Growing Isolation

We slow down as we age and/or suffer from chronic illness. Some no longer have their own transportation and are unable to attend services on a regular basis. One can begin to feel isolated from Christian brethren and family.

Declining Health

Life is like an island which shrinks as we age. Physical strength often diminishes, eyes grow dimmer and some suffer hearing loss. Sometimes, it hurts just to move around.

Nursing Homes

Medical attention and basic needs are provided. What is missing, however, is the comfort of home and the familiar. Too many are completely alone, without family or friends to offer comfort and support.

Growing Isolation...How to help:

• Offer them a ride to church.

• Start a "Take a Senior to Lunch Day" in your congregation.

• "Adopt" a senior, personally.

• Send sermon videos or tapes--that perhaps they can route to others. It helps to keep them connected.

• Keep in Touch--call them or send them a note.

• Take them little gifts--flowers, fruit, vegetables, magazines, books or cookies.

Remember: Call before you visit someone in their home or hospital, because it may not be a good time to stop by for a visit.

Financial Worries...How to help:

• Invite widows, needy, singles to lunch or dinner - especially on God's Holy Days of worship and the Sabbath.

• Send a supermarket gift certificate (near their home) with a note of encouragement. This avoids possible embarrassment discussing their financial needs.

• Take them a bag of groceries if they live near you - fresh produce and meat can be expensive as well as non-food items.

• Give a pre-paid telephone calling card.

• Enclose a note of encouragement with a gift certificate to a near-by department store. They can select what they need.

Declining Health...How to help:

• Put together a "get-well" basket (soup, tea, hot chocolate packet, crackers, little tin of fruit) and personally deliver it when they are sick with the flu or a bad cold.

• Help where you can - mow the lawn, clean house, run errands, do laundry, etc...

• Read to them.

• When taking food, make certain there are no dietary restrictions. Use disposable containers.

• Send a "Greeting from the Congregation" card that all can sign.

Hospital Visits:

• Ask if they'd like you to read the Bible (make a list of your favorite scriptures that are comforting and encouraging...trust in God, Faith and Hope.

• If they are asleep when you visit, leave them a little note - they can read it later.

Nursing Homes...How to help:

• Listen, listen, listen. Usually, people love to have someone listen to them.

• Send them a little note or a card - they enjoy getting mail.

• Read to them.

• Write a note to their family for them.

• Take your children or grandchildren to visit, if practical - they love to see the little ones.

• Let your friends and co-workers know that you are collecting clothes for needy patients - they may have items to provide as well.

• Consider bringing little food treats such as popcorn and fresh fruit.

• Take flowers on occasion - most everyone enjoys flowers.

• And...when you plan a visit, remember to go when the patient(s) is expecting you. Your visit brightens their lonely day and they look forward to seeing you.

Just two more thoughts...

Ask God to help you to see the needs of others so you can serve whenever and wherever possible.

Our gifts of service differ -- feel positive about what you can do and don't feel guilty about what you cannot do.