be a blessing

If you know someone in a nursing home, or assisted living facility that you used to speak to regularly, go visit them.  Inside an aging body, is the soul of a person you love.  Get past the sensory issues of housing of human beings in some stage of decline.  It may smell. You might hear someone scream out.  It might be too warm for you.  You might see an improperly dressed person, showing all their splendor accidently or on purpose. 

Get through that, and visit your person.  They need the interaction.  We all do.  Isolation is torture.  Human touch is needed by the living. Your presence will keep the strangers that work there on their toes.  Your visit, will alert others that there is a person that is connected in their care.  They are not faceless, nameless things to abuse, neglect, steal from, hurt, or ignore.

These are people.  Seniors usually that have accomplished lifetimes of things, now restricted because of health or mental capacity.  It is still a person in there. Don't let them be forgotten.

And if you don't know anyone but have the bandwidth and capacity to help others, volunteer. You cand help read to residents, listen to their stories, and walk with them. Increase their quality of life.

To volunteer at nursing homes:

• Research the nursing home you are interested in.

• Set up a visit.

• Apply and complete additional paperwork.

• Attend an interview and background check.

• Attend orientation and training.

Be a blessing.