6 Ways to Honor Senior Veterans in Your Life

November 11 holds a special place in the hearts of Americans as we honor those who have served in the U.S. military. Veterans Day is a day to pay our respects to those who have fought so bravely to protect our country. There are millions of veterans who are now seniors and have a lot of wisdom and experience to share with younger generations. Take the time to show your appreciation for aging parents, grandparents, neighbors, friends, and community members who have served in the Armed Forces.

Here are just a few ways to celebrate Veterans Day and honor senior veterans in your life:

1. Sit down and talk. You don’t have to put together an elaborate event to recognize their service. Simply making the time to visit with them, ask about their experience, and say thank you can be enough. Let them lead the way and share what they want you to know. It’s okay to ask questions too, but be respectful as some memories may be hard to discuss.
2. Write it down. Aging parents and grandparents are the key to your past and our nation’s past. It’s important to know your history and understand how things unfolded. Get a journal and write down the stories that veterans share so that you can continue to pass them along to future generations. You may think that you’ll never forget, but it’s always good to have a written record for reference. Plus, it shows that you care about their time in the service and what they did and want to share it accurately and honestly with others.
3. Send cards or care packages. Get the whole family involved and make cards to send to senior veterans. Show them how much you care and respect them, and that their dedication to our country has not been overlooked. You can also put together a box with some of their favorite snacks or other thoughtful items to bring a smile to their face if you can’t be there in person.
4. Volunteer. Spend the day volunteering your time to support a veteran organization or event. Look for things that are happening in your community that you can get involved with and give back. This is also a great way to get kids more involved and help them learn about the important role veterans have played in our country. You could also make a donation to one of these organizations in honor or memory of a loved one who was in the military. Consider groups such as the USO or Wounded Warrior Project.
5. Attend an event. Whether you have a loved one who is a military veteran or not, you can show your support for all veterans by participating in events within your community. While in-person events may be limited due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, there may still be virtual programs you can stream or watch. You could also organize your own activity at a senior living facility or nursing home in the area, even if you’re leading it remotely!
6. Nurture connections. Seniors veterans in your life may have lost touch with old friends they served with, or simply haven’t seen them in a while. Coordinate a video chat, phone call, or socially distant visit to help them reconnect. This year has been especially hard on seniors, so helping them stay connected with others and not feel isolated is incredibly important. Plus, other veterans understand first-hand the challenges and triumphs they have gone through serving in the military.

This Veterans Day, make it a point to show you care. Whether you do something public or private, it makes a difference to those you’re spending time with. In-home care providers can be a wonderful source of companionship and a listening ear for your senior when you can’t be there. Always Best Care is committed to providing exceptional care to veterans and helping them access valuable resources. Contact Always Best Care Calgary today at 403-812-0778 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about us.