I work in a nursing home. A very nice nursing home. Our 30 million dollar building was built 7 years ago and has 266 beds. We have beautiful carpeting, tiled floor, and living room with fireplaces.
I work as a unit secretary. Greeting all who come to our ‘neighborhood’ as they are called. There are 6 neighborhoods in the facility.
My neighborhood is all decorated for Christmas, complete with several Christmas trees. Today, Santa came to visit the residents. Everyone got a gift. They were thrilled. For some, it is the only Christmas they will have it all.
Sadly, some residents, and elderly around the country, won’t be celebrating Christmas with family. They are the alone, the forgotten. They will sit in the facility, watching other resident’s leaving to spend the day with family, or watching other families come in and spend the day with their loved ones. But still some, sit alone.
While you are doing your holiday running around and shopping, perhaps you can pick up something for your local nursing home. Wrap a nice gift of body lotions and body washes and donate it for a resident who has no one. If you can, stop in to visit someone. A nurse there can tell you who could use a nice visit.
It’s sad to think these people, who have given so much in life, worked hard and probably raised a family, are alone. Even though we provide a family atmosphere, there is no replacing a genuine connection with someone.
I ask that you consider volunteering. Even a few hours a month. There is so much you can do as a volunteer. Read to someone who can’t see, have coffee and chat, help with an activity like baking or crafts. The simplest gesture is the one most appreciated.
Beneath The Willow 