How to Enjoy National Poetry Month
Are you and your aging parent looking for something new and interesting you can do together?
As a family caregiver, you have the opportunity to spend a lot of time with your elderly mom or dad, but after a while, watching television or movie can get a little dull. April is National Poetry Month, and there’s no better time for you and your loved one to devote some time and effort into appreciating this unique and powerful art form.
Homecare in Anderson OH: National Poetry Month
Poetry, Then and Now
Most people think of poetry as something that belongs in a high school classroom, but poetry is a writing style that can be appreciated at any age and any location. Many of the greatest poets in Western literature have created epic masterpieces that transcend one person’s experiences.
From Shakespeare and Emily Dickenson to e.e. Cummings and Maya Angelou, these poets have packed powerful emotions and universal feelings into a structured and unique writing style. Of course, modern poets are producing new and interesting work as well that may open your eyes and hearts to experiences that are not familiar to you. No matter what poems you choose to appreciate, there’s no doubt that you and your elderly mom or dad can enjoy poetry together.
How to Appreciate Poetry With Seniors
Many people find it enjoyable to join a poetry club or book club that includes poetry. These groups can be run privately or by community centers, seniors centers or libraries. Even if your elderly parent attends with the help of an elder care assistant while you are busy elsewhere, they can report back some of the discussions and start some of your own. Many communities also have arts centers where they host poetry readings and other literary events.
Of course, you and your aging parent don’t have to have anything formal to start appreciating poetry. Simply decide o a poem or poet to begin with and read aloud to one another. You can bring in other family members, friends and elder care aides as needed. Make sure to read the poem several times, responding first with emotion, and then applying more thinking and discussion.
Appreciating poetry can be a little like detective work because many poets will use words or phrases that aren’t familiar to most readers. You can look up words you don’t know to get their deeper meaning and analyze similes, metaphors and other literary tools to gain more understanding. If you aren’t sure of the context in which the poem was written, you can do a little research on it. For example, if you know the poem was written shortly after the author survived a battle, it can have a very different meaning than it appears.
There’s Always Room for Poetry
If you and your elderly relative are enjoying learning more about poetry, you don’t have to stop at the end of National Poetry Month. Your aging loved one can continue to attend poetry events with you or their elder care aide, and they can check out more poetry books at the library. If they desire, they can even try writing some poetry of their own. No matter what age or stage of life, poetry has the power to uplift and inspire. When you and your elderly mom or dad can do that together, you’ll appreciate each other as much as the poetry.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Homecare in Anderson, OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.
Source:
https://www.theodysseyonline.com
Michele Vollmer is a visionary leader who is perpetually searching for ways to improve, so to remain at the leading edge of the home care industry.She has served in the healthcare industry since 1989, including pharmaceutical and home health sales, as well as hospice sales and sales management.
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