Q: Elders often need some kind of support with simple day to day tasks. They may need help reading their mail, or they may need almost constant care due to health concerns. Begin by letting the elder in your life know that you would like to provide help.  Don’t make assumptions about what the person needs or wants. Always ask before providing any kind of help. If you don’t, the person may feel that you think they’re incompetent or don’t respect them. You can say something like, “Grandmother, I know you may not need it, but if you’d like some help around the house or running errands, I’d love to do that for you.” You might not be able to provide all of the care that the person needs. For example, if someone needs nursing around the clock, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to provide that. However, you can take on the responsibility of hiring and paying a nurse, or arranging for a rotation of family members to provide the necessary care.  In some cultures, it’s considered disrespectful or a failure to hire someone outside the family to care for an elder. Don’t overextend yourself. Taking care of an elder may create some change in your life, but it shouldn’t cause you to lose your job or abandon your other obligations. Elders may have a hard time staying active and eating healthy meals. They may be less mobile than they used to be. Shopping and cooking may be difficult for them. Do what you can to make sure they’re eating right and getting gentle exercise.  Visit the person regularly and go for a walk with them. Even a short walk provides fresh air and movement. Bring them food when you come for a visit. You can bring food you’ve prepared ahead of time, or groceries they can easily make use of. That way, they won’t need to expend a lot of energy to get a nutritious meal. If you can’t bring them food, look into programs such as Meals on Wheels that deliver food to the elderly. Losing the ability to take care of oneself can be difficult and sometimes embarrassing for people. Make sure that the elder knows that you still respect them and don’t think of them as infirm.  You can say things like, “I know you can cook for yourself, but I enjoy making meals that I can share with you.” You can also say, “Please let me know if there’s anything you need. I’m happy to help, but I can respect that you like to do things on your own.”
A: Offer to provide support. Take on the responsibilities that you can. Help them stay healthy. Let them know you respect their autonomy.

Q: Traditional grip is unique among drum grip styles in that it's not a matched grip — that is, the way you hold the stick isn't the same for both hands. To play with a traditional grip, begin by raising your your non-dominant hand in front of you and turning it so its palm faces upward toward the ceiling.  Note — traditional grip was originally used by military drummers who found it difficult to drum with a matched grip while on the march. To maintain uniformity, the left hand was generally used to hold the stick with an upward-facing grip regardless of which hand was the drummer's dominant one. However, in a modern context, some left-handed drummers reverse the typical traditional grip and use their right hand as the upward-facing one. Your off hand is ready to play! Now, all you need to do is grip the other stick with your dominant hand in an overhand style just as you would for any of the matched grips above. You can use whichever grip is comfortable for you, but most find the typical American-style grip (or some minor variation on it) to be easiest.
A: Turn your "off" hand palm side up. Use an overhand grip in your other hand.

Q: If you really want your room to look different and have some money to spend, you can buy new furniture. You don't have to replace everything—a new dresser, desk, or armchair can make a big impact. Choose statement pieces that match the vibe you want to create. A sleek white desk would be a great addition to a modern room while a brocade armchair is best for a more traditional space. If you're on a budget, check garage sales and thrift stores for second-hand furniture. You may also be able to find free pieces online through sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Even if you can’t afford to buy new furniture, you can still make it look different. Stick with bright white for a chic, modern style or paint it your favorite hue to add a pop of color. Be sure to remove the hardware first, put the furniture on a drop cloth, and use paint formulated for whatever surface you’re working with. You can even add new hardware, like pretty drawer pulls, to further change the look of your furniture. One of the easiest ways to make over your room is to rearrange it! If your bed is in a corner, move it to the center of the room against a wall. If your desk is on the west wall, move it to the east wall. Just be sure to keep the flow of the space in mind and make sure you can easily access the door. You can create little alcoves or nooks dedicated to your favorite activity. For instance, place a comfy chair, a lamp, and a blanket in the corner for a cozy reading nook. Or, set up a gaming chair and mini fridge near your TV if you love to play video games. To easily give your room a new look, splurge on a new comforter and sheets. Pick a large-scale pattern for a bold look or a solid color for a more traditional feel. Add a few decorative pillows and set a folded blanket across the bottom fourth of your bed for an upscale vibe.  Choose a pattern or color that you love and that works well with your furniture and accessories. If you can afford it, go for sheets with a high thread count and an eiderdown comforter. You’ll love lounging on your new bedding. Your bed is the staple piece of your room so adding a headboard or swapping out an existing one can make your room look totally different. Choose a style that reflects the rest of your space, such as one with curves for a feminine room or a studded headboard if you have an edgier vibe. You can create tons of cool headboards yourself, like an upholstered headboard, a faux leather headboard, or even a light-up headboard! A canopy can easily give your room a whole different feel. If you’re the romantic type, this might be just the thing for you. Opt for a traditional four-poster canopy or add some whimsy with a chandelier-style canopy. White, gauzy tulle creates a soft, feminine look, while rich brocade gives off a sophisticated vibe.
A:
Swap out your old furniture for new pieces for a dramatic change. Paint your furniture for a quick and easy makeover. Rearrange your furniture to create a whole new look. Swap out your bedding for an instant upgrade. Add a headboard to make your bed a focal point. Put a canopy over your bed for a romantic accent.