Information Related to "Are You Missing Something?"
Audio/Video |
Are You Missing Something? By Phyllis Newton There is a unique opportunity out there for you. It is an opportunity that will make you feel good about yourself while helping others.
hat doesn't take money? What isn't physically strenuous? What doesn't require a lot of time? What offers a chance to slow down and become less stressed? It is the opportunity to visit one of the ever-increasing number of nursing home residents. Nursing home residents live in an interesting community that contains people from all walks of life, with distinctive personalities and varied experiences to share. These individuals are living life day by day, just as any other person is. They have raised families, held jobs, attended to daily needs, and have grown old. Their wealth of experience and knowledge can help us along the way in life. The last years of the individual's life can be the most difficult. A resident, like everyone, needs reassurance, security, a sense of belonging, a sense of self, and human interaction. No matter what the physical or mental condition may be, a nursing home resident has human needs just like anyone else. I had an aunt who was in the last stages of Alzheimers. We thought we didn't need to visit her very often because she couldn't possibly be aware of our presence. However, the aide at the home where my aunt was living said that after she had company, she was easier to feed. Human touch and the sound of a caring voice have a way of reaching one's spirit. Personal relationships are of vital importance in this fractured world. Visiting a nursing home resident is an opportunity to gain a precious relationship! Some may be tempted to say, "I can't do that! The people are weird!" Enjoy their quirks. Sure, they may not be just like they used to be. These individuals are simply in another phase of life. Learn from them. You can gain wisdom, and they in turn can benefit from your youthfulness and energy. The whole experience will make you feel younger too. A personal relationship with a nursing home resident is a win-win situation for it benefits all who participate in it.
The following is a list of ideas and things to keep in mind when visiting a nursing home resident.
Take the opportunity to visit a nursing home resident. It is an opportunity that will bring pleasure and value to both you and the resident. It is also a way to be a light by practicing true religion as described by the disciple James (1:27). Copyright 2000 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved. |
|||||||
Related Information:
Other Articles by Phyllis Newton
Origin of article "Are You Missing Something?"
Keywords: nursing homes visiting human contact
Elderly: