they can use a good deal of cheerfulness and reassurance. UNDERSTAND THEIR NEED TO MAINTAIN THEIR SELF RESPECT AND INDEPENDENCE, AND TREAT THEM ACCORDINGLY. Never treat an elderly person like a child; they may resent it, or try to fulfill your expectations of child-like behavior and helplessness. Treat them with respect and dignity. They may not remember what they did yesterday (perhaps their lives have become monotonous or so routine) but, they often vividly recall what their life was like years ago.(i am beginning to feel this way too,..arghhh) Listen to what they have to say with interest, and without interrupting them. These wise, wonderful People are living histories. Let them share that history with you; perhaps you will learn something new. If a person has trouble understanding you, find a different way of telling them the same thing.Listen as keenly and promptly to the unspoken needs and longings of a person as you do to their loud, compelling expression: respond softly. Clarify both what you say and what others say. Do not assume you know what a person is thinking or feeling.(this is a note i have to take,..)