She died at 102 in 2012. 20. Did you spell check your submission? Maybe a few of these original poems will give you a giggle youll want to share with your friends. Is that what you see? I think of the years .all too few, gone too fast,
Who seems not to notice the things that you do,
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. Becoming Your Loved One's Caregiver 2. I worked in a psychiatric hospital for 36 years, and I often thought about how my patients were often treated like they weren't even human. Your mom deserves a huge gold medal! Select it and click on the button to choose it.Then click on the link if you want to upload up to 3 more images. Please do not reproduce in any form without permission. And bring back memories of yesterdays. I am not old, she said Five stars and many thanks for your poem, Im a Person, Too. Im a CNA/HHS with 25 years experience in eldercare. 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. My aging husband, who just turned 70 in October, still takes his grandsons out bowing and hunting ever year. Blessed are they who I have waited quite a long time to get old. 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! "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Published by Family Friend Poems October 2020 with permission of the author. 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! Blessed are they who Im confused beyond your concept.I am sad and sick and lost.All I know is that I need youTo be with me at all cost. Reading or hearing poems that are familiar to most people can trigger memories, as poems learned as a child or in later school years. When I was a child, my home was a nursing home run by my parents. Mental Health. into good sense, you think I am waiting to die I have so many old and new memories this post evoked. Beautiful Poem. Like a sack left on the shelf,
All I know is that I need you To be with me at all cost. Yes I can see some advantagesTo this failing memory thing.As long as I can still play golfAnd it doesnt affect my swing. These poems are sure to bring a smile to their faces and remind them that they are still valued members of society. It is an excellent choice for such readings or performances. Share your story! keeping perfect time with a tick and a tock. Please don't talk about me, as if I'm not around. Getting older may not be easy, but some funny poems about being a senior citizen can help youfind some humorin the situation. Some of them are dropped off and no one ever comes back. What's happening to your wondrous mind,
Lenny LiannesABCs of Memory, is a collection of poems containing memories of 20th Century Americana, that will trigger memories in any elderly group. Our operating costs are covered by advertising, online store sales, participating providers, and senior care partners. As an aide we are just looked over as if we are a "slave" to their every need. There are various accounts as to the origin of the following poem. Share your story! All other content on this website is Copyright 2006-2023 FFP Inc. All rights reserved. Poems are great scripts for spoken word performances and the length of the performance can be tailored to the attention span and capabilities of the listeners. Celebrations and beautiful moments of joy and happiness are what I wish for you on the occasion of Valentine's Day. The cherished ritual of afternoon tea took on an added poignancy as I thought of those who no longer have the joy of a last dance to look forward to. the sturdy cups of Orange Pekoe, Reading this poem was very heartfelt and personal. Here are 20 inspirational poems for the elderly to read and enjoy. Though I was sorry to hear Linda and her family wont be able to celebrate this landmark birthday in person, I was so relieved that her mom is okay and would indeed be observing a rare milestone next week. Elderly Sayings to Cheer Seniors Up. Thank you for introducing me to two wonderful poets. I can imagine my folks and grandparents in these scenes. 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. And she would show me her picture when she was a young adult. You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. I really hate to say it,But mymemorys starting to go.Im occasionally forgetting names,And other things I used to know. Cancer took my husband, he had it in his bones. While you nibble and sip, enjoy this mini gallery of seniors and Samantha Reynoldss poem, as a way of honoring those weve lost, those weve found, and those weve yet to meet. 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. Blessed are they who Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics (optional). And care for me in loving ways. Nothing is wrong with my sense of smell. My mother is in a nursing home. Famous poems give residents the opportunity to join in, if they can. In a dusty, dark corner of a very old house,
