Elderwerks Make A Senior Smile
With the Pandemic looming overhead, families have been struggling to reach one of the largest populations in the US: the elderly. Families have been cut off due to social distancing guidelines and in Illinois, many families have been faced with the harsh reality of not knowing how their family member is doing except the occasional phone call or view from an outside window.
There is hope out there! Elderwerks saw an opportunity to help by doing something creative and collaborative. Most families in the U.S. have children and have been struggling to find things for them to do. Arts and crafts are always a great way to keep kids entertained and their creations can be a gift to anyone. Parents can join in and many Moms have excess scrapbook supplies. There are even older students in high school or home from college looking for a fulfilling project.
Elderwerks has partnerships with most area senior communities and heard about seniors isolated in their apartments for their safety. According to Jennifer Prell, Elderwerks President, "Our partners are focused on client care and have to constantly adapt to prevent illness for both their employees and residents. Receiving homemade cards with adorable messages or colorful pictures raises their spirits and puts a smile on their faces." Elderwerks calls their initiative Make A Senior Smile.
"Senior communities are challenged during this uncertain time to get meals to resident rooms and creating new precautions. An independent and assisted living community we work with makes a daily activity packet for each resident. It has games, trivia and fun puzzles. They play Bingo in the hall and residents can come to their doorways to participate," according to Carolyn Osuyos, Community Resource Consultant for the northwest suburbs
Art has a way of stimulating the brain and keeping the cogs turning for the mental state. Residents haven't been able to see anyone in the past few weeks and bringing some cheerful diversions into their lives makes them feel more at ease. Whether you are a professional or an amateur any sort of positive message, letter, colorful picture or card is welcome.
Social distancing may have made it tough for everyone, but Making a Senior Smile is a great step in the right direction.
If you or anyone you know can share their quarantine art or is willing to make cards, please mail or drop them off at:
Make a Senior Smile
120 Coolidge Ave.
Barrington, IL 60010
Questions - Carolyn.osuyos@elderwerks.org, M 224-828-0154
There is a large deposit container with disposable gloves for your use. Elderwerks is collecting PPE (gloves, facemasks, gowns) for local nursing homes who have a shortage. Help yourself to an Elderwerks 2020 Senior Resource Directory before you take off your gloves!
Elderwerks Educational Services is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization helping seniors, families and professionals find senior living, care, support and benefits. Our Information, referrals and guidance are complimentary to families. We act as "senior guidance counselors". We are funded by finding housing for seniors, so your referrals are extremely important to us. Elderwerks also receives Grants, does hold fundraisers and accepts donations.
If you know anyone looking for independent living, assisted living, memory care, home care or any other type of senior housing please refer them to Elderwerks at 855-462-0100 or Elderwerks.org Thank you!