I've been talking to a friend who volunteers at a home for the aged. The facilities are poor, because the people who live there have little money. She talked of how unloved and forgotten these people feel, so few of them having family members (or family who visit) and how hard it is for them waiting to die alone and unloved.
I suggested that it might help if these facilities could be hooked up to the internet, the aged taught how to connect to places like Y!A, or newsgroups and other forums where they could talk with people, share their stories, laugh at jokes, be cherished and valued again.
As she is christian, I suggested her church might be able to donate the funds needed for a computer and the internet connection, offer volunteers to help the aged learn how to access these discussion groups and for those who can't type, perhaps they (or others living in the facility) could type for them...
Will those of you who do charity work consider this? I think it would help the aged.
2006-09-23 02:10:15 · 11 answers · asked by bobkgin 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am not suggesting this as a denominational-thing. There are many faiths and many denominations who already do volunteer work, but their time is limited and the rest of the time is void of meaningful contact. I'm suggesting this as a way of giving the aged an opportunity to access the world independently, at a time of their own choosing, as often as they wish (bearing in mind all members of a home should be granted access if they wish and there would be a need to share the equipment)...but even so, there is nothing stopping the members from gathering around while one of them uses it, sharing in the experience and cooperating for the benefit of all...there are many ways this could work out.
Please, don't use this idea to bash other faiths...it isn't offered for that purpose. It is to help the aged, and that alone.
2006-09-23 02:21:16 · update #1
I'm an atheist, and I've helped out in old age homes when I was young. I do think we should honor our elders better.
2006-09-23 02:13:17 · answer #1 · answered by nondescript 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I had an Aunt who spent almost 4 years in a nursing home and I would go visit her every weekend. There is no way my Aunt could have used the Internet but I did bring in a TV set. I also got her a DVD player and would take family photos and scan them into my computer and then make slide shows on Cd's. I also took pictures with my digital camera and put them on Cd's too. She enjoyed that but most of all she enjoyed visitors who would come and see her. Some people in nursing homes don't have any visitors and the loneliness can be crushing. I would suggest that people who are interested to find a nursing home in your area and ask the administrators if there is some one who doesn't get visitors and if it would be OK to visit them. You could "adopt" a senior citizen and visit them once or twice a week and believe me it will make a big difference.
2006-09-23 09:29:22 · answer #2 · answered by Captleemo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are right bobkgin. This is a sector of society that is often forgotten...they are not seen as useful and ours is a very achievement oriented world isn't it?
There are many ways that local convalescent hospitals can benefit from volunteer help...everything from those with musical talents coming to sing and play with them and for them, folks who can write letters for those who cannot, to read to them, and let them visit with gentle pets.
The Internet idea has been offered at one place where I visit a particular lady I know. She and most others do not feel up to learning the technology. Too bad because as you say, they might find a new world of friends, as we do here.
The other down side to the Internet idea has to do with the power of personal contact. Many of these people rarely see others besides their caregivers and crave companionship...the touch of a hand or a hug can communicate more than words, however kind.
This is not only a task for theists. I don't see any reason that any one of us who have a heart for others cannot find some way to "plug in" locally to help those who are hidden from society but still should still be regarded as very valuable to all of us.
Thank you for bringing up this important issue, bobkgin!
:-)
2006-09-23 12:29:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I actually volunteer in a homeless shelter for men. It is the open door mission, it is a christian rehabilitation for men who are addicted and need a clear path.I do health care and have even cooked! The problem with men's shelters is that they are easily forgotten. People assume since they are men they shouldn't need any help, they prefer nursing homes or children/family shelters. Little do they realize that these men are addicted to drugs and they need help to keep off the streets. They need us too...
2006-09-23 09:51:29 · answer #4 · answered by Katy_Kat 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there are a number of programs to help those in these old age homes and visitors are always welcome. a Church Sunday School Class might consider contacting an old age home in their area and getting a name of an older lady and an older gentleman who has no family or friends. then the class might " adopt " them as a grandmother and grandfather. these older folks have a lot of wisdom and knowledge to share as their life experiences are numerous.
2006-09-23 09:30:51 · answer #5 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my question is...
for those that arent of christian faith would the church allow them to use these computers, and would the computers not have stickers with verses of the bible and the home -page not be of the church's website?
If not, that would be a wonderful idea. Maybe a few volunteers to show them how to get on the internet.. that would be nice.
2006-09-23 09:15:31 · answer #6 · answered by psychstudent 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I commend anyone who volunteers to work with the older people in society. But practically speaking, I doubt the older folks could master the inter-net. My parents are mystified and they are in their 70s. Older people like 'in person' visits better.
2006-09-23 09:18:21 · answer #7 · answered by a_delphic_oracle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unloved, forgotten and waiting to die alone. It's terrible isn't it. And with the elderly population rising rapidly it's going to become even more serious. I'm definitely giving thought to how I can do something, and your question has spurred me on further.
2006-09-23 09:18:46 · answer #8 · answered by Boz 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, for the elders we should try to provide them with more spiritual food and should show our sincere gratitude for their love and labor in so many long decades.
Young people, young rulers, please think much more about this matter, because you may be sent to the old age homes very soon!
2006-09-23 09:25:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As per your original question, "No" (and I won't read the rest of your statement)
Old folks are just too scary... always drooling and slow-moving, shut-ins who always look either sad or vacant. Won't go there. Sorry.
2006-09-27 02:21:17 · answer #10 · answered by sincere12_26 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