As a family caregiver, it is important to find ways to keep your senior loved one engaged in an active lifestyle. One of the ways that you can do this is by encouraging them to volunteer throughout the community. This can help them to feel more relevant and beneficial, as well as stimulate their mind and give them more opportunity for social engagement and physical activity. The first step in your loved one getting the most benefit from their volunteer opportunity is helping them to find the one that is right for them.
While there are countless opportunities available throughout most communities, some of those that are available that may be right for your elderly parent include:
• Pet shelters. Animal shelters are always looking for caring people to volunteer in the shelter to help with the animals. Your parent can make a tremendous difference in the lives of animals by walking dogs, playing with animals, cleaning, or interacting with those who may adopt an animal into their family.
• Park cleanup. Beautiful parks and public lands make a community lovely, welcoming, and healthy. Volunteers can help with trash pickup, planting and caring for flowers, trees, and other plant life, and helping with projects such as painting. This is a fantastic opportunity for elderly adults who enjoy being outside and are active.
• Reading buddies. Many schools love to help young students with their reading skills by having them read stories to “adopted grandparents”. By listening to little ones read, these elderly adults can help the children feel more confident with their reading skills and give your parent an emotional boost.
Starting senior care for your elderly loved one can be one of the most compassionate, nurturing, and effective decisions that you can make for them during the course of your care journey with them. Regardless of the level of care that your aging parent needs, a senior home care services provider can create a highly personalized set of services designed specifically to address their individual needs, challenges, and limitations in a way that is right for them. This means that your parent can continue to pursue the active, independent, and fulfilling lifestyle that they desire and deserve, while also staying safe, healthy, and comfortable. Their customized schedule means that your parent will have the care, support, and assistance that they need, when they need it, and that you can stay at the forefront of their care arrangement. As their family caregiver this can give you confidence that whether your parent only needs periodic assistance and support, or ongoing care 24 hours a day, they will have everything that they need both when you are with them and when you are not. One way that a senior care provider can help your loved one enhance their quality of life and enjoy a more active, engaged lifestyle as they age in place is to encourage them to volunteer. This care provider can help your loved one find opportunities that are meaningful to them, and then support them in following through with these opportunities by providing reliable and safe transportation, giving companionship and emotional encouragement, and even going along with them to make volunteering a more social and enriching experience.
If you or an aging loved-on are considering senior care in Park Ridge, IL, please call the caring staff at A-Abiding Care today. Serving North and Northwest Chicago and the surrounding area for over 30 years. Call 847-698-1400.
Our professional caregivers offer a wide variety of home care services to meet your loved one’s unique and individual needs, including:
In-Home Care
Hospital-to-Home Transitional Care
Specialized Senior Home Care
Assistance Services
A-Abiding Care, Inc. was founded in 1983 by Joyce Kernan – a registered nurse and pioneer in the field of home care – on the principles of showing clients kindness and respect while providing loving, compassionate care for seniors at home. Today, Joyce’s family, along with our loyal staff, continue her legacy and mission; to provide quality home care for seniors in the Chicago area and provide meaningful employment for many caregivers, nurses and administrative staff.
I feel honored to care for our community members and to be a part of their lives in a meaningful, lasting way.
- What to Do During an A-Fib Episode - December 18, 2018
- 5 Ways for Caregivers to Beat Holiday Stress - December 4, 2018
- Consider Elderly Care Providers for Senior Night Care - November 20, 2018
