NHCO Volunteer Brightens Days for Senior Couple Confronting Alzheimer’s
A single act of kindness often creates a ripple effect of other good deeds that are never known to us. We may plant the seed of kindness, but we never know how or if the flower will grow.
Twenty-four-year-old Jake has had the privilege of knowing how his seed has grown. Jake is a member of NHCO's Young Community Leaders Board (YCLB), a group of young professionals committed to sharing their talents and passion with NHCO. After joining the YCLB, he wanted to get more involved, so he reached out to our In Service of Seniors Program Coordinator about volunteering with seniors. NHCO's In Service of Seniors program helps older adults in northern Allegheny County stay in their homes with dignity and volunteer support.
“Friendly visiting through the In Service of Seniors Program promotes better mental and physical well-being as well as a sense of belonging. Seniors simply want to talk about their lives and feel like they are a part of the community,” said Programs and Outreach Manager Angie Elnyczky-Collins.
His interest piqued when he learned about friendly visits and figured it would be a great way to brighten a senior's day. He started volunteering with Bob, a senior who's battling Alzheimer's.
Because of his condition, Bob hardly communicates. However, that doesn't stop Jake from getting Bob out and enjoying themselves.
On Jake's first outing with Bob, he had the consideration to bring Bob and Barbara, his wife and full-time caretaker, flowers. He then took Bob to the Carnegie Science Center, where they spent the afternoon wandering around and enjoying getting out of their normal routine.
In addition to their museum visit, the two men enjoyed ice cream at North Park and, on another visit, watched Top Gun II in theaters! While in the Marines, Bill worked on aircraft, so Jake knew Top Gun would bea hit!
During one of their visits, Bob showed Jake some of his belongings from when he was in the service.
"He (Bob) went and got some antique -ee looking manual that he had used in his Marine service with electrical equipment. This was really special and I really think he tuned in on a different level." Barbara recalls. "I see a small spark of joy when Jake is around, particularly when they look at photos and other artifacts from Bob's time in the Marines."
When Jake takes Bob on their outing, this gives Barbara much-needed respite and allows her time to take care of herself.
Jake's time with NHCO's In Service of Seniors program has been a shining light to a senior couple dealing with a cruel and heartbreaking disease. His service has been twofold. Not only has he become friends with Bob through their outing, but he has also given Barbara the gift of time and self-care.
"His smile makes my day. There's just a lightning to it. A lightening spirit. And to me that is priceless.”
Are you interested in volunteering to do Friendly visits through NHCO’s In Service of Seniors Program? Please contact:
Cathy Pschirer
In Service of Seniors Coordinator
412-487-6316 x3313
clpschirer@nhco.org