Have you ever wondered how you can help Seniors in your own community? As we age we often lose our mobility or have to deal with other type’s of medical problems. That means that we may need help with basic household tasks, lawn care, snow removal, grocery shopping, and other things.
Additionally, senior citizens are more prone to taking medicines that help them deal with old-age issues. Some examples of this can be Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, Diabetes, and so on. When you advance in years, a lot of normal activities like taking medicines can appear to become difficult.
Here’s a list of things that you can do to help Seniors in your community.
1. Transportation – Offer to take them to and from the grocery store, department stores, and doctor’s appointments.
2. House Cleaning – Some people can no longer take care of the inside of their home. Offer to help with basic cleaning tasks, laundry, trash removal, etc.
3. Lawn Care – Taking care of the yard and outdoor tasks is hard even on those with no mobility issues. However, those with mobility issues can no longer mow the grass, trim the bushes, rake leaves, etc. Offer to help with these tasks. If you live in an area that gets winter weather offer to shovel and salt their sidewalk.
4. Food – If they can no longer make home cooked “healthy” meals offer to send a few meals to them every month. Even if it’s your leftovers that they can reheat. If you enjoy baking send over a batch of homemade cookies and other type’s of baked goods. I find that they love homemade treats!
5. Clothing Basics – If you can afford to pick up an extra pack of socks, undershirts, underwear, t-shirts, etc. consider donating them! If you’re handy with a crochet hook or knitting needs consider making a few hats, scarves, and gloves if you’re located in a colder climate.
6. Errands – If they can no longer go out (other than to medical appointments) offer to run a few errands for them while you’re out and about. They may need a few items picked up at the store, a run made to the post office, the public library, etc.
7. Companionship – A lot of elderly people lack compansionship with others. Spend a few minutes giving them a call to just chit-chat and check-up on them. Stop over to their home for 30 minutes to just visit. Regular communication with others can help them physically and mentally.
There are a lot of ways we can help Seniors who live in our communities besides the ones listed above. We all lead very busy lives, but it’s important to remember our elders and to help when we can.
This is a great article. Moreover, the pandemic made it even harder for most seniors, including me.
As a senior that gave up my home about 8 years ago and moved to a senior high rise. You are right on about problems seniors have. Life is easier when you don’t have to worry about snow on sidewalks/driveways or cutting grass. House repairs are always a problem finding people to fix them or the high cost. In my building they have coffee hours (4 hrs) people come and sit and talk. And a lot of other actiives for people
This is so true. I am a senior citizen but I can do for myself. I like to talk to others. We are lonely at times, especially during the pandemic.