How Can You Help Your Elderly Neighbor - 10 Ideas

I have worked with the elderly for the past 30 years. What I have come to realize about them is some will ask for help and some won't. The help they need sometimes is no more than a store errand or drugstore pickup, or possibly a repair job inside their home.

When we realize we have neighbors who may require some help, we don't have to bombard them with our generosity, but offering to do something such as mowing the lawn, helping in a flower garden, or shoveling snow is usually quite appreciated. I have devised a list of 10 ideas that will help you get started being a good neighbor to your elderly friend.

1. Introduce yourself if you have not previously met, and explain where you live in relation to them. Possibly try to get an idea of how infirm they may be through your conversation. Maybe you could offer your phone number should they need something.

2. Possibly offer to stop on your way to the store and see if there is anything they could use. Maybe they could have a list ready for you if you go on a certain day.

3.If they are still in their own home, there is always work that needs done. Would they like to have a few windows washed or perhaps the rugs need some shaking.

4. Depending on the time of year, there could be lawn mowing or snow shoveling to do. Sometimes this would be a good job for your teenage son or daughter.

5. For some of our elderly neighbors, they would simply enjoy visiting with someone periodically. Especially when their families are not close by, they do get lonely for conversation. Maybe you could bring some coffee in a thermos to enjoy.

6.Mealtime can be a lonely time for the single elderly person. This can lead to poor eating habits due to not having anyone to fix a meal for. If you are preparing your families meal, perhaps you might make a little extra and share with your neighbor.

7.It always helps to talk about the scams against the elderly, so maybe they could let you know about a strange offer they received, or impress upon them to not respond to these offers.

8.If you don't have time due to your job to stop by everyday, maybe a quick phone call will let you know they are safe. Maybe you could have a prearranged time to call.

9.Is there a doctor's appointment they could use a ride to?

10. Just do whatever you can to help, sometimes the smallest gesture can help in so many ways.