For many seniors, most difficult part of growing older is the feeling of no longer being helpful or useful to anybody. Even seniors who are not coping with extensive medical needs or cognitive issues that make it difficult for them to be involved tend to still feel withdrawn and disconnected from others within the community. Part of your innovative elderly care plan should be finding creative and exciting ways for your aging loved one to feel connected with her community, useful, and as though she is getting something truly beneficial to others. This will not only give her a boost in her psychological and emotional health, it will also support improved physical health and well-being.
If your aging loved one is skilled at sewing, encourage her to make use of these skills and truly give something positive back to the community by making blankets for the children at women’s shelters. Often the children that find themselves in the shelters have little or nothing to call their own. Something that is seemingly so simple as a blanket can be incredibly meaningful for one of these children. Not only is it something to curl up with for warmth and comfort, it can be a source of fun and entertainment in a somewhat bleak environment. Anyone who has ever draped a blanket across to chairs to create a tent knows how transformative the imagination of a child can be when that child is presented with something to call their own.
Contact women’s shelters in your area to inquire about donating blankets for the children that are there. Generally they will be happy to give you guidelines as to the size, materials and themes that they like to have for these donations. The blankets you not have to be large. Usually, they are no more than 50 inches long. Someone who is accustomed to quilting can easily complete one of these blankets in two or three days. The ramifications of such a donation, however, can last a lifetime.
If you also know how to quilt, this is the perfect opportunity for you to spend some quality time with your aging loved one and give back to the community yourself. Spend time together choosing the perfect fabrics for your quilting project, then enjoy your time together as you create your blocks, piece your quilts or do the finishing quilting stitches. Not only will you enjoy sharing this craft with your aging loved one, but you will also know that you are truly helping someone in need.
Care Connection provides elderly care in Grand Ledge, MI. For more information about our caregiver services, please call us today at (517) 489-2489.
