Giving Back: To Those Who Served Our Country

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. 

For many seniors, the idea of giving back to the soldiers currently serving in the armed forces is an appealing prospect.

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If you’re helping a senior or group of older adults send a parcel or care package to deployed troops, do your research on the best way to send it, the time it will take your parcel or package to arrive, and the cost and any special requirements of mailing, such as the completion of a customs form.  If sending to a stranger, help protect an older adult’s identity and security by not including the senior’s personal information or address. 

Soldiers’ Angels (www.soldiersangels.org) is an example of an organization that helps facilitate sending letters and care packages to the military. Here are the organization’s guidelines for a soldier adoption: 

• Go to this web page for complete details about a soldier adoption: http://soldiersangels.org/adopting-a-soldier.html.

•  To assist a senior in adopting a soldier, a family member or helper can become a “verified angel.” Before giving access to a soldier’s personal information, such as the soldier's name and address, Soldiers' Angels requires that each verified angel’s identity be verified (and re-verified each month) at a monthly minimum donation (which can be as little as $1). Verified members can participate in any of Soldiers’ Angels programs.

• This “verified angel” is the point of contact for the adopted soldier. Mentors will be available to help the “verified angel” by answering questions and providing guidance.

•  The adoption commitment involves sending at least one letter a week and at least one care package a month throughout the soldier’s deployment.

•       If you are interested in planning this as a group activity in a care community, contact Group Support at groups@soldiersangels.org.

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