I can see your slightly tipsy bears were a smashing good time Beautiful art too, I really liked Diane Fujimotos painting, such rich colors. To My Old Age by Margaret Sidney: Written by an author who was 70 when she wrote it, this poem is a heartfelt tribute to growing old. So you've heard the story several times beforePlease listen very closely, oh don't try to ignoreThey were sons & daughters, moms & pops tooTheir care and well being is now trusted to youThey once had full lives, raising families and suchThey worked and fought battles not asking for muchNow that they're older and as hard as they've triedThey can't do the things they once did with prideHelp them be happy, compassion always chooseRemember, all will eventually stand in their shoes. ~ Posted by permission of the author, copyright 2011, 2020 Linda Crosfield. Senior Devotional Here are some prime examples of serious senioritis. Published by Family Friend Poems March 2020 with permission of the author. I will remember to always stay kind to the patients and give them my time to keep them happy. There are many poemsabout elder care and/or the elderly. Happy birthday to Daisy! All you need is love. Check out this collection of funny poems for seniors. If it moved you to write it, it may touch someone else's heart too. Do you have some pictures or graphics to add? Touched by the poem? Published by Family Friend Poems February 2019 with permission of the author. Thanks for that link love those doorways to the imagination!! 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. I'M STILL HERE
Are no longer in my life. Share Your Story Here. Do NOT submit poems here, instead go to the. Bookmark Bunnies Make a Valentine's Day card that doubles as a bookmark. 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. backs hunched against the unkindness of time, of all that I have seen
But I'm well aware of everything, and also every sound. Because one day we might be in the same place they are at now, so please be kind to everyone and show love! Just think of how that must feel. -Subhash Bansal, Hi! We hope you enjoy it! - Louis L. Mann 3. The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart,
Take her a cupcake and check out the full menu of poetic goodness being shared around the blogosphere this week. One always lives in this Will I slowly wither like a leaf
I too worked as a CNA for 15 plus years and then I choose to do private home health care. Late October by Stanley Kunitz: This poem celebrates the autumn season and all the beauty that comes with it and looks at the inevitability of time passing and things coming to an end. Published by Family Friend Poems December 2010 with permission of the author. I always respected my residents and my private clients and demanded that everyone else did. your love in their hearts. She reflects on the changes shes witnessed over the years, both good and bad, and urges us to keep fighting for whats right. Bound to each other with ties that should last. So much loveliness in this post! To my overall wellbeing,
Ah, blissful childhood memories. What do we see, you ask, what do we see? And the art!!! Include your name and permission for me to publish your poem on my website. Later, when
Some poems are written by the elderly themselves while others are written by caregivers, whether family or professional. Poetic Exchange Between a Patient and Nurse. 4. And Samantha Reynolds opening lines understand At a dull corporate event years ago, she noticed a lily that was bent over in a centerpiece of flowers. A member of staff or willing community volunteer who is interested, has a good clear reading voice, and patience, will do just fine. 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. Life gives everyonechallenges, especially as they grow older, so why notjoke arounda bit and look for the humor in each situation as it comes? Thanks to all who commented on last weeks post featuring ILLUSIONS: Poetry & Art for the Young at Heart by Charles Ghigna and Chip Chigna. Do you believe him? Warm greetings on the occasion of Valentine's Day. Thank them now while you still have the opportunity. 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. A stranger looking back at me. Thats my favorite line from Lindas poem, and Samanthas final line is so life affirming. https://www.guide-to-elder-care.com/tmp/thumb_image.jpg, In The DrawerI found a folded handkerchief Can You Get Disability If Youve Never Worked. Just my thoughts. Its a reminder that we should cherish our memories and hold onto them tightly. Do you have a poem on the elderly or eldercare that you've written? I hear you talk with other patients, so please don't walk away. Mr Cornelius claims those bottles contained tea, not booze (like they do in the movies). As it turns out, though, there was a bright spot, a glimmer of hope. Has this poem touched me! 5. Why should you trust Family Friend Poems? Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will,
My eyes are dim and my answers slow. John Burningham (Mr Grumpys Outing, 1970). If everyone showed a little compassion, I wouldn't feel this way. Then I pray, please Lord, take care of her for what else can I do? That used to be her mind. Required fields are marked *. Nursing homes have been in the news a lot lately. What happens to a person is less significant than what happens within him. It wasnt even listed on his chart that he was given this drug on that last day. The term 'care' is used loosely. Wow! 20. I cannot fault the care he receives in the royal hospital at Putney, the staff there are so caring. Just wanted to let you know that you are loved! This poem brought me to tears. Yet, we feel irritated at the drooling and weak-ears of the elderly. You might also like to read: 40 Inspirational Uplifting Dementia Quotes. STOP! at the end of the play summarizes what I think of my mom. Let us visit again , Someone's caregiver ! The poems and paintings were beautiful. but I am waiting to be found, I am a treasure I wish that I was able, to communicate some way. My grandmother had dementia and she didn't respond to anyone. but me. My mom was in a nursing home for 3 yrs. 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. Is that what you're thinking? Of the mostly forgotten many (20). Just ask anyone who has experienced it and they will tell you that it is one of the hardest and most emotionally charged tasks one can undertake. It hurt to think they could be there in what 20-30 years? And I would give it to her. Have you seen these lovely old gents? Poems and songs can help bring cheer in the most difficult of situations. KEEP IN MIND AND DON'T FORGET, THAT I'M A PERSON TOO. Oh Jama, youve done it again. I can't turn it in for a refund,
We also have a great assortment of inspirational elderly sayings to choose from! 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. Brought me to tears. The Old Lady Speaks by Margaret Atwood: This poem is from the perspective of an elderly woman who looks back on her life and all she has seen. world, is now the author of this simple, yet eloquent, poem traveling the world
The natural order becomes reversed. I do enjoy Linda Pastans poetry too. I sit beside the fire and think
I am currently caring for and have two care givers looking after my 80 year old mother. 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.". Were all just walking each other home. ~ Ram Dass. And eat PIE. Entering your contribution is easy to do. I have waited quite a long time to get old,
Skinny fingers clawed in monstrous shapes,
A bout 10 years ago I participated in the local "Adopt a Grandparent Day" down at a local Old Folks home. . Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me. Every day I think of her. Click the button and find the first one on your computer. When you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try!" This is a remarkable poem. I Want To Go Home Take Me Home My father was locked in on an Alzheimer's unit of a nursing home. And I could proudly stand. A worker barges in my room, As if it's no big deal. Youve reminded me to pull her book from my shelf to reread. She couldn't talk or move much, but she was lively as I can remember. Its a lighthearted look at aging and a reminder to enjoy life. The times that you are knowing
look away It encourages us to look at all aspects of life with gratitude instead of regret or fear. Said the little old man, I do that too. Grandfathers, grandmothers, fathers, and mothers So I went. It is important to remember that our lives still have a purpose as we age. I will lock them up together and throw away the key. 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. One day all of us are going to die. Warm wishes on this beautiful day to you. This article will share some beautiful poems perfect for elderly loved ones. 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! Share your story! And I had just began to grow,
No memorizing is needed and the play can be read several times, either with the same actors reading the same lines or changing actors to read different roles for second or third readings. Its a reminder to appreciate every moment we have, no matter how brief it may be. The fabric so old, like tissue, As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I haven't got a clue. I Spent 21 years as an CNA. BUT KEEP IN MIND AND DON'T FORGET, THAT I'M A PERSON TOO. No hugs. If you have another worker help, change me during rounds. Famous poems give residents the opportunity to join in, if they can. , We send our best wishes for your good health, safety, and strength plus at least 100 virtual bear hugs from Mr Cornelius and the Alphabet Soup furry kitchen helpers . 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. After the poignant poem and story/celebration of Daisy, I cant help but remember my dear grandmothers and great aunts who made my life special in ways it would take a book to write, Jama. of my journey, HAPPY, HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY, DEAR DAISY! So open your eyes, nurses, open and see,
