Volunteer/Committee
Following are some suggested committee activities that can be performed for the elderly:
- Transportation to church, doctor appointments, grocery store, etc.
- Yard work - rake leaves, snow removal, plant flowers, minor landscape issues
- Join an individual for meals. Have them cook or offer to prepare a hot meal
- Card games - Poker night, Bridge club, set up on a weekly or monthly basis
- Phone calls - provide emotional support or "just someone to talk to"
- Send cards
- Friendly visit
- Read mail for those with poor eyesight
- Advocate - Be an 'extra set of eyes and ears' during contracted services (roof, repairs, landscaping services, etc.)
- Widow’s List follow-up calls
- Taking out the garbage
- Change smoke alarm batteries
- Change security light bulbs
- Install screens/storm windows
- Drive to Lodge/Chapter meetings
- Put up/take down Christmas tree
- Bring holiday items down from the attic
- Drain and put hoses away for the winter
- Assistance with pet care: take pet to groomer, yearly physicals, sick care, etc.
- Equipment installation - like bath handrails/grab bars. Often can get grab bars through providers, but will not install.
- Assist with finding qualified/honest mechanic
- Read newspaper/books to those with very poor vision
- Assist with holiday cards (address, mail, pick up cards/stamps for those who cannot get out.
Errands - pick up items at drugstore, grocery store, etc.- Trip to library, museum, zoo - all of these offer wheelchairs to borrow for guests. Picnic lunch outing, programs/speakers around town, particularly around holidays there are many opportunities for free. Often seniors do not get out for these.
- Home visit that includes your pet if practical
- Conversation - Biggest bonus - CONNECTION
- Listen to music - find a radio station/program they have not listened to and might enjoy
- Spring cleaning, washing windows, drapes, carpet cleaning etc.
