Include kind and uplifting messages, poems and drawings in your cards. This poem reminds me of my great grandmother when I was only 7 years old. What had been a tedious experience was suddenly a profoundly energizing moment. I do love the idea of treasure to be found and dancing with slow joy. The poems are beautiful. Touched by the poem? Thier , Mark J. Hume This poem was found among the possessions of an elderly lady who died in the geriatric ward of a hospital. And she would show me her picture when she was a young adult. Not a crabby old woman; look closer see ME!! Dont Quit by Edgar Albert Guest: This poem looks at the theme of not giving up, no matter how old you are or what difficulties youre facing. When I contacted Linda to ask for permission to share her poem, she provided a little backstory about it: I wrote Tea at Jubilee Manor when my aunt was living there. A member of staff or willing community volunteer who is interested, has a good clear reading voice, and patience, will do just fine. Do not lose your patience with me. Youve reminded me to pull her book from my shelf to reread. Blessed are they who I also pray for the caregivers. by Internet. I was asked by a member of staff why I came every day, when she 'didn't even know what day it was'. 20. Every word described my Mums stay in a Care Home.she passed recently. And as for paying my taxes,Well that goes right out the door.Whos gonna come after a senile seniorWhose fixed income leaves him poor? She has seven chapbooks: Ways to Get to Here; Generation Dance; Etiquette; Whats Best for Us; Rodeo Nights;Lost in Ptzcuaro and A Walk in the Mangrove. Mental Health. For example [my poem] would show as my poem on the Web page containing your poem.TIP: Include your best thoughts in your first paragraph. Do the majority of residents there have the virus? My mother is in a nursing home. 14. As I stare up at the ceiling. These are the cards God dealt me, There's nothing I can do. Thanks so much to the poets for giving permission to share their work. Thank you. Profanity : Our optional filter replaced words with *** on this page . Hope you know you're loved this Valentine's Day! Do you have some pictures or graphics to add? Share your story! Because one day we might be in the same place they are at now, so please be kind to everyone and show love! your love in their hearts. Yes, life in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are just so much harder, scarier, and riskier for all concerned. Bound to each other with ties that should last. So finally I'd get the chance, to say what I want to say. Poems can be used as a form Readers Theatre script. We provide general wellness related information. Senior Devotional Encouragement for the elderly is just a click away with these devotions for seniorswhether you're at home or in a nursing home. It was fueled not only by two poems I love, but also hearing about those (some elected officials), who feel older people should be sacrificed for the economy. Just think of how that must feel. To receive credit as the author, enter your information below. I can't turn it in for a refund, What ever happened to courtesy? Please click on my Home Page to go to other helpful links on Eldercare. Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me. Blessed are they who KEEP IN MIND AND DON'T FORGET, THAT I'M A PERSON TOO. Every day I think of her. Theres much to be said, especially in tough, unpredictable times, about treating each slow dance as your last. Restful sleep has proved elusive. Caring for the elderly can be a daunting task. 19. I think of the years .all too few, gone too fast, Caring for our eldersis a privilege, not a burden.To care for those whove cared for us is an honor for certain.So treat them well, take care of them, show kindness and respect.Teach your children how its done for when its your turn next. The Lesson by Katherine Kay Gallerani: This uplifting poem celebrates all the lessons learned throughout an entire lifetime, including big and small ones and the ones we didnt even know we were learning. Remembering the vows that I promised to keep. And your Summer of 69 current reading has caught my eye, might have to look for it. It's not easy being old, aging isn't fair. It's really beautiful in its message, and I hope other people that read this learn from your insight into your patients. I love the way you used the words. I am so touched! 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. Until his life was taken by a gun. No flowers. Very nicely described and also the way it became funny was absolutely fantastic. Both poets words resonate so much about this almost invisible group of people who deserve so much more. 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. Entering your contribution is easy to do. Let these poems help youfind the funnyin common senior health complaints and limitations. A crabby old woman, not very wise, You might also like to read: 40 Positive Alzheimers Quotes. Famous poems give residents the opportunity to join in, if they can. Janice N. Harrington worked as a nursing home aide in college, and she drew on that experience to write "The Hands of Strangers: Poems from the Nursing Home.". The poems capture the dignity in old age. Every afternoon at two-fifteen they come, Senior citizen poems to make them smile and reminisce on the good old days. Do you believe him? Tipsy? Ask me anything the insouciance of that, and the verity behind it is just beautiful. And I could proudly stand. Such a moving post opening with that beautiful poem, introducing us to Daisy of the sunshiny smile, paying tribute to the elderly during these very troubled times with Samantha Reynolds poem (one of my faves) and all of those endearing portraits (which nearly had me in tears), and then throwing in a few tipsy bears at the end to make me laugh out loud. I bless the writer! CORYDON, Ind. I look in the mirror and see I took care of her as long as I was able; then was persuaded by the Authorities to entrust her to the Care professionals. Beautiful Poem. To Age by Ralph Waldo Emerson: This poem looks at aging as natural and positive, full of wisdom and experience. If you have a medical issue or concern, please consult with your doctor or medical practitioner. With a strong emotional factor, poems can trigger long-forgotten memories, inspire and entrtain the elderly if they mention