This was posted on FB today by an employee of the nursing home in my hometown specifically for their facility, but I thought it would be a timely reminder for all of us... I know it's got me to thinking and wanting to do more!
ADOPT AN ELDER!!
At this time of year we all tend to be a bit more stretched… both mentally & financially. Everywhere we go we see trees that are graced with angel cards, which hold a host of wishes, for very deserving children. We hear bells ringing, as smiling faces greet & thank us, as we drop a few dollars into a bucket. We see collection bins mounding with food, so no family goes without a holiday meal. We are out and about, with family and friends, buying gifts, sharing a meal, mingling, making memories, & just being together. We are happy to see each other & share in the holiday spirit. We share with each other and with total strangers…all because we want others to know they are loved, remembered, wanted, and valued. We want to help be a part of something bigger than us, something that makes us sink into that “feel-good warmth” that we get when we open our hearts and share with others. Sometimes we forget just where all people truly gather. You see, while we are out and about, in the world, at work, at home, at school, going about our daily lives…what about those that can’t be out? What about those that are slowly aging? Those that are in a nursing home? Have we remembered them? They simply can no longer go out at any time they choose. They rely on kind hearted staff to help care for them from day to day. Some of the men and women in a nursing home get visitors and some don’t. It’s a sad reality when you think about it. They are in a different environment than that of you and I. Their daily living needs aren’t as easily met as they used to be…when they were younger or before a medical emergency affected them. They now depend on caring hearts of family, friends, staff & strangers. They need a little extra love and attention. They need a few small acts of kindness. Remember, it’s the small things that count, right? I know that things are tight at this time and I know that we are all busy. I also know that we want others to know the joy of feeling loved and remembered. Will you help spread your love?
If you can, PLEASE HELP, to make this Christmas one to be remembered. Be the friend that brought a smile to a person’s heart. Be the joy that helps someone to know they are remembered!!! Be the extension of support that our aging loved ones need! ADOPT AN ELDER from the nursing home today!Items NEEDED: (new)
*Electric razors….(all they have are the cheap ones and they are hard on frail skin)
3 are being asked for right now
*Facial lotion to help with smoothing skin
*Jogging pants…sizes Med-2xl
*T-shirts…Sizes Med-2xl
*Socks…just normal socks (they have plenty with the no skid)
*deodorant- men & women
*denture cleanser
*Kleenex brand tissue…something that is soft and catches the boogiesNEEDED for entertainment & therapy (new)
*Movies…FAMILY appropriate
*Word search books
*Paint by number sets
*Coloring books & crayons
*Musical CD’s (they like the oldies)
*Play dough
This may be the only time of the year that some are remembered or their families simply may not be able to help. Thank you for being such sweet angels!!!