KEEPING SENIORS SAFE AND ENTERTAINED

Forecasters agree – the chance of a sustained El Nino weather pattern this winter is above 90%.  After five years of drought, an unbelievably devastating wildfire season, and a severely threatened water supply, a good drenching this winter will be a welcome sight.

But unsafe road conditions, inclement weather and a general lack of reliable transportation can leave some seniors isolated in their homes with little interaction for days on end.

Here are a few ideas to keep the senior in your life busy and thriving while providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

VOLUNTEER – There are a myriad non-profit and community organizations that need volunteers to assist with office and administrative tasks including writing thank you notes, making follow-up phone calls and assembling mailings – all of which can be done at the senior’s place of residence.

LIFE STORY WRITING –  capturing in writing the rich stories, experiences and memories that are told, retold, remembered and re-experienced throughout one’s life, leaves a legacy of living history for future generations. And it can bring enjoyment, satisfaction and closure as one ages.

SCRAPBOOK – combining Life Story Writing with scrapbooking can bring one’s stories to life! Online photo sites can print and deliver photos for mere pennies, making scrapbooking a cinch.  For the web savvy, sites like Shutterfly and Snapfish will print scrapbooks designed online.

START A COLLECTION –Have you always had a special fascination with rocks? Coins? Movies? It’s never too late to become a collector, learn the ins and outs, and begin to sort and categorize.

If you or someone you know is in need of an activity or interaction, Seniors First can help.  We provide friendly visitors, manage a social daycare program for seniors with dementia and offer myriad programs and services to engage seniors and help them thrive.