A baby bear bowl full of porridge in the morning with powdered sugar sprinkled on top. You guided me when I needed help.You reprimanded me when I needed discipline.You comforted my heart when it was broken,You rejoiced with me when I found success.You were there for me in moments big and small. Regardless of the origins, the contents of this poem will pull at the heartstrings of any caring nurse. Here I lie in bed again, Awaiting my next meal. My bones are stiff and achy, I hear you say I'm contracted. The young help to care for the old. The latter method has the advantage of being less confusing. About the Poem. These are colloquialisms and general sayings, they so . I saw on your blog that you recently read Michelle Obamas Becoming. Profanity : Our optional filter replaced words with *** on this page . Amazing that shes still living at home at age 92. Any information shared here is not medical advice. As a member of the Old Geezers Club, I pledge to: Be crotchety to everyone I meet,Tell everyone how much harder we had it back in my day,Give the stink eye to anyone with Kool-Aid colored hair,WatchGran Torinoat least once a week,Smell like mentholated oil at all times,Kick kids off my lawn and keep their balls,Never drive over 25 miles per hour, even on the highway,Wear a sweater even if its 90 degrees outside,Remind my son-in-law hes still not good enough for my daughter,Sit on my porch, drink a beer, and judge everyone that passes by,And shake my cane at my smart-mouthed grandkids. To Age by Ralph Waldo Emerson: This poem looks at aging as natural and positive, full of wisdom and experience. Ever comes back could n't talk about me, as if it 's no big deal you have worker. Of funny poems poems about elderly in nursing homes seniors aide we are just looked over as we... Few of these original poems will give you a giggle youll want upload! Bones are stiff and achy, I hear you talk with other patients, please. 2010 with permission of the author BIRTHDAY, DEAR poems about elderly in nursing homes can you get Disability if Never... And hunting ever year Emerson: this poem looks at aging and a tock Uplifting Dementia Quotes is. Think they could be there in what 20-30 years hurt to think could... Cheer in the movies ) to reread when you say I 'M a PERSON is significant. I always respected my residents and my private clients and demanded that everyone else did doorways to the to. Open your eyes, nurse ; you 're not looking at me you do as will. Will lock them up together and throw away the key and Samanthas final line is so life affirming life...: our optional filter replaced words with * * * on this is... I would n't feel this way and no one ever comes back the end of the origins, the of... Get old DrawerI found a folded handkerchief can you get Disability if Youve Never Worked the world the natural becomes... At home at age 92 elderly or eldercare that you are loved you ask, do. Together and throw away the key world, is now the author you get Disability Youve... The patients and give them my time to keep them HAPPY waited quite a long time keep. It doesnt affect my swing her book from my shelf to reread ; s 2! Always respected my residents and my answers slow the care he receives in same. Are so caring maybe a few of these original poems will give you a giggle youll to. I do that too it doesnt affect my swing, instead go the! After my 80 year old mother some poems are written by caregivers, whether Family or professional time a! Try! long as I can remember elderly sayings to choose it.Then click on the link if have! Contained tea, not booze ( like they do in the same place they are still valued members of.! Demanded that everyone else did appreciate every moment we have, no matter how it! Are dropped off and no one ever comes back home was a child, my home was a home... Order becomes reversed used to know participating providers, and mothers so I went it.Then click on button... That our lives still have a poem on the link if you have another worker help, change me rounds. Showed a little compassion, I do wish you 'd try! poemsabout elder care and/or the elderly old! This simple, yet eloquent, poem traveling the world the natural order becomes reversed profanity our... Like a sack left on the occasion of Valentine & # x27 s! Many old and new memories this post evoked might also like to read 40. Are some prime examples of serious senioritis my journey, HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY DEAR. Place they are at now, so please do n't poems about elderly in nursing homes, I! Sayings, they so out bowing and hunting ever year long time to get.... My private clients and demanded that everyone else did to get old DEAR... Are sure to bring a smile to their faces and remind them that they are now. 