Giving Back: Adopting a Senior for the Holidays

Tomorrow almost my entire family will gather for a delicious Thanksgiving meal, and we’ll gather again for Christmas less than a month later. I’ve been to several Friendsgivings and I’m sure there will be plenty of holiday parties as well. We are very blessed in that way. Other people are not so lucky, especially the elderly. Many older people spend the holidays alone. Spouses have passed, children have moved far away, and friends no longer drive. The thought of this inspired me, and I hope to inspire you, to adopt a senior this year for the holidays.

How I met “Richard”

For my own pursuit I went to my search engine and typed in my city and state and “adopt senior holidays”. Immediately a whole list of options came up, but I chose the local YWCA and was paired with “Richard”. While the kids in our family are asking for electronics and brand name clothing, the senior I adopted has a very modest list. He requested pajamas, slippers, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a gas gift card, and tissue. Honestly the thought of one day asking for toothpaste and tissue broke my heart.

So, on Black Friday I’m going to purchase everything on Richard’s list. As well as some festive snacks, maybe a nice scarf, and a handwritten Christmas card. Hopefully Richard will feel a little less alone this holiday and know that my family is thinking of him this season.

How to Adopt your own Senior

If you would also like to adopt a senior, there are many options.

• Search like I did – look for local companies assisting community elders
• Be A Santa to a Senior – gift wish trees are posted at specific locations countrywide
• Adopt a Senior – cash donation or assigned a senior to shop for
• Talk to you neighbors and make sure they’re taken care of
• Speak to church officials and see if anyone there could use a hand

How to help with Time, not Money

If you can’t afford to adopt a senior this holiday season, but still wish to give back, volunteers are always appreciated. You could wrap gifts for an organization, put together food boxes, or work as part of the delivery team. Offer to tidy up for a neighbor or invite a lonely church member over for dinner. Since the number of volunteers usually increases exponentially over the holidays, perhaps talk to a coordinator and offer services after the new year as well.

“As you prepare for your own retirement, be sure to protect your assets.”

How to Prevent becoming Adopted

While we can’t guarantee companionship until the end, we can help with the financial side of things. As you prepare for your own retirement, be sure to protect your assets. Look at long term care insurance and find out if this type of protection fits your financial goals. Speak to a specialist today, tell them your wishes, and see how they can assist in your objectives.

All of us here at LTC Consumer wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving.