Whether you're the primary caregiver for your aging grandmother or one of many relatives around her, you can help her by providing your love and being there for her emotional and practical needs. Here are four ways you can make a difference.

Stay in Touch

Perhaps the most important thing you can do for your aging grandmother is to remain part of her life, even when she can no longer participate in the events and activities she used to enjoy. Isolation can lead to depression in older adults, reducing their quality of life and maybe even shortening their lifespan. Cards and calls are helpful, but in-person visits are more meaningful and allow you to assess how things are going.

Lend a Hand

Consider working visits instead of just visits to talk. Maybe you can call in advance to see if your grandmother needs groceries from a store that's inconvenient or hard for her to get around in. Perhaps you can bake a casserole for her before you come or in her kitchen to make sure she gets proper nourishment for several days. While you visit, pay attention to small things that she may be neglecting and make sure they get done.

Discuss Senior Living

Your grandmother could have a better quality of life if she leaves her home and moves into a senior living community. These places aren't like old-fashioned nursing homes, although nursing care is usually available. Instead, today's senior living choices are cheerful, comfortable, and beautiful. You can help your grandmother understand that a senior living community will allow her to enjoy independent living with new friends around her and take advantage of increasing levels of care as her condition changes.

Show Respect

Whatever you do, show respect for your grandmother's attitudes and opinions, even if they're dated. You don't have to act on her advice about your life, but it doesn't hurt to listen patiently. Even if she expresses harmful biases, try to avoid getting angry as you steer the conversation in a healthier direction. There's no reason to antagonize or upset your grandmother when your goal is to improve her life.

Working to make your grandmother's life better is an admirable use of your time. When you're present, helpful, informative, and respectful, you can be a positive part of her life in her final years. Helping your grandmother get the most from life is the right thing to do, and it will make you feel great as well.