Usually around the holidays volunteer opportunities flourish. One volunteer opportunity that remains consistent is assisting the elderly. Many families taking care of elderly family members become overwhelmed with the responsibilities. Family caregiver resources and agencies provide home care workers to assist the elderly. As a volunteer or part time job caregiver training is widely available on the internet or classes.

In my twenties I joined my grandmother’s women’s club on a whim. The camaraderie and life lessons I’ve learned from the active and over 60 set has been enormous. I never imagined I would have such a great time with women pushing around walkers and wearing bright shades of polyester.  I learned how to play bridge, ate a lot of food, and organize community events.  Eventually all the women in the small club became widows and the companionship became even more important.

Caregiver training programs  assist volunteers with proper care techniques. From reading the daily news to cooking a meal there are many needs within the elderly community. My church group adopted a nursing home and members rotated on visiting the community.  The elderly provide a window to the past with stories and life experiences.  This holiday season think about the many benefits of assisting the elderly.

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