Why just be anybody?

24. Common sense is the answer to every situation

Internalize what life has taught you- if you have no common sense, you are in big trouble.

25. Always decide for yourself- and be grateful for it

Life is a gift worth unwrapping!

Image Credits
Featured Image: Kiwihug /Upslash

10 Ways To Keep Our Aging Parents Well During Flu Season

Flu season can be the worst – trying to do our best to balance every day tasks and keep going especially during the holidays can be tough. As we age, the flu is the last thing we want to get. For instance, the elderly, don’t have the same energy or immune systems they once had that would help bounce back from ailments in a quicker period of time. If your aging parents have gotten the flu recently, then you understand the big undertaking one took to restore them back to health.

When the flu season does hit home, it is difficult for families to care for loved ones, as everyone is often busy and the flu requires a bit of effort and time. In order to put our best efforts forward, we compiled a few tips to help you and your family be prepared this flu season.

Prevention

Prevention is the most important step of these all. What is more effective than not having to deal with the flu at all? Over the years, lots of ways have been suggested by doctors and nutritionists in order to keep the population safe and well. What are they about, then?

Keep Them Warm

Winter equals cold- this is the main reason people get ill. The first way to prevent your parents from getting the flu, then, is to make sure their house is warm enough. Keep the blinds closed in order to maintain some heat inside, place some blankets around in order to use them as soon as they are needed, especially at night, and make sure the indoor temperature is never too cold- 70 degrees Fahrenheit would be perfect. Clothing helps too- provide your parents with wool items, especially warm hats- their head can get cold too!

Make Sure They Have Enough Nutrients

This tip may sound useless, but how much do you know about nutrients and what is ideal to eat during cold season? Choose those foods that are warm and easy to prepare. Soups are perfect, but don’t forget vegetables and meat for a healthy diet that makes the body stronger. Add some tea to drink once a day for the most effective results- your parents will keep warm and have what they need to fight bacteria. Don’t forget Vitamin C- it is the most effective to fight any kind of flu and cold!

Find Someone to Help

Chores are very difficult to do for an older person- it gets worse when it is winter. They can become exhausting and overwhelming. If you can’t find time yourself, try to find someone who could lift your parents the weight of doing chores and other daily tasks that have become too difficult for them. With a quick internet search, you will be able to find caretakers around your community that will help your parents and reduce the stress of errands.

Check Their Daily Water Intake

Drinking enough water is fundamental in order to stay healthy. What some people may not know, though, is because winter is drying, we actually need to step up our daily water intake game. Drinking other fluids like tea and juices is good as well- just remember to do it, and remind your parents to do the same.

Get Informed About a Flu Shot

The most obvious way to prevent the flu is getting a flu shot. There are many specifically out there for your elderly parents, so researching and being informed about different types of flu shots would better ensure the most effective results. Flu shots are usually low cost, especially in some local pharmacies- you directly walk in there, and it requires little time and effort. Talk to your doctor in order to know if your parent is eligible, and keep in mind the possible side-effects there could be.

Hygiene

The flu spreads because many people don’t follow the basic hygiene rules in public places. Take some measures in order to keep your parents protected when they go outside- buy some hand sanitizer gel to bring around, and make sure everything they use is clean, if they can’t wash it themselves. Also, insure that their living space is cleaned weekly. Don’t forget door knobs!

Stock Up on Medicines at Home

Of course, be prepared! Buy in advance antiviral drugs that can be used in case of emergency (paracetamol or ibuprofen, for instance).

Learn to Notice the Symptoms

What does the flu feel like? Sore throat, stomach pain, chills are obvious symptoms, but don’t forget feeling tired, dizzy and nausea are not to be undervalued.

Communicate With Them Regularly

Of course, the best tip is to communicate with your parents regularly, in order to know what they may need. Listen to how they feel, both physically and psychologically.

8 Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season with your Elderly Parents

The holiday season means to make the most out of family time. Sharing important experiences together is, in fact, absolutely fundamental in order to make everlasting memories- that makes caring for senior meaningful.

