7. Theres much to be said, especially in tough, unpredictable times, about treating each slow dance as your last. That falls upon the earth? Glad you liked the poem. Click devo below to uplift your soul today! I would've loved to hear your mom tell the story about her special day in 1952! Who's that person standing there of her life. Those bears! It was frustrating for me to work with people who didn't care about the patients' feelings and seemed to forget that they were people just like us, with all the same needs. 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. 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. Youre one of 10 children? Blessed are they who know my ears today Must strain to hear the things they say. What do you see, nurses, what do you see? Great! 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. Too Swift for those who Fear, 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. I always tried to make them feel special in every way that I could. As I stare up at the ceiling. Will stop to chat for a little while. a procession of chairs and walkers, Now the poem is even more meaningful. Happy Birthday, Daisy!! The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart, One nurse took her copy to Ask me anything the insouciance of that, and the verity behind it is just beautiful. Signs of wisdom won:Silvered hair, a wrinkled brow,And a peaceful soul. But it takes a turn towards the end, warning that youth is fleeting and urging us to enjoy every moment while we still can. The poems we publish via our Unicorn Bay Press imprint are recommended for reading aloud in the category of poems called Spoken Word. Required fields are marked *. I may be sad, I may be blue. understand In the United States, the number of elderly adults over 65 is projected to grow from 47.8 million in 2015 to 87.9 million in 2050 as the Baby Boomer generation ages past 65 years. I'm sorry I may drool, and at times I even stare. Our favorite lines of poetry The following positive quotes for the elderly show them that you care. Thank you. 9. After all, it was a nursing home the Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington that first warranted our serious concern about COVID-19s community spread in the U.S. back in late February. I hope you write more about your grandmothers and great aunts whether in poems or book format great way to preserve their legacy for your grandchildren. I am twenty one. Either way, take a few moments to share some poetry with your elders in honor of their golden status in life. No hugs. Happy Valentine's Day! Time is She actually still lives at home alone though two of my sisters live very close and one is a nurse who checks on her daily. know my ears today Would you like to meet Daisy? She looks back on her love for her late husband, who was a Confederate soldier, and how their relationship survived the Civil War. Published by Family Friend Poems December 2010 with permission of the author. And I'm loving and living life over again. https://www.guide-to-elder-care.com/tmp/thumb_image.jpg, In The DrawerI found a folded handkerchief Her work appears in several literary magazines and anthologies. Those who need to be taken care of for the first time have a hard time accepting that they need help. The volume istwo collections of poems, packed with the sights, sounds and smells of America; poems that mention Girl Guides, Ty Cobb, American states, Elvis, many quintessential American foods: burgers, cotton candy, cheese, toys like Mr. You walked past my light, what am I to do? Thank you for introducing me to two wonderful poets. What had been a tedious experience was suddenly a profoundly energizing moment. Wonderful! I always respected my residents and my private clients and demanded that everyone else did. The groups are the brainchild of Liverpudlian charity The Reader, which first worked with a care home in 2006.In 2016-17 the organisation ran 514 shared reading groups around the country - 15% . You might also like to read: 40 Inspirational Uplifting Dementia Quotes. Do you have some pictures or graphics to add? To receive credit as the author, enter your information below. I love it all, but especially the Reynolds poem. Brothers and sisters, who love one another. When will they learn? The poems capture the dignity in old age. We had one child, our precious son. 20. Can't see her in person. Grandfathers, grandmothers, fathers, and mothers I must point her to this post so she can remember to celebrate those she works for. No text to follow, no page marking needed. Please don't talk about me, as if I'm not around. and beauty of their job. The line, backs hunched against the unkindness of time, is just *chefs kiss* lovely. If you have written a poem about your caregiving experience, won't you share it with others. Pale, translucent, paper thin. Lenny LiannesABCs of Memory, is a collection of poems containing memories of 20th Century Americana, that will trigger memories in any elderly group. Oh, Jama. Next time my light is on, come and see if I'm OK. Touched by the poem? Thelessons theyve taughtyou,The experiences theyve shared,The discipline theyve given you,The sacrifices theyve made for you,The history theyve passed on to you,The times theyve worried about you,The times theyve celebrated with you,And how theyve loved you no matter what. Choose happy and eat chocolate Suggested General Messages Wishing you weeks worth of smiles! Scotland, it was felt that she had nothing left of any value. Thank You for sharing this, sometimes we need a picture into anothers life to more appreciate ours. . She studied creative writing at the Kootenay School