| Do you know someone who could use a younger | | | | wanting to do. If more care is needed then what |
| mentor? Do you have an elderly neighbor that | | | | you can help with, let the family know and give |
| needs a little help? Many people would like to stay | | | | them suggestions for meals and medications to |
| in their homes, but they need the time and | | | | be delivered, or what other services might be |
| talents of a younger person to help them. With | | | | available for them to check out in your |
| careers taking loved ones all over the globe | | | | community. |
| sometimes they leave behind the person who | | | | There may come a time when the need for help |
| needs them most. This can create problems for | | | | is more then you can supply. Sometimes people |
| both generations, but there are some things we | | | | need twenty-four hour a day care. Always |
| can do as a community to help out. | | | | consider their safety. If at any time you feel |
| We all know of someone who could use some | | | | concerned call their family and let them know. |
| checking in on. Sometimes that person is a | | | | Sometimes as people lose track of time, forget |
| neighbor, or goes to the same church that we do. | | | | to turn the stove off, or are not taking their |
| Consider finding another family who would be | | | | medications it may be appropriate to look for an |
| interested in co-supporting someone who needs a | | | | alternative living situation. Gathering that |
| little help to remain in their home. Create a simple | | | | information for their family can be very helpful. |
| plan on a calendar so someone can check in | | | | Talking to the elderly about a change is |
| regularly and see if the senior needs anything. You | | | | sometimes more accepted coming from a friend, |
| might be surprised at how close to your home | | | | rather then family. Each situation is different. |
| someone needs care. If you involve your family, | | | | Keep in mind that there was once a time, when |
| kids can run down for a quick visit, or help by | | | | the people we now refer to as our seniors, were |
| calling them each day. They can grab their mail or | | | | a vital part of the community. When we can help |
| walk their dog when the weather is bad. During | | | | them, we show our respect and love for what |
| the winter we don't get out as much as we | | | | they have done, and let them know that they |
| should and when people are `shut in,' depression | | | | are still important. Taking a little time out of our |
| can set in. Getting company would be a great | | | | busy lives is not asking too much to support |
| support. | | | | someone who needs our help. Involving your |
| When helping the elderly you need to have a clear | | | | family to help someone else, teaches your children |
| understanding of what you are willing to do. If | | | | how you may one day need to be supported. At |
| they have children or any family you need to | | | | some point we all need a little help. Lead the way. |
| contact them and let them know what you are | | | | |