The heat is on! Summer is here and the kids want to go outside, play in the water, eat watermelon and have ice cream. Parents are planning summer vacations for the family. Everyone is looking for fun and love this summer.
But what about elderly residents of nursing homes, who are unable to get outside and play in the water or take vacations? What can be done to make their summer rich and rewarding? It can happen with volunteers!
Taking time to visit with residents in a nursing home is beneficial for the resident as well as the volunteer. Spending time with our elders, reminiscing about memories from past summers, sharing an ice cream, or taking a walk or wheelchair ride outdoors brings moments of joy to someone who might otherwise sit alone in their room. And, it adds meaning to the life of a volunteer, who benefits from the wisdom of an elder and enjoys making a meaningful contribution to someone else’s life and well-being.
This year, plan to bring summer fun and love to those in the nursing homes, by volunteering. If you need help to get started, Local Ombudsmen can provide information about Long-Term Care facilities in Tulsa, Creek and Osage Counties. Contact Ombudsman Supervisors Lesley Smiley (918) 3591022 lsmiley@incog.org , Cathy Sullins (918) 3591020 csullins@incog.org, or Chris Gruszeczki (918) 3591021 cgruszeczki@incog.org