Silver Angels for the Elderly
When you retire, you will likely have over 9,000 days to fill! How will you spend them? What would make those days meaningful and enjoyable? These are the million-dollar questions you need to answer. Some retirees want to make a difference. They search for a cause or volunteer situation where they can help others. For Diane Zell, a simple idea to cheer up some elderly folks she saw in an assisted living center would propel her to start a nonprofit.
“It was very sad for me when I had to put my mom into an assisted living center. I’d visit and see all these elderly folks with long, glum faces. I wanted to do something to brighten those eyes,” said Zell. Her mom loved Diane’s sweet little Westie dog, named Spiffy, and she’d beg Diane to bring the dog to see her. “What started as just following my mother’s wishes turned into a fun service project for me,” notes Zell. “I dressed up Spiffy in the cutest costumes and outfits and would take her to see mom and visit with the other residents in her assisted living center. The residents and staff love that they can pet and hold the dog. Spiffy is always a big smile-getter.”
Zell stated, “Many elderly people are sad because they have been forgotten. Most residents are left in their tiny rooms staring at a TV most of the time unless they are fortunate enough to have a visitor. That’s what struck a chord with me. After my mom died, I had to do something to help change the situation of older people, which for many is a life full of loneliness and isolation. I keep asking myself, ‘How can we help them?’”
Her solution created a new nonprofit organization called Silver Angels for the Elderly, which supports residents in eldercare facilities and their family members in her local community. Volunteers visit people in a facility once a week, bringing smiles to their faces. “Someone cares about me,” they seemed to say. Listening to their stories of a life left behind brought back feelings of worth as our volunteers took an interest in their lives. For three years, we provided Christmas parties with gifts, treats, and Santa, and Christmas card parties where we would help residents fill out cards to send to loved ones.
Sadly, during Covid-19, these folks were locked into a depressing world of mundane daily activities that lack the personal touch they desperately need. The angels got inventive. They provided a personalized birthday gift so the individuals would know they were special and remembered. A stuffed animal was a very popular present. The Silver Angels created handmade “thinking of you” cards that were sent periodically. They covered Mother’s and Father’s Day and other holidays. The Angels gave Veterans gifts in honor of their service to the country. Every holiday Angels provide cards and gifts to be distributed to the residents. Zell said, “One very cool activity the Angels did was to put on a car show. More than twenty or more classic cars drove around several assisted living facilities with residents staring out windows. It brought back happy memories and got the residents talking. This car show was a simple but highly effective tool of engagement.”
Since parties weren’t allowed for the first year of the pandemic, the Angels still provided gifts to residents, caregivers, and staff to lift their spirits. They continuously sent homemade cards created by others throughout their community—many made by school children. One group of ladies made heart pillows called “love pillows” so the caregivers can give them out to anyone who is extra depressed and needs a lift. In addition, Angels would parade outside facilities and wave, carrying signs with a message like saying, “God loves you, and so do we.”
Zell came up with another super idea. “Let’s feed them the food they likely won’t get at the facilities.” So, they brought in pizza and subs once a month. This was a big hit with the residents.
This Idaho charity was allowed to make in-person visits once again in spring 2021. Zell launched a new Angels Buddies service. A member would be matched with a resident so that the same person regularly visited. The Angel would sit, listen, talk with the person, and provide friendly companionship.
People in nursing homes often suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s and many no longer speak. They hit on a very original idea to bring some comfort and love to those individuals. Since stuffed animals were often carried everywhere, the Angels went one better. The Buddies would bring a robotic dog or cat, called pet companions, for the dementia residents.
The cat would lick its paws, blink, and purr. The dog barks, wags its tail and can turn its head. Made by the Joy for All company, the organization bought these treasured companion pet gifts from Amazon. The charity holds an annual fundraiser that enables it to cover the costs of gifts like these.
Zell offered advice to retirees who want to make a difference and might eventually want to launch a nonprofit. “Any time you can give to others is a win-win. So many people want to serve and need a way to do that. It only takes a caring heart intending to make a difference. Then, select a cause you are passionate about. Find some like-minded seniors to join in and share their talents and time to enable you to serve others. Add in a bit of administrative time, and that’s all it takes.”