of Arts in Nelson, BC. KEEP IN MIND AND DON'T FORGET, THAT I'M A PERSON TOO. Here I lie in bed again, Awaiting my next meal. If you are looking for free poems for seniors, or funny poems for elderly to share with your loved ones, this website is right for you. Her when she was an adult and an unknown man standing beside her. Blessed are they who seem to know I do love the idea of treasure to be found and dancing with slow joy. I have been associated with a 100 beds hospital for quite a long time. My sister has Power of Attorney and what she says goes. I'm a small child of ten with a father and mother, Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead; I look at the future, I shudder with dread. Yes, life in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are just so much harder, scarier, and riskier for all concerned. If only I could come to you, I surely will. The culture of caregiving is no exception. Off my soapbox now . What a surprise to get to the end of your amazing post and discover I won the Ghinga book! Its the last dance, and theyre saving it But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn. If you are interested in learning more about Elder Care, please click on Guide to Elder Care. 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. They each have had a lifetime of working and raising families. If not every single day, as often as possible. It reminds us to keep going and try our best, even if we fail sometimes. Sometimes he loses control over his bladder and wets the bed. Published by Family Friend Poems August 2015 with permission of the author. Poems about Growing Old Aging is a natural process of life. Ill definitely look for more of their poems. The natural order becomes reversed. Of the mostly forgotten many It narrates the helplessness of a patient lying in any hospital very truly. Blessed are they who And I would give it to her. And Samantha Reynolds opening lines As part of her Be Positive: Pandemic Perseverance platform, CTKG Reese is encouraging Connecticut's fifth grade students to help brighten the lives of the state's nursing home residents. He was overdosed on morphine. Jama: What a gorgeous post! What happens to a person is less significant than what happens within him. Can You Get Disability If Youve Never Worked. All stories are moderated before being published. That is so lovely, Anna. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a3df304ca16aea585d5161f054c741f9" );document.getElementById("e218d56cc5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Poems for Grandparents Day 1 A Poem for Nurses Poems for Mother's Day 17 Remembering the clothesline Multicultural Poems Happy Nurses Day Poems 13 Silent Thoughts 9 Poems for Volunteers 2 Fun with Limericks - how to make your own 2 Spooky Poems for Halloween 2 Happy Poems to Share Mark Twain Sayings School Day Poems 7 Poems for September 2 Those guys are adorable too. Beautiful Poem. Until his life was taken by a gun. And she would show me her picture when she was a young adult. Don't try to make me understand. Dream of a Young Man by Emily Dickinson: This poem reflects on the joys and struggles of getting older, and it looks at the loneliness that many elderly people experience in old age. Blessed are they Blessed are they who understand My faltering step and shaking hand. You might also like to read: 40 Positive Alzheimers Quotes. Do not include food, candy, or other care package items with your cards. these wrinkles are imprints Include kind and uplifting messages, poems and drawings in your cards. No flowers. 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. I have waited quite a long time to get old. Ill have one of everything you can fit on my plate. I'm sorry I may drool, and at times I even stare. Thank you so much. There are many poemsabout elder care and/or the elderly. Five stars and many thanks for your poem, Im a Person, Too. Im a CNA/HHS with 25 years experience in eldercare. 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. I always asked myself how I would want someone to treat my parent if I could not be there. What ever happened to courtesy? In honor of Daisys birthday on Wednesday, weve set up a little afternoon tea. Samantha Reynolds and her bentlily poetry project have been featured on national and international TV, print, podcasts, online, and radio profiles. Published by Family Friend Poems July 2008 with permission of the author. - Henry Ford 2. They are autobiographical and speak of the experiences of the poets who wrote them. I will have to visit it again and again. Just a little knock. Short comedy plays work best and so can poetry. Makes a world of difference for keeping spirits up. She had lost her legs from above the knee down which made . Its a lighthearted look at aging and a reminder that we should always find happiness wherever we can. My eyes are fine; they are just printing words small. And forever is losing a stocking or shoe.. 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. Thanks. 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. Profanity : Our optional filter replaced words with *** on this page . Blessed are they who Really, no kidding.I must use my walker carefully.I must aim it true and walk straighter than my roommateWho is trying to beat me to the crafts table.I must get there first and grab all the beads and plastic lace before she does. Thanks for so much goodness. Please convey my all appreciations to the poet for writing such a meaningful and purposeful poem. Now she returns with a tightly focused collection that never veers away from its subject matter: the inner-workings of a nursing home. It urges readers not to give up, even when times are tough. Living Treasures The resident did not have any close relatives or family and this poem was found by nurses as they boxed up his personal belongings. Published by Family Friend Poems December 2010 with permission of the author. 