Bring Joy To The Elderly: 4 Ways To Brighten The Lives Of Those Who Live In Nursing Homes

Posted on: 21 November 2014

With the holidays fast approaching, you might be wondering what you and your family could do to help spread good cheer to the less fortunate. If you're like most people, you've thought of helping out in homeless shelters, or providing Christmas to children in need. However, there is a whole group of people that you might have forgotten about.

For a new way to spread holiday cheer to those in need, you might want to consider sharing with the elderly who are in nursing homes. Many elderly people do not have family members to visit with. Here are just a few ideas for bringing joy to the lives of the elderly this holiday season.

Read Books

As people age, their eyesight begins to deteriorate. People who once loved reading may find that they're no longer able to see the words on the page. Volunteer to read books to the elderly. They will enjoy hearing the story and will appreciate the time that you're spending with them.

Give Hand And Foot Massages

If you've ever had your hands or feet massaged, you know how relaxing it can be. Consider volunteering to provide a massage day at a local nursing home. As you age, your skin can dry out and you lose circulation in your hands and feet. You can help the elderly improve their circulation and enjoy some pampering by tending to their hands and feet.

Become A Secret Gift Giver

If you would like to bring joy to someone who lives in a nursing home, consider becoming a secret gift giver. You can ask the staff for a list of residents who are without family members. Once you have the list, select one or two to provide gifts for. You can brighten someone's life just by giving them a gift to open.

Invite Them To Holiday Festivities

If you have a spare seat at your table, try inviting someone home for the holidays. Not all nursing home residents must stay in the facility. Some residents are able to leave the premises. Sharing a holiday meal with someone who lives in a nursing home will bring joy to their life, and will allow your family to meet someone new.

There are so many things you can do to reach out to the less fortunate during the holiday season. Visit a nursing home near you and bring joy to the elderly who reside there.

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