Give the Gift of You

The gift of health, family, and friends are important to our well-being. We are made for connection and human touch, however about a third of the population lives alone. Loneliness  can age a person faster than smoking.  If seniors can no longer live independently, cannot drive, they become dependent on others to provide social interaction, activity, purpose and variety to life. There is a great need for those living in care facilities. The last national survey on the average number of visits residents receive in 30 days is somber. In a month’s time 8% had no visitors, 11% only had one visitor, 13% had several visits, so that is about 1/3 of residents not enjoying someone coming to see them. Do you feel called to be a friend to someone who is lonely and waits for someone to come to them?

The good news as a volunteer you can be flexible as to when and for how long to make a visit. We are all busy, and if you have a break in your day, you can go to a nearby senior living center and brighten someone’s day. There will probably be an initial meeting with a program supervisor to be approved, but they love volunteers! You can ask the staff when you arrive, who are people who need a visitor, they will know who and can give you some tips on their interests and abilities. Mainly people want to be listened to, cared about, touched, but here are some ideas on activities to do:

• Ask them about their life, what they did, where they lived, what were they proud of, what was a challenge, what advice would they give to you…
• Ask if they have a photo album, a collection of memorabilia and have them to share with you the stories.
• Bring a book with images that depict life when they were younger (I like a book on Norman Rockwell paintings), or of nature to look at together and talk about.
• Give them a mini spa treatment. Massage lotion on dry skin, give a hand and foot massage to stimulate blood flow. For a woman offer to polish their nails and style their hair. Have a tea party with hats!
• Encourage an activity move/exercise, to take a walk, stretch, volley a balloon…
• Play cards, board game, dominos, do a puzzle and the like.
• Utilize a skill you have e.g. doing arts and crafts, singing songs, telling jokes….If you have a socialized pet perhaps you can bring them.
• Ask if they would like you to read to them, pray with them, write a letter for them.

While you are giving, you too will be receiving. The opportunity to be compassionate and serve those in need brings about interior happiness and peace. It can help one slow down and have a better perspective and what is important, as well as gain appreciation and gratitude for life.

Let all that you do be done with love. 1 Corinthians 16:14

Kitchen Remodeling Themes to Love It More

Six Tips for a Healthier Heart

Cauliflower Walnut Brownies