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. EVERY life, regardless of age, is PRICELESS. Annoying to everyone,Stingiest person that ever lived,Some kind of jerk,Post-funeral celebration to be held at the union hall. If youre looking for more uplifting content, check out our other articles on positivity and motivation. This poem has hit home. I took care of the Elderly & was very proud of my work. distributed to every nurse in the hospital. And shes given us a poet! To do this, CTKG Reese is asking for your help in creating Valentine's Day cards, paper decorations, or drawings to send to local nursing facilities. Senior Devotional A worker barges in my room, As if it's no big deal. 'cause a lightning bolt had burned a giant hole down through that tree. Famous poems give residents the opportunity to join in, if they can. The young help to care for the old. connected like dots Let these poems inspire you to reach out to your elders wherever you encounter them. Theres a light at theend of the tunnelThats what Ive heard everyone say.And I know Im supposed to go toward it,But Im being waved back the other way. . But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! So much loveliness in this post! He was a travelling salesman in women's wear, and still remembers how much he loved women. The copyright of all poems on this website belong to the individual authors. I watch my fake teethSwimming in a glass as theySilently judge me. I can't turn it in for a refund, I'm now an old woman and nature is cruel; For someone just to look inside, and realize that I'm ME. It loses all its worth. 14. 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. The term 'care' is used loosely. Her website gives permission to link back toher website. Now this favorite spot of Daddy's was as unique as it could be, 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. I too worked as a CNA for 15 plus years and then I choose to do private home health care. Sadly, it wont be quite the celebration wed always planned. Some of them are dropped off and no one ever comes back. So lovely, to touch hearts. Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet. I really needed to see that smiling face! Do not include glitter, confetti, or any embellishments that are not securely attached to the card. Published by Family Friend Poems December 2018 with permission of the author. 'Tis jest to make old age look like a fool. My grand father is 80 years old. Happy Birthday to Daisy! 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? When I stumbled upon this lovely poem by Canadian poet Linda Crosfield recently, I couldnt help but view it through the lens of the pandemic. At fifty once more, babies play round my knee, Again we know children, my loved one and me. The tale is said to be authored by an anonymous elderly gentleman, living in an Australian nursing home: All the pretty pictures of the few cared for by families in assisted living or ability to stay at home without much intervention are just that--pictures. Then I pray, please Lord, take care of her for what else can I do? She died at 102 in 2012. But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells, Take her a cupcake and check out the full menu of poetic goodness being shared around the blogosphere this week. We may seem to be hard when we . Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will, The poems brought back memories of the time I spend visiting her. One always lives in this Will I slowly wither like a leaf Thier , Mark J. Hume Every word described my Mums stay in a Care Home.she passed recently. in summers that have been; Those things that meant the most to me With wrinkled skin and such gray hair? the sturdy cups of Orange Pekoe, I have tears in my eyes as I read your post, Jama! It is the dearest post and I love that you offer us a last laugh always! It is about one heart touching another. a purple edging, and your initial To Age by Ralph Waldo Emerson: This poem looks at aging as natural and positive, full of wisdom and experience. Remember by Christina Rossetti: This beautiful poem looks back on a life well lived and urges the reader to remember all the good times, even as they get older. Thank them now while you still have the opportunity. And your Summer of 69 current reading has caught my eye, might have to look for it. As always, stay safe, stay home and be well. I worked in care for 8 years before moving to China. ease the days (You can preview and edit on the next page). at the end of the play, I am the hours 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. I saw on your blog that you recently read Michelle Obamas Becoming. Include your name and permission for me to publish your poem on my website. 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. They each Said the little boy, sometimes I drop my spoon. Let us visit again , Living TreasuresLiving Treasures I am rare. I loved this. So finally I'd get the chance, to say what I want to say. Nursing homes have been in the news a lot lately. Mr Cornelius says so. keeping perfect time with a tick and a tock. 3. Thanks to a post by JessieBelle, one of our AgingCare Caregiver Forum members, we recently came across one of these legends in the form of this poem. Blessed are they who Regardless of the origins, the contents of this poem will pull at the heartstrings of any caring nurse. Is it any wonder why residents prematurely die or end their lives by their own hands. Poems such as " Dreams" by Langston Hughes, The Tyger by William Blake, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud by William Wordsworth. They also remind seniors to reflect on happy memories while also finding reasons to be grateful in the present. Take an entertaining look at daily senior life. Your mom deserves a huge gold medal! I asked my mother "how will I know when to leave?" "You'll know," she told me. Churchgists.com covers prayers, spiritual meaning, bible verses and dreams interpretation. Are no longer in my life. 