How to Adopt a Grandparent

You can provide quality of life to an aged individual.

Sponsoring a grandparent can give you the opportunity to ease the loneliness or financial suffering of an aged individual. Sponsorship programs are available worldwide to sponsor grandparents who are still actively supporting their families, grandparents who do not have family around to care for them and grandparents who still wish to lead an active lifestyle but don't want to do so alone. Adopt a grandparent programs are available by religion, culture, nationality or local area. There is a program to suit every volunteer's desire.

Instructions

1. Research the program you are thinking of joining or signing up for. Each program can explain the benefits to you as well as to the grandparent, requirements for involvement, how to sign up and how to choose your grandparent. Most programs have websites to make the information available to all interested individuals; however, some smaller local programs may need to be called or visited in person.

2. Complete the application or sign-up process once you have determined which program and options are right for you. Ensure you fill out the form completely, as some of this information -- including hobbies, name and interests -- may be provided to the grandparent you are paired with.

3. Wait for a response to the application. In some cases, particularly large organizations, applications may take time to process so it is necessary to wait for a response. The organization uses the information you provided on your application to pair you with a suitable candidate.

4. Receive the information about your grandparent and make the first contact with him. Your first contact with your adoptive grandparent may be by letter, postcard or in person. If meeting in person, call ahead to schedule the meeting so it does not conflict with any other activities he may have, such as medical treatments or appointments.

5. Follow through with the requirements of the program and meet or correspond with your adoptive grandparent regularly.

Tips & Warnings

• If you choose to send an email from Elderswithoutwalls.com, to put the recipient's name in the Subject line because many of the registered seniors live in the same assisted living facility and share email addresses.

• Human service agencies are required to perform a criminal background check on all volunteers.

References

• Adopt A Grandparent.org: Home Page
• University of Virginia: Madison House: Adopt-A-Grandparent
• "Ode" Magazine; Adopt a Grandparent Today!; Brigid Marshall; October 2008

Resources

• Tibet Charity India: Adopt A Grandparent
• Age UK: Sponsor A Grandparent
• Adopt A Grandparent Australia: Home Page
• Adopt A Grandparent Los Martincitos in Villa El Salvador, Peru: Home Page
• Akwora Aged Life Foundation: Adopt A Grandparent