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To combat social isolation and loneliness among older adults, the Senior Adult Community Engagement Project (SACE) at Common Ground Health is helping older adults in nursing homes know that they are not forgotten.
For several years, SACE senior volunteers have assembled and delivered “Not Forgotten” bags to nursing-home residents in our community’s most under-resourced areas. These bags include new items that seniors living on Medicaid allowances need and often do not have money to purchase, such as t-shirts, socks and personal-care items.
“Throughout our community, people in nursing homes are experiencing isolation and loneliness,” said Phyllis Jackson, R.N., community wellness project manager at Common Ground Health. “Many do not have family members or friends who visit. Many may lack socialization, joy, love or hope. These donations brighten older adults’ days, which may help improve their health.”
The project is seeking donations of new or unused/unopened items to distribute during the holidays, including:
· Packages of crew or knee-high cotton socks
· Packages of footie socks
· Packages of white or gray V-neck only T-shirts (medium, large, extra large)
· Zippered hoodie sweatshirts or fleece jackets (medium, large, extra large)
· Hair barrettes, clip-on bows, or headbands
· Regular-sized deodorant
· Hand-sized lotion
· Regular-sized toothpaste
· Packs of soft toothbrushes with covers
· Combs and brushes
· New medium-sized stuffed animals
· Lap robes, quilts, or throws
The nursing homes that we currently support are
· The Pearl Nursing Home
· Wesley Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing
· Rochester Center
· The Hurlbut
· Waterview Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing
· The Homestead, Rochester Presbyterian
· Cobb's Hill Manor Nursing Home
Common Ground Health partners with schools and community groups to create holiday cards and pictures. These cards are given to residents on every major holiday throughout the year, letting these residents know others are thinking of them.
To make a donation, arrange for a pickup of items or to partner on this project, contact Phyllis Jackson at 585-957-1205.