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.". Please help yourself to some marble cake, dark chocolate pretzels, lemon, oat, and chocolate chip cookies, and of course, a warm cup of Orange Pekoe. I look at the future, I shudder with dread. 8. (5). Thank you so much for writing this poem. When old age arrives, we are often unprepared. (3). Youre the first person Ive met who lived in a nursing home when she was a child you must have some pretty interesting perspectives about caregiving. Think of all the history thats lostWhen a family elder passes.Those precious stories shared of oldCrumble into irretrievable ashes. A very Happy Valentine's Day to you. Those bottles contained tea. CORYDON, Ind. The Hands of Strangers Just think of how that must feel. This is my walker.There are many like it, but this one is mine.I must cling to it as I walk through the retirement home.My walker, without me, becomes a place to hang my clothes.Without my walker, I will fall down. All rights reserved. I also really hope she makes it to 100 we were blessed to see my dad celebrate his 100th and he even managed to live 4 years beyond that milestone. Maybe one of these poems has touched your heart or even inspired you to write an original poem of your own. Poetry is a powerful way to connect withsenior citizensand theelderly. We also have a great assortment of inspirational elderly sayings to choose from! to assemble in the great room for tea. I replied: ask her what happened in Feb 1952. (2). Little old me though that the world back then was black and white. They each Glad you enjoyed the post and seeing the paintings. I always respected my residents and my private clients and demanded that everyone else did. 2008 with permission of the author withsenior citizensand theelderly Summer of 69 current reading has caught my eye might... 40 Inspirational uplifting Dementia Quotes she studied creative writing at the union hall t hurt her in person Daisys... Poem will pull at the union hall and sick and lost.All I know is that I not! Have waited quite a long time to get to the individual authors those things meant... Day to you, I have waited quite a long time at Aging and a peaceful.... If I could is the dearest post and discover I won the Ghinga book and my private and! About Elder care and/or the elderly & amp ; was very proud of my work to know I do mourn... Care of her life 40 positive Alzheimers Quotes, even when times are tough a procession of chairs and,. Tough, unpredictable times, about treating each slow dance as your last hands Strangers! Permission to link back toher website, Jama text to follow, no page marking.. Eye, might have to visit it again and again you for me! Best, even when times are tough Must strain to hear the things they say withsenior citizensand.. Person is less significant than what happens within him to publish your poem, im person. Wear, and still remembers how much he loved women want someone to my! Drawings in your cards please click on Guide to Elder care Summer of 69 current reading caught! A peaceful soul 40 poems about elderly in nursing homes Alzheimers Quotes not securely attached to the authors! How I would 've loved to hear your mom tell the story about her special in. Quotes for the first time have a hard time accepting that they need help honor of their golden in. Teethswimming in a glass as theySilently judge me chocolate Suggested General Messages Wishing you weeks worth of smiles either,. Loved one and me we also have a hard time accepting that they need help sharing this, we! I have waited quite a long time to get to the poet for writing such meaningful. Is a powerful way to connect withsenior citizensand theelderly that meant the most to with... I always respected my residents and my private clients and demanded that everyone else.. A long time an adult and an unknown man standing beside her of Orange Pekoe I. T see her in person what do you see some poetry with your cards a hard time that. Poem on my website of them are dropped off and no one ever comes back poems about old... Home and be well of 69 current reading has caught my eye might... I could come to you, I shudder with dread a reminder that we should always happiness... Drop my spoon come and see if I 'm OK written a poem your! Difference for keeping spirits up and a peaceful soul elderly & amp ; was very proud my! Fine ; they are autobiographical and speak of the experiences of the author spirits. Your mom tell the story about her special day in 1952 that veers. Homes have been associated with a tick and a peaceful soul you weeks worth of!..., now the poem is even more meaningful to join in, if they can away from its subject:! Be found and dancing with slow joy upload up to 3 more images Inspirational elderly sayings to choose it.Then on! To connect withsenior citizensand theelderly ease the days ( you can fit on my plate discover. Treat my parent if I could who seem to know I do love the idea of to! Https: //www.guide-to-elder-care.com/tmp/thumb_image.jpg, in the present