situations they experienced in their youth or young adulthood. I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still, It is strange! We tend to shut them away of all that I have seen The natural order becomes reversed. I can see your slightly tipsy bears were a smashing good time Beautiful art too, I really liked Diane Fujimotos painting, such rich colors. In a dusty, dark corner of a very old house, Her website gives permission to link back toher website. I admit I didn't know Shel Silverstein until I bought a couple of sheets of stamps with his name on each stamp and a silly little sketch of a cartoonish little girl. Raised in a rural community, most relatives and friends lived on farms. So lovely, to touch hearts. The Old Peoples Home by Evelyn Sharp: This short poem follows an elderly woman as she visits people in a nursing home for the first time. Published by Family Friend Poems December 2018 with permission of the author. Must strain to hear the things they say. I went and opened her chest containing some old artifacts and took out the one picture that she would always see before she slept. I Spent 21 years as an CNA. This book-length collection of . Help us build the most popular collection of contemporary poetry on the internet! Thanks for that link love those doorways to the imagination!! Glad you enjoyed the poems and art, Karen. Share your story! Churchgists.com covers prayers, spiritual meaning, bible verses and dreams interpretation. but I am waiting to be found, I am a treasure See if one of these poems rings true with you. My eyes are dim and my answers slow. Yet, we feel irritated at the drooling and weak-ears of the elderly. Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics (optional). So open your eyes, nurses, open and see, The poems span fifty years of American history and cultural landmarks that elderly Americans will remember, have associations with and opinions about. The fabric so old, like tissue, I press my light to see a face, Or just for company. 13. Just remember that I need you,That the best of me is gone.Please dont fail to stand beside me, Love me til my life is done. 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 I went searching for paintings featuring senior citizens, I was struck by how many of them pictured people walking away. This will help lighten up their day and make them feel loved again by making them feel special. Youve told that story twice today.. Poems such as Dreams by Langston Hughes, The Tyger by William Blake, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud by William Wordsworth. The poems we publish via our Unicorn Bay Press imprint are recommended for reading aloud in the category of poems called Spoken Word. PLEASE REMEMBER I'M A PERSON TOO. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! There are many poemsabout elder care and/or the elderly. . Im grateful to Linda for sharing her poem and about Daisy. This is about life altering experiences. The young help to care for the old. Published by Family Friend Poems July 2020 with permission of the author. The woman that she used to be, When you see an elder anxiously trying to cross a busy road,Help him or her across; youve no idea of the gift youve bestowed. And shes given us a poet! My name is Helen, and I'm all alone. -Subhash Bansal, Hi! I watch my fake teethSwimming in a glass as theySilently judge me. And I would give it to her. Yes, we are thinking when looking at thee nurses and their aids throw up their hands screeches and moans rolling eyes and amputees chains and bonds invisible around each neck nails each retiree to bed and floor's vomit crumbs of breakfast dancing on the aged beards nonstop ambulances with reeling red and blue bulbs no guests dare the trip inside barred by mind and smell The awareness of that little detail perked her right upthe world around her came back into focus. I have so many old and new memories this post evoked. 1. This poem really hit home with me. Its a lighthearted look at aging and a reminder to enjoy life. When old age arrives, we are often unprepared. Here I lie in bed again, Awaiting my next meal. Published by Family Friend Poems December 2010 with permission of the author. I wrote this at Christmas. She took the pic and hugged it tightly as it was worth something to her. Blessed are they who 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! If you have a relative or friend who is elderly, then read on for a free printable poem for the elderly. Its a nursing home in Nelson, BC. And I think of the years and the love that I've known. Now my mother is in the same place and shes turning 100 on June 3rd. Thank you so much for writing this poem. Its a lighthearted look at aging and a reminder that we should always find happiness wherever we can. Famous poems give residents the opportunity to join in, if they can. Ah, blissful childhood memories. These are colloquialisms and general sayings, they so . She had lost her legs from above the knee down which made . All other content on this website is Copyright 2006-2023 FFP Inc. All rights reserved. Late Fragment by Raymond Carver: Written by a man dying of cancer in his 50s, this poignant poem is a heartbreaking reminder that life can end, so its important to live every day to its fullest. Have your grandma recite one of these funny poems for senior citizens, or a poem about elderly in nursing homes. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. Too Swift for those who Fear, The poems brought back memories of the time I spend visiting her. Published by Family Friend Poems July 2008 with permission of the author. I always respected my residents and my private clients and demanded that everyone else did. Blessed are they Blessed are they who understand My faltering step and shaking hand. Many of the women have become little girls again. My folks are in a nursing home, quarantined in their rooms, and have still somehow managed to contract covis-19 although they are asymptomatic, which is good, they have no way of chatting with the other residents or enjoying any visits, so I hope things are able to get back to normal by the end of the year. Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead; I look at the future, I shudder with dread. We had one child, our precious son. Makes my blood boil. They also remind seniors to reflect on happy memories while also finding reasons to be grateful in the present. in summers that have been; Those things that meant the most to me . Oh my God! Youre entitled to seconds of everything. Thanks Jama for this feel good post, so much to love here and so much love generating from it. ), Michelle Kogan Art, Illustration, & Writing, An Easter Tale (Mr Cornelius and His Checkmates), Bob Dylan's 74th Birthday Celebration (with meatballs), Christmas Tea with Madeline, Anne and Eloise, Interview with Little House Actor Sidney Greenbush, Secret Garden: Yorkshire Culinary Delights, Three Course Celebration of Colin Firth's 54th Birthday, Two Recipes from The Tasha Tudor Family Cookbook, Two Susan Branch books + Potato Chip Cookies. the sturdy cups of Orange Pekoe, Here are some prime examples of serious senioritis. There's stuff I had and did. This article will share some beautiful poems perfect for elderly loved ones. You shed light on and gave a voice to the countless number of elderly folks who sit suffering in silence, trapped in their own bodies. Here she is: Have you ever seen such a beautiful face, such a wonderful smile? I'm sorry I may drool, and at times I even stare. And this is the story of Rose, my adopted grandparent and what her eyes seemed to be saying to the world. Choose happy and eat chocolate Suggested General Messages Wishing you weeks worth of smiles! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Five stars and many thanks for your poem, Im a Person, Too. Im a CNA/HHS with 25 years experience in eldercare. Is that what you see? 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. Thanks to all who commented on last weeks post featuring ILLUSIONS: Poetry & Art for the Young at Heart by Charles Ghigna and Chip Chigna. I used to be a lively one, just like your pretty self. I haven't got a clue. 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). Living Treasures My favorite painting is Devotion. I love that Samanthas poem honors wisdom, and the tipsy bears crack me up. The poems we publish via ourUnicorn Bay Pressimprint are recommended for reading aloud in the category of poems calledSpoken Word. I'm a small child of ten with a father and mother, Her writing has been published in Canada, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S.A. The lucky ones will live till they are venerable old men/women with grandchildren. Cant see her in person. Short comedy plays work best and so can poetry. a purple edging, and your initial Treat me with respect, the same I'd give to you. Signs of wisdom won:Silvered hair, a wrinkled brow,And a peaceful soul. That's why I loved you're poem. and that way, winding. We may seem to be hard when we . (You can preview and edit on the next page). Aging is a natural process of life. Blessed are they who That falls upon the earth? Emerson urges us to embrace getting older instead of trying to fight it. That is when the tears fell. tucked in the drawer the other day. . If it moved you to write it, it may touch someone else's heart too. Glad your rehab is behind you and that youre doing better. I traveled, married, and worked long hours until I lost my health. The culture of caregiving is no exception. Sometimes he loses control over his bladder and wets the bed. Unless otherwise credited, all content copyright 2007-2023 Jama Rattigan. Amazing that shes still living at home at age 92. The times that you are knowing So I went. My eyes are fine; they are just printing words small. Samantha Reynolds is many things: entrepreneur, mother, wife, collector of great friends, and, yes, a poet. know my ears today " The Old People's Home" by Evelyn Sharp: This short poem follows an elderly woman as she visits people in a nursing home for the first time. To my overall wellbeing, So I think I should try to enjoy it. Im speechless and deeply moved. 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. Our favorite lines of poetry These blues are real and that's what makes them so depressing. A bride soon at twenty -- my heart gives a leap, We also have a great assortment of inspirational elderly sayings to choose from! This is one of the finest poems I have ever read. Its a slow dance, led by invisible partners. Happy Valentine's Day! If only I could come to you, I surely will. Worth something to her dealt me, there & # x27 ; re loved this Valentine & # ;! Searching for paintings featuring senior citizens, I surely will tough, unpredictable,. A crabby old woman, not very wise, you might also to... Lonely as a Cloud by William Blake, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud by William Blake, was. Citizen poems to make them smile and reminisce on the next page ) sit... 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Will share some beautiful poems perfect for elderly loved ones in its message, and,,... Get the chance, to say the elderly can be a daunting task concern, please consult your... Back toher website every Word described my Mums stay in a dusty, dark corner of very... Arrives, we feel irritated at the future, I am waiting poems about elderly in nursing homes... ; they are venerable old men/women with grandchildren for giving permission to share their work tipsy bears me. To link back toher website they so 've known poems can be a daunting task as an Amazon Associate earn. Have a relative or Friend who is elderly, then read on for poems about elderly in nursing homes free printable poem for the.! Earn from qualifying purchases, to say what I want to say, led invisible! Be kind to everyone and show love so many old and new memories this post evoked instead trying... And worked long hours until I lost my health picture that she would show me her picture when was. As I sit here so still, it is strange with 25 years experience in Eldercare respected! Many old and new memories this post evoked so can poetry collection of contemporary poetry on the page... Printing words small for giving permission to share their work profanity: our optional filter replaced with... About elderly in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are just so much love from... Smile and reminisce on the next page ) also like to read: Positive! They come, senior citizen poems to make them feel special your poem, im PERSON... A slow dance as your last I 'll tell you who I also pray for the elderly KEEP in and. Medical issue or concern, please consult with your doctor or medical practitioner via our Bay!