A MORE MEANINGFUL GIFT
In this season of giving and two years of COVID in our rear-view mirror, I’ve found a way to extend a helping hand to our more
elderly neighbors. Many of these individuals are either unable to do some tasks (e.g., changing air conditioner filters, repairing a running toilet, sorting mail) or are not aware of these because a spouse has passed or is in some type of rehabilitation program. Some tend not to socialize, even with neighbors they know. Some may not be able to drive. Some may be suffering from a disability (e.g., physical, Alzheimer’s). While this may be more applicable to an individual, some elderly couples may both be in the above situation.
I’m writing this article about an “Adopt A Senior” program specifically for the Vineyards and nearby NextDoor communities in North Naples, FL, but we are also going to set it up for an aging cousin who lives in Texas. Many of these ideas are currently employed following natural disasters, but could easily be put in place for routine implementation anywhere. Even better, there’s no need for a formal structure. This should be an individual, one-on-one effort, coming from the heart.
If you’d like to join in, first, arrange to call one household (person or couple) or set up a Zoom get-together once a day or for some other “comfortable” interval. Talk with the person/couple about this and let them know what you’d like to do. If needed, work out the computer angle with them. You can set up an e-mail backup to keep tabs on the “adopted senior” or you can send them a daily message, a daily image (e.g., bing.com or a photo that you’ve taken), or anything to help brighten their day and stay connected (i.e., elicit a response from the senior).
For seniors who may be living with their children and/or have an injury or illness, recognize that many of the lifelong friends of these seniors may have passed. Hence, even a monthly visit to sit and chat for half an hour or more may be a blessing. I’ve started doing this with a centenarian (someone who is over 100 years old) who lives nearby. Both the man and his daughter are thrilled with the outreach.
Next, ensure that the senior has the emergency call function enabled on their cell phone or that they have a stand-alone device(s) that provide such a capability (e.g., emergency call bracelet), especially for “slips and falls” and medical emergencies.
With the adopted senior, check over their home for possible hazards (e.g., slippery throw rugs, extension cords in traveled areas, slippery bath or shower floors). Work with the senior to correct these.
If the senior is having trouble handling mail and bill payments, see if you can help them set a service to handle these for them. If you opt to provide this service, be sure that you have proper legal documentation set up to do so (and protect both of you).
The same could be said if you opt to transport them to a doctor’s visit or a store to shop.
Other easy, helpful actions would include offering to pick up some needed groceries for them, inviting them to your home for dinner, and/or sending/bringing a bouquet of flowers, a flowering plant, or a greeting card, especially for significant occasions.
I’ve just set up this “Adopt A Senior” framework in my life, so it is a work in progress. However, this can be a life-saver to a senior, doesn’t take a lot of effort, and can be so much more meaningful than just giving tangible gifts.
I hope this triggers a positive response from my readers. If you’ve done it or are doing it, I’d welcome feedback on how you implemented this idea, how seniors responded, and the pluses and minuses of your efforts.
If you like the idea, please share this article with others — https://bit.ly/3HjYq5H.
© 2022 H. Michael Mogil
H Michael Mogil is a Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM), Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM), and NWA Digital Media Sealholder. He is a consummate lifelong learner and loves to share any new-found knowledge he gains, as he researches life, nature, and world/universe around him. In addition, Mike tutors students from middle school to college in math science, language, and test-taking skills; he also serves as an expert witness in legal and insurance matters involving weather.