Elder Care Service Project
Co Chairs: Marsha Turner marshaturnerphd@yahoo.com
Glenda Conley forconleys@aol.com
Goals:
1. Elder women are the “wise women” of our generation. However, these women are often lonely and inactive. They need socialization, emotional support, and projects that engage them cognitively. Activities, programs and/or projects will be developed to address these needs and enhance the overall quality of life for these wonderful women… our grandmothers, mothers, sisters, friends, etc.
2. Two different types of elder care facilities will be identified as “volunteer sites” in order to provide Zontians with opportunities to work with elder women who attend (1) a day stay program – service opportunities during the DAY and (2) an assisted living community – service opportunities during EARLY EVENING HOURS. Opportunities will exist to work with and get to know elder women who cannot stay at home all day by themselves or live on their own any longer and who also might have a chronic health condition such as memory loss and/or physical limitations.
Zonta members who:
1. are interested in working with the elder population - just to visit and spend "quality time"
2. have collections (any type) and would like to share examples and discuss
3. are or have been teachers/like to teach and would like to lead a "show and tell" related to a special topic or holiday
4. are knitters, quilters, and sewers (especially requested) We have some special projects in mind, such as "touch" lap quilts, etc.
5. are musicians and/or singers or just love music and would like to bring music (live or recorded) and discuss from type of music, singer, history, etc. perspectives ( favorite hymns are winners)
6. like to lead or participate in games such as bingo, dominoes, puzzles, hokey pokey, seated exercise, etc.
7. are storytellers or love books; share or read a short story and discuss
8. are gardeners and would like to share their roses, camellias, etc. and facilitate project to put in planters of vases for each elder participant
9. are artists and would facilitate a simple art project 10. are photographers or love pictures and making small photo albums to pictures of the clients/residents 11.would help start a fish tank 12.would plant a garden/flowers 13.would like to establish a bird feeder and feed the birds 14. has or know someone who has a therapy pet and facilitate a visit for the clients/residents15. would take the clients/residents on a short walk (inside and/or outside) 16.would like to play “trivial pursuits” with the clients/residents 17. like to dance and would like to teach the clients/residents simple dances to a variety of music 18.would like to assist the clients/residents in making birthday and Christmas cards
19. would like to make popcorn with the clients/residents and enjoy eating popcorn and reminiscing about the first movie, movies in general, etc. 20. would like to lead a special activity, such as “brain gym” 21. would volunteer in any way to make this Elder Service Project a success CAN MAKE A BIG CONTRIBUTION!!
The Two Organizations for Service Opportunities
1. Elder Care Services Day Stay Program, M-F 7:30AM – 5:30PM; service opportunities will be 9:00-11:00 AM on varying days of week depending upon monthly schedule of organization. Service goal: Deliver a program, project, and/or activity once a month from September 2009 – May 2010.
2. Sterling House Assisted Living Community, 24/7 facility; service opportunities will be 1st Monday and 3rd Thursday- 6:00-7:30PM (approximately). Service goal: Deliver a program, project, and/or activity twice a month from September 2009 – May 2010.
Anyone from the membership who would match any of the above would be wonderful to have on the Elder Service Project. Please contact either of the Co-Chairs. Thanks very much!