1. Create the Atmosphere

The holiday atmosphere can be shared all around one’s home, so light some scented candles around the house to create a more appetizing vibe. There are many different themes you can choose- Christmas-themed candles, for instance, are nice because they add a special touch to your bedroom or living room. If you celebrate Kwanzaa, instead, choose the Kinara on which to place your candles with your parents. Picking symbolic objects together, in fact, is a meaningful step towards the recognition of a mutual will of sharing pieces of your lives. While you do this, add your favorite holiday tunes and set a fire. Just sitting around the home with your loved one’s will create a wonderful atmosphere this holiday season.

2. Choose a Nice Holiday Outfit Together

Aren’t matching outfits a timeless treasure? Even if you and your elderly parents don’t share the same taste in clothing, it is a nice idea to spend some time choosing something for all of you to wear. It doesn’t have to be brand new, even though it would be a nice experience to browse in department stores for the same perfect-for-holidays sweater, or even matching happy socks. Be creative and show off to the rest of the family with a holiday card! Take lots of pictures in the process.

3. Bake!

Who doesn’t love baking? If you know your parents’ favorite desserts, it would be great to ask them to prepare something together that all of you can appreciate. Do you have a particular memory connected to that, or does your religion have a particular food you have to eat during this time? If possible, include whoever you can- especially the youngest of the family!

4. Set Up the Tree

A nicely decorated tree is beautiful even if you don’t celebrate Christmas. Your parents will love to help you choose the best lights and decorations for the tree. Try to include something different than usual- hang cookies, for instance, or pictures of your family. Choose a color scheme and follow it, or decide to let the randomness lead the work. All in all, what matters is to find the tree beautiful when entering the room- and to know it was all because of you and your family.

5. You Could Use Some Friends

It is hard for the elder to connect with people their age, especially during the holiday season. However, it would be a great idea to invite some of your parents’ friends over for a tea or dinner, especially if you previously set up some nice decorations to show off.

6. Visit Some Holiday Markets

Are there some holiday markets nearby? Let’s go! Make yourselves at ease with all the lights, special crafts and great local food. Your parents will love to do something different of this type, and you may find something you need as well!

7. Presents and Cards

Choose together the presents to give your family and make your parents write (or draw, if they can) something on the attached cards. The search for the best is what matters- it will make them feel important and involved, and you will manage to have some quality time together while remembering the things you love about your family.

8. Relax Time!

If you are looking for something more relaxing to do, why don’t you choose some movies to (re)watch together with your elderly parents? No walking/baking/decorating involved, just you three and a hot drink to sip. What’s a more holiday-ish activity than this?

5 Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving with your Elderly Parents

Thanksgiving is one of the most important holidays of the year. Making the celebration you and your parents deserve happen takes a bit of effort but can be rewarding when its all said and done. Here are five ways to make Thanksgiving a meaningful, remarkable day for the years to come.

1. For the Crafters – Thanksgiving Decorations

If you are a bit creative and think that your parents might want to get involved in the process, why don’t you think of custom decorations to show off in the house? The season of fall has landed on our doorstep and with that brings a whole lot of reasons to be thankful. Let your house be showered with these joyful characteristics as the main aesthetic theme when coming up with decor. For instance, you could buy some candles and customize them with the word “thanks” on each one of them. Another nice object could be having an empty jar you can all put your “I’m thankful for…” thoughts in.

2. Go for a Walk!

Many think fall is the most beautiful season- are you a fan too? If so, even if it can get a bit cold in some areas, it could be fun to go for a quiet walk with your parents. The elderly tend to have difficulties walking, both because they have a smaller social circle and because of physical problems. However, these are the occasions where you can- and should- get moving

3. Play a Game Together

Every family reunion includes some rituals- one of them is playing together. Each person has their own favorites, but if you have never done it before and want to try it, the most common games are bingo, cards, puzzles, charades and treasure hunts for the more organized, but there are also many printable game ideas to get you inspired.

