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Mother Teresa
once asked, “What is the worst disease in the world? Is it AIDS,
leprosy? NO. It is to be alone; without friends, family or any
human touch.” In Florida, 850,000 adults over the age of 60 live
alone. More than half of these live in poverty – 12% go to bed
hungry. According to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, those
who are poor and alone are “in double jeopardy for public long-term
care.”
The mission of Hope Today is to locate and care
for those seniors living
alone who often feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for and forgotten by
society. These individuals may lack family or other caregivers and
are typically the least likely to be reached through existing
efforts. Through
Hope Today
Connections we work to build much-needed networks of support.
Our goal is to restore and reaffirm the human dignity that may have
been lost.
For nine years Aging With Dignity has acted as advocate for the needs of those elderly
and sick at greatest risk of not having their dignity honored at the
end of life. Hope Today expands these efforts with a
personal touch; mobilizing caring volunteers from the rural
communities of Wakulla and Franklin counties offering compassion, material
assistance and friendship. The assistance we
provide may mean the difference between those living alone being
able to remain in their own home or being forced into assisted
care or a nursing home.
Hope
Today not only benefits those served, but is of great value to those
who serve. They receive the gift of being able to give – a
practical, tangible way to show their love. Most people do not have
experience caring for or spending time with someone who is sick or
in need. Volunteers gain hands-on experience, and perhaps
may be more willing and capable of meeting the needs of aging loved ones
in the future.
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