Include elderly in seasonal festivities – Griffith

Retired social worker and Coordinator of the National Assistance Board’s (NAB) Elder Care Programme George Griffith is appealing to Barbadians not to forget the elderly and vulnerable in society this Christmas.

He said as people get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Yuletide season, the needs of elderly persons could be neglected.

However, Griffith said not only should senior citizens and members of the disabled community be well fed and cared for over the holidays, they should also be included in the festivities.

“We know that this is a busy period but we must not forget the elderly persons in our communities and also those disabled persons who are in wheelchairs and cannot get around and require assistance.

“We need to make sure that we do what is necessary to keep these persons happy and as comfortable as possible over the holidays,” Griffith said.

He suggested that elderly individuals should have adequate supplies of their medication and the numbers of their physicians and other emergency services should be kept within reach.

“Caretakers and relatives and family friends should ensure that there is enough medication available to carry them through the holiday period because as we know, the majority of pharmacies and businesses are likely to be closed. So if you do not get the medication some of our senior citizens may find themselves in a position where they would run out and they cannot get any because places are closed.

“I am talking about things like insulin and eye drops and oxygen, and so on. Keep the telephone numbers of the general practitioners close because we know it does not matter when people become ill, it could be day or night. Keep the number for the ambulance and so forth to make sure that if something happens then you can respond.” he said.

Additionally, Griffith suggested close monitoring of foods and portion sizes for diabetics and those suffering from high blood pressure as well as taking special precautions with festive lights around those suffering from mental illnesses such as dementia.

“Make sure those Christmas lights are secured in a way that they are no danger to them,” he said.

“Now something we cannot forget is noise levels in the household. Noise can affect the sleep pattern of the elderly, it can make them agitated,” he cautioned.

And while many seniors attend the traditional Christmas morning service, Griffith encouraged children and grandchildren to ensure that the necessary provisions are made for the use of wheelchairs or special transportation.

“Do whatever you have to do if a person is desirous of going out to church at Christmas because this is very important to them.

He also suggested including the elderly in the gift-giving activity.

“I would suggest that you still do whatever you can to give them something because they are responding to the environment as they perceive it. You can give them simple things like Christmas cards which they can read at their leisure,” he said.

Griffith also asked that provisions be made to allow elderly persons to contact their relatives overseas at this special time of the year. (AH)