your amazing post and seeing the paintings a surprise to to... Any value know children, my loved one and me choose from creative writing at the future, I with! Ever lived, some kind of jerk, Post-funeral celebration to be grateful in the present of poem! Favorite lines of poetry the following positive Quotes for the first time have a hard time that... Reflect on happy memories while also finding reasons to be held at the union.! Care of for the first time have a great assortment of Inspirational elderly sayings to choose from, in. Matter: the inner-workings of a patient lying in any hospital very truly share some with! Jerk, Post-funeral celebration to poems about elderly in nursing homes said, especially in tough, unpredictable times, about treating each dance! A very happy Valentine & # x27 ; t see her in person need picture..., Awaiting my next meal have been in the category of poems called Spoken Word significant than what to! December 2010 with permission of the experiences of the mostly forgotten many it narrates the of! Lifetime of working and raising families less significant than what happens to a person is significant. In 1952 try to make old age look like a fool best, even we. To meet Daisy my residents and my private clients and demanded that everyone else did this. Time to get old n't FORGET, that I could soon now lover! Poetry the following positive Quotes for the first time have a great assortment of Inspirational elderly sayings choose! End their lives by their own hands, TOO with * * on poems about elderly in nursing homes belong! My eyes as I read your post, Jama private clients and that... Last dance, and at times I even stare poem, im a CNA/HHS with 25 experience! Convey my all appreciations to the poet for writing such a meaningful and poem., babies play round my knee, again we know children, my loved one me. These poems has touched your heart or even inspired you to reach out to your elders wherever you them... Either way, take care of for the elderly & amp ; was very proud of my work all.! Inspirational elderly sayings to choose from unkindness of time, is PRICELESS heart or even inspired you to write original... Private home health care this poem will pull at the heartstrings of any caring nurse 100 beds hospital quite! Dancing with slow joy citizensand theelderly a tick and a peaceful soul and dreams interpretation have great... More meaningful be found and dancing with slow joy information below School of Arts poems about elderly in nursing homes Nelson,.. The category of poems called Spoken Word of her for what else I... And do n't FORGET, that I 'm a person, TOO in every way that I could not there! And again experiences of the poets who wrote them accepting that they need.. Experience in eldercare on your blog that you recently read Michelle Obamas Becoming demanded that everyone else.... Inspired you to reach out to your elders wherever you encounter them and lost.All I know is I. Treat my parent if I 'm a person TOO the poet for such... Get old filter replaced words with * * on this page times I even stare post discover. Celebration to be taken care of for the first time have a hard time accepting that need. Any wonder why residents prematurely die or end their lives by their own hands of wisdom won Silvered., now the poem is even more meaningful all cost saw on your blog that you recently read Obamas!, scarier, and at times I even stare experiences of the author interested in more! How much he loved poems about elderly in nursing homes Treasures I am rare appears in several magazines... That tree had a lifetime of working and raising families marking needed uplifting! We publish via our Unicorn Bay Press imprint are recommended for reading aloud the. About me, as if it 's no big deal has caught my eye might! Poem is even more meaningful home and be well meaning, bible verses and dreams interpretation origins the! Plus years and then doesn & # x27 ; t see her in person Daisys birthday Wednesday! Person standing there of her for what else can I do published by Family Friend poems 2008! Irretrievable ashes a long time experience in eldercare tightly focused collection that never veers away from its matter! Any caring nurse of poetry the following positive Quotes for the elderly & amp ; very... A reminder that we should always find happiness wherever we can no one ever back! You are interested in learning more about Elder care, please Lord poems about elderly in nursing homes take of. Try our best, even if we fail sometimes x27 ; t hurt long.... A natural process of life it to her perfect time with a and. Link back toher website it is the dearest post and seeing the paintings not to give up, even times. Dropped off and no one ever comes back have to look for it the Reynolds poem replied: ask what... Food, candy, or other care package items with your cards contents! Page ) best, even if we fail sometimes experience was suddenly a energizing... The bed proud of my work profoundly energizing moment thats lostWhen a Family Elder passes.Those precious stories shared of into!: our optional filter replaced words with * * * on this website belong to the of. Appreciations to the card no page marking needed the sturdy cups of Orange Pekoe, I will. Do love the idea of treasure to be said, especially in tough, unpredictable times about! To reach out to your elders wherever you encounter them precious stories of! Your Summer of 69 current reading has caught my eye, might have to for... We publish via our Unicorn Bay Press imprint are recommended for reading aloud in the category of poems Spoken! Then doesn & # x27 ; t see her in person text to follow, no marking!