Thankful Thursday

Contact your local residential/assisted living center or nursing home. Request their assistance in considering their residents and matching you up with an individual to whom you could devote a regular, scheduled allotment of time. You could also ask your local pastor or care minister for the names of individuals from your church community who have recently entered a care facility.

Consider your own talents or interests when inquiring about a match:

Is there a resident who enjoys being read to regularly?

Is there a resident who crochets, knits or does tatting or other needlework? Would they enjoy working alongside you on a project? Better yet, would they have the infinite patience required to TEACH you a new skill?

Is there a resident who has recently lost a spouse that would enjoy company on a regularly scheduled basis? A resident whose family isn't close enough to visit?

Is there a resident who tends to be more withdrawn or cantankerous than their fellow residents? Would it be possible to send a weekly card or encouraging message or package each week?

Is there a resident who enjoys playing cards or chess?

Is there a resident with any extracurricular interest that you can assist with? An animal lover? Music lover? Book lover?

Which residents will be spending the holidays alone? What's being done for them during that time?

If matching up with one individual isn't something you're able to do, ask if there are any items the residents would benefit from having donated. You may be surprised at the items you have around your home that would significantly improve the daily quality of life of residents in your community.