4. Plan Your Perfect Thanksgiving Lunch and Make it Perfect

Families of all ages always love to cook- especially if it is a tradition and it reminds them of the past. Show your elderly parents some appreciation and give them the opportunity to choose exactly what they want to eat. Set up a nice table, with candles, flowers, fall plants, and cook for your parents (but let them do something, so they don’t feel useless.) Have a talk about your memories together, reunite your whole family is possible, make the atmosphere worth to be remembered.

5. Watch a Good Movie or a TV Series Together!

Is there something better than a good lunch and the perfect movie for Turkey Day? It is never wrong to get into that holiday spirit, and the choice is vast- from 50’s classics to the newest ones. Let your parents choose, gather everyone who might love it too and enjoy your evening.

5 Ways to Celebrate Veteran’s Day With Your Elderly Parents

Veteran’s Day is a great, meaningful occasion to spend quality time with your parents and talk about their memories. It doesn’t matter whether your parents took active part in past wars or not- they lived it, and it is important to be thankful for those who helped in the conflict.

1. Show up to Music Events

Music and patriotism go hand in hand- You can make up a music selection of the best tunes for Veteran’s Day or, even better, take your parents to listen to it live. There are multiple bands and school orchestras who will perform in public places for the occasion, so make sure you plan accordingly, as there will be a huge crowd in no time. This is not only a good way to recall the sacrifices and dedication of those who have served our country but it’s also a great way to express appreciation and helps your parents share their own life stories in a happy atmosphere.

2. Go on a Trip

On Veteran’s Day, many parks and natural reserves are free- take advantage of that! It could be nice to do something different from your routine and a breathe of fresh air can be good if you live in an urban area. The elderly often have problems moving around and therefore don’t go on a lot of trips, but choosing an accessible spot will surely make them happy. Try to look for a place that has a nice restaurant nearby- it will make the experience completely satisfying. What’s more relaxing and heartwarming than eating a hot meal while admiring the beauty of nature with family on a national holiday?

3. Display the Flag!

Veteran’s Day is the perfect time to display the American Flag. Do it with your parents, take pictures, share memories- these activities are all necessary if you choose to stay home and have a relaxing day. The more you are, the better- if you can, gather your whole family- children will love it!

4. Donate

This is a quite different activity from the others, but carries a lot of meaning. There are many veterans, in fact, who still have difficulties recovering and need some help. Donating some money is a nice gesture to show appreciation for who did give a lot for our country. There are many associations you can choose to donate to- there is the Wounded Warrior Project and the Disabled American Veterans, for instance- but you can also go to many department stores who support a donation service, such as Petco, that dedicates the earnings to military dogs.

5. Take Advantage of the Many Discounts

Have you ever thought about doing something but changing your mind after seeing the price? Well, there are special discounts for veterans on Veteran’s day, and the services range from haircuts to food. For example, you can get a free oil change, a discount on most department stores or a free meal (Applebee’s, Denny’s, Olive Garden, Golden Corral, Texas Roadhouse). It will also be an occasion to meet up with other veterans and thank them for their efforts in making the world a peaceful place.

5 Ways To Celebrate Halloween With Your Elderly Parents

Spending the holidays with your elderly parents is the perfect reason to create more memories together and remember happy times during the past holidays. Especially if the family is involved, all of these activities will create a different atmosphere- a more dynamic one- than their everyday life.

1. Decorate Your House Together

Set the mood for Halloween by decorating your house with spooky items. You can find them in every department store, but the real deal is to make them yourself. An example could be black and orange garlands, candles, little plastic spiders on the walls, but even creating webs and carving pumpkins will help you completely change the holiday atmosphere. Ask your parents to go with you to buy the decorations or assist you in choosing where to put the Halloween-themed objects.

2. Pumpkin Carving While Talking About Childhood Memories

This one is the most common activity to do when Halloween is approaching, but it always works if you want to spend quality time with your family. Especially if you have children or nieces, pumpkin carving is perfect to make the most out of one’s own personality. You probably have done it many times before- talk about it, recall past Halloweens, discuss future plans and put some music on while doing it- you will feel relaxed afterward.

