Supporting our Senior Citizens
As our communities come together, special care must be provided to our elderly neighbors. Seniors are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, and the social isolation required can be dispiriting and unhealthy. In response...thoughtful, creative and meaningful ways to keep them safe, comforted, and connected.
Here are some of the heartwarming ways that neighbors and families around the country are uplifting our seniors:
1. One week ago, a Nevada pre-med student organized 20 volunteers from her medical fraternity to shop for older residents. Jayde Powell’s "Shopping Angels" fulfill a senior’s shopping list with money raised through a GoFundMe account. Seven days later, Jayde’s movement has spread across the country with more than 3,000 “angels” coordinating efforts through her Facebook page. Jayde says, “We're doing this to reach out to people who might feel they are just completely alone."
2. A worker at an assisted living home took a sweet picture (second photo above) of a visit between a resident and his son. The home isn’t allowing visitors to prevent residents from getting sick. This can be difficult for the patients as they get lonely without their loved ones. This son counters any sadness with daily visits with his dad and long talks by phone separated only by a pane of glass.
3. Nine-year-old Taran Tien wore a suit and his 6-year-old sister Calliope shined bright in pink for their cello performance on Monday. The Ohio siblings wanted to bring joy to their 78-year-old neighbor Helena Schlam, who is self-isolating. So, they brought an orchestral concert to her front porch. And, timed it so Helen’s grandchildren in Israel could join through facetime. Their act of kindness has gained a worldwide audience, with more than 500,000 views of their video performance.
4. The 100 year birthday milestone calls for real celebration! Even if it’s not as originally planned. On Sunday, Millie Erickson of Sterling, wearing a bright blue cowboy hat was serenaded by family and friends outside her window at the Sterling Village nursing and rehabilitation center. A song never sounded so sweet! Listen here.
5. 90-year-old Bob Shellard visits his 88-year-old wife Nancy every day at her nursing home. AS his 67th anniversary approached, the home was closed to guests because of COVID-19. His daughter, Laura said, "This would have been their very first anniversary separated. We were like, nope, we're not going to have any part of that. We'll keep up the tradition." So Bob stood outside with bright balloons and a sign that read, “I’ve loved you 67 years and still do. Happy Anniversary!” Proving Nothing can stop true love!
Photos are all from linked news stories