Holiday Cheer
The holiday season is in full swing and we decided to take a break from the norm and post something a little more fitting. Working in a healthcare space where a large percentage of the patient population belongs to the geriatric community means you are already providing an invaluable service … but if you are inclined to get into the holiday spirit even more, and give a little extra this year, we’ve compiled this list of programs specifically designed to help seniors:
The Meals On Wheels Association of America is the oldest and largest membership organization supporting the national network of more than 5,000 Senior Nutrition Programs that operate in all 50 states and U.S. territories. The tireless work of these programs – supported by a dedicated army of 2 million volunteers – delivers a nutritious meal, a warm smile and a safety check that helps keep 2.5 million seniors healthy, safe and living independently in their own homes each year. Learn more about the program and how to donate at http://www.mowaa.org/.
Independent Transportation Network supports sustainable, community-based transportation services for seniors throughout the world by building a senior transportation network through research, policy analysis and education, and by promoting lifelong safety and mobility. There are a number of ways to give to ITN including standard donations, as well as volunteering as a driver. Learn more at http://www.itnamerica.org/.
My personal favorite on the list pairs pets with the elderly and helps both parties at the same time. The Pets for the Elderly Foundation (PFE) is a public charity whose mission is to provide companionship to senior individuals through pet ownership, while saving the lives of companion animals in shelters; animals which might otherwise be destroyed due to lack of appropriate homes, and space limitations. Research shows the most serious disease for older persons is not cancer or heart disease - it's loneliness. Pets offer affection, unconditional love, fight loneliness, and can help ease the loss of a loved one. Please help. Your monetary donation can make a difference. Few causes can have the potential benefits that will result from your contribution - you not only save the life of an animal, you can make a dramatic difference in the life of a senior. Currently, 46 shelters in 27 states are participating in the program. Many more are on the waiting list, and would be qualified to join the program, if funds were available. To learn more about this great program and how to donate, please visit http://www.petsfortheelderly.org/.
Lastly, we have a great holiday-themed charity called Socks for Seniors. Socks for Seniors is a non-profit community service project to help senior citizens keep their feet warm this winter. Its main objective is practical and aims to keep seniors warm on the outside, while the added benefit of cheering them up (There’s nothing like unwrapping a pair of new socks!), keeps them warm on the inside, as well! To learn more about this awesome program and to get involved, check out http://www.socksforseniors.com/.
If you see something on this list that speaks to you, be sure to give a little extra this holiday season. Even just sharing one or more of these great programs with your friends will help keep our seniors safe and happy!
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful holiday!
The CHS Team