3. Dress Up!

Not everyone likes to dress up, but if you are the types of people who can’t wait for the holiday time to show your costumes off, this idea is perfect for you and your family! The most interesting activity is, of course, choosing the theme- spend time together thinking about a movie, a show or a cartoon you all like, in order to impersonate your favorite characters. Add a personal touch to the costumes- they don’t have to be perfect, but you have to be proud of them.

4. Baking

You know there will be kids who will knock on your door asking for trick or treats. Be prepared! Having candies at home ready to be gifted is simple, but what about baking special Halloween-themed desserts? You could start with cookies, pumpkin-based ones are perfect for that time of the year. Make them a particular shape- or more if you want- ghosts, spiders, witches. Elderly people love to bake, and to take their time while doing that- especially if there will be children! Putting the cookies or chocolates in little separated baskets will be a nice gesture.

5. Movie Night

It doesn’t matter if you are at the cinema or in the comfort of your own living room- movie night is always fun. Of course, you don’t have to pick the latest, most scary movie you can find- even a soft one, such as Hitchcock’s series of thrillers, will surely make your parents happy- even if they are going to fall asleep on the couch. Prepare pop corns or cookies to treat yourselves while watching and commenting your theories. Create the atmosphere in general- turn the light off, put on some nice scents and get a blanket if you get cold.

Top 25 Memorable Grandparents in Television and Movie

“Grandparents create memories that the heart holds forever.”- Author Unknown

In honor of Grandparent’s Day this week, we decided to put together a list of our top 25 favorite senior grandparents in movie and television history that have left memorable impressions in our hearts and pop culture community.

1. Grandpa Joe, Willy Wonka And the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Welcome the world of “pure imagination” and endless amounts of chocolate! This classic movie follows the fascinating journey of Grandpa Joe and his grandson Charlie as they explore the land of Wily Wonka.

2. Grandfather, The Princess Bride (1987)

A timeless bedtime story filled with princess’, giants, true love and heroes. A doting grandfather (Peter Faulk) shares this treasured story with his sick grandson in hopes to cheer him up and recover quickly.

3. Sophia Petrillo, Golden Girls (1985-1992)

The character Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty) in Golden Girls, is one of the most hilarious ladies in television history. This iconic golden girl is mostly known for her wisecracks, cheeky remarks and straight-forward attitude when dealing with her family and friends. Despite her bold attitude, she deeply loves and cares for her family.

4. Russel and Anna Huxtable, The Crosby Show (1984-1992)

Russel and Anna Huxtable are the lovable and respected grandparents in the outstanding TV sitcom series, The Crosby Show. Both were civil rights activists who loved to share stories from their younger days and encourage their grandchildren to make good in the world they live in.

5. Frank and Marie Barone, Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005)

In the American sitcom, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frank (Peter Boyle) and Marie Barone (Doris Roberts) live right down the street from their son and his family. As Ray’s parents live out their retirement, they can’t help but come off as obnoxious and meddle in their son’s family affairs every chance they get.

6. Grandpa Munster, The Munsters (1964-1966)

Grandpa Munster (AL Lewis) played a sarcastic yet charming father of Lily Munster in the timeless television series, The Munsters. You can find this undead vampire hanging around the family basement, cooking up special magic for him and his family.

7. Frank, Parenthood (1989)

A movie about a dysfunctional Midwestern family that embarks the everyday challenges of balancing home and work life. The storyline follows Gil, a workaholic who is fearful of turning out like his father Frank (Jason Robards). As news breaks that his wife is pregnant with their fourth child, Gill leans on his father Frank for guidance and possible reconciliation for the two.

8. Grandparents, Cocoon (1985)

When a suspicious alien cocoon lays its nest into a senior community pool, a set of grandparents are left to make a life altering decision; whether to go with the aliens or leave their beloved grandchildren behind.

9. Koro, Whale Rider (2002)

The Whale Rider is an enchanting story about acceptance between grandfather and granddaughter. While grandfather Koro (Rawiri Paratene) is at odds with his young granddaughter, she goes to great lengths to prove her true destiny in hopes of gaining approval by him.

