We have a volunteer "work" program at our center, mostly male involvement. Usual tasks include delivering mail, filling bird feeders, feeding fish in the fish pond, hanging the flag in the morning, checking locations for lights that are out, marking clocks that need adjustment, a grounds crew who would pick up litter that blew on the property. Some men may just be interested in sorting through tools, or organizing a tool box. Some these tasks may need staff involvement if you have elopement/safety concerns but it allows for a sense of accomplishment and a bit of exercise too.
An idea that has worked for our center is to have a resident deliver internal newsletters from office to office, or “junk mail” from the postal service. This gives the resident a task to complete as well as get a little extra exercise throughout the day.
I just love love love this site - each time I'm glued to the many and awesome ideas to engage with our seniors. I recently downloaded some of the crossword puzzles and these seniors are fabulous to work with. That is just the tip of the iceberg. In this new chapter of my life, as semi-retired, I am so enjoying my time with seniors and watching them light up; I feel I've found a new niche. It's extremely gratifying. As to the cost of membership, it came out of my pocket - I rationalised that it was only about $3/month, less than many magazines. So keep up the GREAT work!!! Thanks again Golden Carers!!!!!
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