How to Help Elderly Individuals in a Community

Reaching out to elderly individuals in your community is an excellent way to help your fellow neighbors. There are many seniors who are still able to live on their own. However, they often need help in order to maintain their independence. By sharing a few hours of your time each week, you can make that possible.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to Help Elderly Individuals in a Community

1. Identify an elderly family member or neighbor who might need your assistance. Talk to that individual to let them know you are available to help. Your loved one or neighbor will appreciate knowing they can come to you if needed.

2. Let your elderly friends and family members know that you are available to run basic errands for them. Be specific. List the time when you are available as well as how far you can travel to complete an errand. You are opening up the door for a senior citizen to contact you if he needs someone to pick up groceries, do some light shopping or run other general errands for him.

3. Offer to visit with an elderly individual in your community a couple hours per week. Many seniors who live independently are lonely. You can help to brighten their week by stopping by for a chat a couple times each week. Ask her when it is convenient for you to visit.

4. Share a meal or two each week with a senior adult who lives nearby. Sometimes older individuals who live alone do not eat proper meals. They might not feel like cooking for one. Prepare enough food for both of you and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with the elderly individual. If you do not have time to eat with him you can still stop by with a covered dish for him to enjoy.

5. Check in with elderly neighbors when the weather is poor. You can clear snow off walkways and driveways. During severe thunderstorms, make certain they are not without power. Even check with those elderly neighbors when the weather is calm but extremely hot, to ensure they are fairing well in the heat.