10. Endora, Bewitched (1964-1972)

Taking us back to the enchanting television show Bewitched, Endora (Agnes Moorhead), is the flamboyant witch mother of Samantha Stephens. Endora refuses to embrace the mortal life her daughter has chosen for her and her family and finds all sorts of wicked ways to bring magic in the house despite Samantha’s wishes.

11. Grandpa Edwin, Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

A light-hearted comedy about a strong bond between Grandpa Edwin and his granddaughter Olive. Grandpa Edwin and the family go on a long road trip across the states so that they can see Olive’s dream play out in hopes to win a beauty pageant.

12. Madea (2005)

Tyler Perry’s, the Madea movie franchise centers our attention around a candid grandmother who will speak her mind and have no shame in her opinion, whether you like it or not. A definite laugh out loud comedy for the whole family.

13. Aurora Greenway, Terms of Endearment (1983)

This heart wrenching movie centers around a mother-daughter relationship in a span of 30 years. Aurora Greenway (Shirley MacLaine) plays both mother and grandmother to her dying daughter’s children.

14. Rose Dawson, Titanic (1997)

Rose Dawson survived the sinking of the Titanic and flashes back to her days on the ship. She goes on a journey with her granddaughter and a set of sea explorers to uncover the wreckage, treasures and memories left behind from that horrible day.

15. Jay Pritchett, Modern Family (2009- )

Jay Pritchett played by Ed O’Neill, is the patriarch of the Pritchett family in the hysterical TV show, Modern Family. On the outside, he may seem like the rigid war veteran exhibiting tough love, but in close sight he is an amazing grandfather no matter what crazy antics his family may get into.

16. Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, Downton Abbey (2010-20015)

The Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, is as blunt as they come! She is featured on the British drama series, Downton Abbey. She speaks candidly and is never afraid to give her opinion, even if it’s not what her granddaughters want to hear.

17. Gammy, The Proposal (2009)

Played by the beloved Betty White, Gammy is a straight-forward, “young at heart” individual who loves life and celebrates it as much as she can. Even if she’s about to turn 90, age doesn’t stop her from being who she is.

18. Emily and Richard Gilmore, Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

Emily Gilmore (Kelly Bishop) and Richard Gilmore (Edward Herrman) pride themselves in being wealthy and stay true to their values in the hit TV show, Gilmore Girls. When they’re not attending the latest fundraiser or country club gathering they spend time with their granddaughter Rory, as she makes her way into Ivy League school.

19. Al “Pops” Solomon, The Goldbergs (2013-)

Al “Pops” Solomon, (George Segal) plays a Casanova-like grandfather who is beloved by his grandchildren. You can find Pops making home movies with his geeky grandson, Adam Goldberg, or giving love advice to his other grandchildren as they reach their teenage years in high school.

20. Ruby and Pops Johnson, Blackish (2014-)

Ruby (Jennifer Lewis) and Pops Johnson (Lawernce Fishburne) are the straightforward grandparents in the hit TV series, Blackish. Despite their different opinions and views on life, they come together giving advice to every day issues the family may experience.

21. Ella, In Her Shoes (2005)

A heartwarming drama about sisterhood and the bonds of family. An estranged grandmother, Ella (Shirley MacLaine), welcomes her troubled adult granddaughter into her home as they uncover family secrets and pursue reconciliation.

22. Grandma Gilmore, Happy Gilmore (1996)

Sweet Grandma Gilmore (Frances Bay) is forced out of her home due to lack of funds on her mortgage. Happy Gilmore, her grandson, will do anything for her even if that means picking up the game of golf and entering himself in a tournament to win the grand prize and win back his grandma’s home.

23. Grandma Huang, Fresh Off the Boat (2015-)

Grandma Huang (Lucille Soong) may not be able to speak English but that doesn’t mean she can’t keep up in conversation with her grandchildren. She’s willing to lend a hand anyway she wishes, even if that means helping her grandchildren play pranks on their neighborhood friends.

