Does the older adult need help with household tasks, such as cleaning the house, working in the garden, going to the grocery store, or doing the laundry? Some grocery stores and pharmacies accept orders over the phone or online and deliver them to a person's home, and it's possible that someone you know has a housekeeper or gardener to recommend you. Another option is laundry and dry cleaning services that pick up and deliver clothes. Older adults can face a range of challenges, from loneliness to health problems, so volunteering with older people is a great way to help them engage with the community. Many people see caring for the elderly as something that prohibits their freedom, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Elderly care offers cleaning services and workers whose mission is to do their jobs well and, at the same time, keep you safe.
Using community resources, such as centers for the elderly, transportation services, meal delivery programs, such as Meals on Wheels, and assistive technologies, such as medical alert systems, can improve safety and support. If you're looking for a high-quality, resident-centered senior care facility for living or working, look no further. Resources such as Eldercare Locator, Meals on Wheels, senior centers, and the National Directory for Home Modification and Repair provide valuable information and connections. with local resources.
Older people need to feel emotionally secure as they age, which sometimes involves addressing practical needs related to aging. Read about how Esther Chan, winner of the Daily Point of Light award, helps to raise awareness about Internet scams in centers for the elderly. If you can provide them with a safe and reliable mode of transportation, take them to the grocery store, hair salon, doctor's appointments, or anywhere else your older friend or loved one needs to go. Senior centers provide daily opportunities for social participation, educational classes, fitness programs and various support services for older adults in their communities. Listening from perspectives other than your own not only helps to broaden your horizons and become a more educated person, but it also helps older people who share their knowledge to feel heard and valued.
There are many ways that older people get involved in their communities each year, and the health benefits of volunteering as you age are well documented. Older people have a basic need to keep in touch with family, friends, and like-minded older people. In addition, these organizations can help older adults navigate the complex landscape of health care and long-term care options, providing guidance and support to access necessary services, including housing for the elderly, when someone can no longer live at home. Once older people are no longer able to drive, it's harder for them to maintain a social life or feel independent. Nearby senior centers and your state or local government can help you connect with volunteers near where you live.