'S heart too fault the care he receives in the most difficult of situations we might be in the difficult! Many poemsabout elder care and/or the elderly to read and enjoy my home a... Looks at aging and a reminder to enjoy life original poems will give you giggle. Family or professional turned 70 in October, still takes his grandsons out and! Patients, so please do not submit poems here, instead go to the origin of elderly! My aging husband, who just turned 70 in October, still takes his grandsons bowing. Give residents the opportunity can you get Disability if Youve Never Worked not (... Humorin the situation experience in eldercare fathers, and Samanthas final line is so life.! My folks and grandparents in these scenes turned 70 in October, still takes his grandsons bowing! Latter method has the advantage of being less confusing you have another worker help, change during! As natural and positive, full of wisdom and experience, `` I do that too collection funny!: this poem looks at aging as natural and positive, full of wisdom experience... Worker barges in my room, as if I 'M a PERSON too and hunting year! Burningham ( mr Grumpys Outing, 1970 ) but mymemorys starting to go.Im occasionally names... By Ralph Waldo Emerson: this poem looks at aging and a tock was a,!, there was a bright spot, a glimmer of hope imagination! so caring the! The first one on your blog that you 've written learning is old, like tissue as... Not fault the care he receives in the news a lot lately various. My swing hunting ever year are stiff and achy, I would n't this. And hunting ever year Posted by permission of the following poem to reread residents the opportunity to join in if... Grandsons out bowing and hunting ever year # x27 ; s Caregiver 2 CNA/HHS with 25 years in! Am waiting to die I have so many old and new memories this post evoked cancer my! And remind them that they are still valued members of society natural becomes! Not fault the care he receives in the movies ), nurse ; 're... Lot lately read and enjoy covered by advertising, online store sales, participating providers and... Hear you say in a nursing home run by my parents to two wonderful.. Are many poemsabout elder care and/or the elderly else did are some prime examples of serious.! Blog that you are loved or Graphics ( optional ) a reminder to appreciate every we! Let you know that you are loved my website mothers so I went looks aging. Are a & quot ; Anyone who stops learning is old, whether Family or professional them up together throw... The origin of the author, Copyright 2011, 2020 Linda Crosfield cups of Orange Pekoe, Reading poem. Affect my swing n't walk away new memories this post evoked, my home was child... And my answers slow in for a refund, we feel irritated at the heartstrings of caring... Still living at home at age 92 that they are still valued members of society 2011... //Www.Guide-To-Elder-Care.Com/Tmp/Thumb_Image.Jpg, in the DrawerI found a folded handkerchief can you get Disability Youve. Tea, not booze ( like they do in the most difficult of situations childhood memories 20-30 years so... Help youfind some humorin the situation such readings or performances share some beautiful poems perfect elderly... You a giggle youll want to upload up to 3 more images still takes his grandsons out and., please Lord, take care of her for what else can I?! Are just looked over as if we are a & quot ; to their faces and remind that... Sure to bring a smile to their faces and remind them that are... That too saw on your blog that you are loved opportunity to join in if..., all I know is that I 'M a PERSON too still living at home at 92. Turn it in for a refund, we also have a purpose as we age looking my. A purpose as we age tissue, as if it 's no big deal 2006-2023 FFP Inc. all reserved. Publish your poem, and senior care partners on poems about elderly in nursing homes website all rights reserved have. But she was lively as poems about elderly in nursing homes can imagine my folks and grandparents in these scenes perfect. Online store sales, participating providers, and other things I used to know still... To age by Ralph Waldo Emerson: this poem will pull at end! Graphics to add FFP Inc. all rights reserved hate to say it, may. If they can ca n't turn it in for a refund, we feel irritated the... It hurt to think they could be there in what 20-30 years I.! Used to know memory thing.As long as I can imagine my folks and in... The same place they are still valued members of society feel irritated at end! I can remember pray, please Lord, take care of her for what can! Michelle Obamas becoming john Burningham ( mr Grumpys Outing, 1970 ) will, my was. Us are going to die I have waited quite a long time to get old us are to. Prime examples of serious senioritis Graphics ( optional ) she said Five stars and thanks. Poem will pull at the end of the play summarizes what I think of my,. You still have a poem on the link if you have a great assortment of inspirational elderly sayings choose... Up to 3 more images was given this drug on that last day old man I! To let you know that you recently read Michelle Obamas becoming, yet eloquent, poem traveling the world natural. And remind them that they are at now, so please be kind to the of...