Article: Once you have determined what the problem is you can extend an offer to help. Make sure that your offer is genuine--do not offer to help if you are unable to or do not sincerely want to. Instead, extend an sincere and concrete offer of assistance. For example, your elderly mother might be having difficulty taking care of her home. Ask her if she would like you to hire a cleaning service or help her find an assisted care living situation. Being empathetic means that you try to put yourself in the other person's shoes. Once you know why this person is cranky, try to think about how you would feel in their situation. Then try to determine what would make you feel better. Elderly people are often lonely and this can account for their unfriendly disposition. Offer your company, and suggest an activity the two of you can do together, such as playing a card game. You might not be able to solve the other person's problem. Especially if you do not know the elderly person well, the situation might be out of your hands. What you can do instead is ask for assistance. Try reaching out to close friends or relatives of the elderly person to see what they suggest. Most cities have senior centers where older people can go for recreational activities. Other organizations, such as churches and libraries, also offer programs geared towards seniors. You could look up some local resources and provide that information to your neighbor or relative. This could be potentially very helpful and go a long way towards lifting their mood. It can be very draining to deal with a cranky senior citizen. The most important thing you can do is to remain positive. Remember that you are doing a good thing by being kind and helpful. Even if your help is not obviously appreciated, you are probably making an impact. Smile. When it is difficult to remain positive, try putting a smile on your face. Even if it feels false at first, the simple act of smiling will make you feel better and help you maintain a good attitude.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Offer to help. Be empathetic. Ask for assistance. Provide resources. Remain positive.
Article: Leave the heat on medium-high and set a timer for 30 minutes. Check and stir the skillet every 5 minutes to prevent the bottom from burning. If after 30 minutes the mixture is still not a gravy-like consistency, cook it for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. If you’re having problems with your mixture thickening, try mixing 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of cold water with 1 tablespoon (9 grams) of cornstarch in a small bowl. Then add that to the skillet and mix it until the liquid thickens. If you don’t chill the pie interior, the mashed potatoes will sink down to the bottom of the mixture and change the consistency of the dish. So put it in the fridge for at least 3 hours, though if you could leave it overnight that would give the best results. If you’re really crammed for time, pop the baking dish into the freezer for 1 hour before moving on with the rest of the recipe.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes, or until it starts to thicken. Refrigerate the dish for several hours before making the potatoes.
Article: If your dog is in pain it may struggle or bite while you try to treat its wound. If possible, have another family member or friend restrain your dog while you examine its injury. Be sure to handle your dog firmly but gently to avoid causing it extra pain.  To restrain your dog, kneel down by your dog's side so you're facing its head. Then, take your arm that's furthest from your dog and hook it under your dog's chin. Take your other arm and wrap it around your dog's chest, behind its front legs. Finally, pull your dog close to your body and hold it there. Restraining your dog may help to calm it down if it feels panicked by its injury. Even the most docile dog may bite its owner after suffering a disorienting injury. Before treating your dog's wound, muzzle it gently to prevent biting. Be sure that the muzzle does not touch the wound.  If your dog's wound is located too close to its mouth to muzzle it, proceed with caution. If you do not have a muzzle, you can wrap gauze around your dog's mouth temporarily to keep it from biting you. If your dog has a small wound, cover it with a clean piece of medical gauze. Apply constant pressure to the wound for up to 20 minutes to slow or stop the bleeding. If your dog has a large laceration, place a clean towel over the wound. If the bleeding continues after 20 minutes, bring your dog to a vet right away. Gently wrap a sports bandage or a long strand of soft material around your dog's head, limb, or torso to keep the gauze over the wound. Avoid wrapping it too tight, which may restrict your dog's breathing or circulation. Tie the bandage or material firmly with a knot. Avoid using tape to keep the bandage in place as it will adhere to your dog's fur and cause irritation and hair loss. If one of your dog's front or back paws is injured, you can slow down the bleeding by raising it above heart level. This will be the easiest to do if your dog is lying on its side, with the injured limb facing upwards. Keep gentle pressure on the wound. Similarly, if your dog has an ear injury and long ears, gently pull the ear up above its head to help stop the bleeding. Your dog may get an infection if its wound is left untreated for more than a day or two. Bring your dog to a veterinarian as soon as you can to evaluate and treat the injury. Your vet can also provide advice for how to care for the wound while it heals. Your vet may also have to check for internal bleeding, depending on the injury your dog suffered.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Restrain your dog if possible. Muzzle your dog to avoid being bitten. Apply gauze to the bleeding area and put pressure on it for 20 minutes. Wrap a sports bandage around your dog to hold the bandage in place. Raise your dog's limb above heart-level if it is bleeding. Bring your dog to a vet as soon as possible after bandaging its wound.