24. Grandma Elle, Grandma (2015)

In the movie Grandma, Grandma Elle (Lily Tomlin) is not like your traditional grandmother. She marches to the beat of her own drum and does not believe in conventional grand parenting. No matter how bumpy life gets, she is always there for her granddaughter.

25. Royal, The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

A distant grandfather named Royal (Gene Hackman), dislikes the way he handled family business in the past and wants to prove to himself and his family members that he has changed no matter how unusual his approach may be.

5 Ways to Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with Your Elderly Parents

It is always a good idea to spend a holiday with your family. However, it can be difficult to match everyone’s needs- children have fun playing games, you would like to relax a little, your elderly parents, instead, can prefer spending quality time together, as it is a less busy period of the year. Luckily, there are many ideas you can take inspiration from to bring everyone to enjoy their time together, maybe doing something new, and creating memories to share in the future.

1. Pampering

As many and different as you may be as a family, pampering is always appreciated when it comes to relax in one’s free time. In fact, it is something out of a daily routine but that can have a huge effect on one’s overall health, even if it is just a small step. Nevertheless, it doesn’t have to be only about relaxation- it has to deal with respect and love in the first place. In fact, it would be great if you showed sensitivity to some of their needs and to dedicate your time in achieving their wellbeing. As much as annoying it could be, it can also become unexpectedly fun and will make your parents happy.

For instance, if you know they have been wanting their TV repaired for a long time and you just were too busy to do it, choosing to fix the problem and even watch a movie together can make a memorable day. Another example can be making them a well-planned lunch with a specific meal they like but they can’t prepare for some reason. If you want to do something original, instead, it can be fun to go to some beauty spa and enjoy the lasting benefits of massages and thermal water.

2. Take a Small Trip Together

How long ago have you gone with your parents on a small trip? If you can’t even remember, this could be the perfect occasion to plan going somewhere new, such as a nearby reserve, a just-opened place or a not so far away little town that has nice sightseeing attractions. Because there are so many possibilities to choose, this is the perfect activity to plan if you have a big family- everyone will find something of their taste to do and will enjoy being in each other’s company. Of course, because your elderly parents have limits, it is better to find a place in which there’s not too much walking to do. This way, the trip will be comfortable for them and not too tiring. Don’t forget to see the weather forecasts to avoid bad surprises, and decide a plan B if there is suddenly a turnaround.

3. Host a Party

One of the things elderly people feel the most is loneliness. In fact, they are often alone throughout the week as their loved ones are busy either at work or at school. For those who have difficulties going out of their house, due to health problems, for example, this issue is particularly important and has to be solved as it can lead to mood swings and depression.

The Labor Day weekend is the perfect occasion to give a new life to your parents’ house and make them experience a family reunion, along with some friends of them if possible. Planning it is the fun part, as you can ask your parents to help you organize things, such as cooking a meal, or maybe going shopping for flowers and plants to decorate the house. All of these small things make a difference in their lives and will make them happier, because they will feel involved and appreciated for their help. Furthermore, this activity is perfect for any age range, especially if playing board games together or watching a cult movie while relaxing on the sofa.

4. Go to a Fair/Farmer’s Market

Everyone loves fairs and or farmer’s market, and if your elderly parents don’t have mobility issues, this can be a great idea to have fun together. In fact, nobody is too old to enjoy themselves! Even eating a snack at a local town while watching other people playing traditional games can be interesting and will spark communication between you three. If they are passionate about a certain activity, such as bingo or farming, you could find a farmer’s market that involves these topics and, even if you aren’t interested in them, you can learn something new and listen to your loved ones while they talk about it.

5. Attend a Local Concert

Music is a fundamental part in everyone’s life and it can be extremely helpful to those who have elderly parents with some kinds of disabilities. In fact, if they have Alzheimer’s, or Dementia, doing something that involves the senses rather than the mind is effortless and successful. They may like classical music or choirs- find a local concert of your interest and ask your parents to go there together, it won’t be tiring and will make them happy. After that, you could go out to eat or come back home to relax – take with you a small gadget of the concert, such as a CD of the songs that have been played.