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Be a
Phone Pal:
A very effective way to
bring hope to people confined to their home is by connecting with
them through the phone or internet. This is also an excellent
way to utilize the talents of a volunteer that may be hesitant or
unable to be with people one-on-one.
To
begin, it will be necessary to find and qualify a “client” that
would be open to a person calling them on a regular basis or is
computer-literate and willing to share e-mail communication with a
complete stranger. This may not seem like much, but you will find
that some very strong relationships will result from this outreach.
Communication should be made on a regular basis, the more often the
better. Suggested topics for starting communication are much the
same as an in-person visit: “How are you?” - “What’s new?” –
“Nice weather we’re having.” As time goes on and the relationship
grows, conversation will begin to flow more naturally.
Hop a ride with “Meals on Wheels:"
“Meals
on Wheels” is a program that provides meals to shut-ins. Typically,
the volunteers providing these meals simply do not have the time
during their deliveries to address any other needs their clients may
have. By asking people if it would be okay for you to stop by and
talk further with them at a later date, you can open the door to
great service opportunities.
Go
shopping :
Did you
ever notice that elderly man sitting on the bench by the door of the
grocery store? Many of us don’t. If you make the effort to talk
with him, you mightfind that he is quite alone. He
probably “goes shopping” often just to feel like part of society.
Maybe he would like to join you for a cup of coffee or chat for a
while.
Attend a support group meeting:
Many
people find comfort in sharing their struggles with others.
Caregivers as well as clients attend meetings aimed at their
specific challenge; diabetes, Alzheimer’s, dependency and others.
With very
labor- intensive cases, the caregivers are actually more likely to
suffer the greatest stress (60% of caretakers for those with
Alzheimer’s die before those they serve). A support group meeting
is a great place to meet informally, contribute as you feel called
and begin to form a relationship that can lead to service.
Nursing homes or assisted living facilities:
All
nursing homes and many assisted living facilities have an Activities
Director. They can be a great source of finding out who in the home
has the greatest need for company. Participating in one round of
bingo at your local long term care facility may spark a great
Hope Today Connection. On the other hand, your best connection
may be made with the person who isn’t making it out of their room to
attend the bingo game. That’s why talking with the Activities
Coordinator first is a good idea.
Participate in special volunteer efforts:
Opportunities are easy to find when you are willing to work. Keep
an eye out for special projects.
If it’s “Make-a-Difference Day,” pick up a mop and join the effort.
If it’s “Ramp Building Day,” grab a hammer. During these events,
like-minded volunteers may encourage you to get involved in other
service work that they are involved with.
Actively seek opportunities to serve:
Many
people wonder – who should I serve? Where should I start? Start by
actively trying to seek those in need. Contact your Area Agency on
Aging, Long Term Care Ombudsman's office or elder services provider to see if they know of someone in
your community who may need a little extra help. Consult with your
place of worship – your spiritual community may already be serving
the elderly and need assistance with this ministry. Think of your
neighbors – sometimes those in greatest need live right next door. If you have children, consider making a Hope Today
Connection as a family. It helps your children learn how one
generation takes care of another.
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