Giving Back: To Local Senior Care Communities

The effects of aging could make some seniors feel they can no longer give back to their community or help family and friends.

But every day, older adults across North America prove that – with a little help – seniors can still make a difference. The Home Instead Senior Care^® network has captured simple and adaptable ideas from seniors and care community professionals to create the “Give-Back” program.

The “Give-Back” program is a series of resources for caregivers and care community activity professionals who are trying to help keep even frail and isolated seniors engaged and provide them opportunities to help others. Some projects can be adopted by an individual; others are ideal for group projects or as a meaningful activity with friends.

The need to be needed does not diminish with age, experts say. Keeping seniors connected and giving back might even help them age with better health, and help reduce feelings of isolation and depression.

Seniors in care communities still need to feel useful. If a senior is living in an independent or assisted living community, or in skilled care, or if you are a staff member looking for a way to interest a senior in activities, check out these ideas.

Likewise, learn how seniors who are living independently can find fulfillment volunteering to help those living in a care community.

Get started

Encourage a senior living in a care community to give back by doing things they did at home. Work with care community staff to request they adapt activities that fit an older adult’s interests and abilities, such as having the senior:

• Deliver mail or newspapers
• Help bake cookies or cupcakes for a birthday (Some care communities have resident kitchens or use a transportable convection oven.)
• Arrange flowers
• Help decorate for holidays and special dinners
• Establish a community garden, walking club or recycling program for their neighbors
• Work in a candy store or gift shop
• Serve on the resident’s council (Many care communities have these councils to plan activities and help serve as a voice for care community residents.)
• Call bingo
• Help with programs (Read poems or tell stories for Memorial Day, Thanksgiving or Fourth of July, play the piano, sing, and help make and distribute programs for the event.)
• Introduce new members to the care community
• Provide transportation for another senior who can still get out to volunteer.

Remember to encourage a senior living independently to visit and give back to those seniors who are in skilled care by helping them write cards and letters, play bingo or board games, scrapbook and craft, or by hosting a coffee or social hour.

For more resources and volunteer stories, go to SalutetoSeniorService.com.