You wake up in a panic. There are so many things left to do and so many phone calls you still would like to make. You are leaving and you want to say your goodbyes. You’re just not sure how much time you have left before the van arrives.
If someone such as British TV personality and former The Apprentice contestant ruled the world, the van would be a cutesy vehicle with a crew that would deliver termination pills to your door when you get to be “too old.” Why? Because, according to Katie Hopkins, “there are too many old people.”
Some of those who are like-minded are of the opinion that older adults are useless and nothing but a big burden on society. They use up valuable resources needed by people who are much younger. They should be put to sleep like animals.
I certainly beg to differ. Here is just one of the reasons why.
Each year, we seek nominations from the senior living, assisted living and memory care communities for our company’s annual Giving Back Award. The award recognizes the residents and staff members of the communities for what they do enhance the lives of others.
Here are some of the examples from the top award winners – Heritage Woods of Huntley; Heritage Woods of Rockford; John Evans Supportive Living in Pekin; and Prairie Living at Chautauqua in Carbondale.
Resident Francis White, a veteran and resident of Prairie Living, started a military support group. The group began with a handful of residents and became known as the “Prairie Patriots.” Soon, others joined, including non-veterans. The group meets weekly to visit and support each other and other veterans. They have made cards for veterans who live in the Veterans Nursing Home in Marion, Illinois. They call bingo at the skilled nursing center, read to veterans who can no longer read and spend time with residents who no longer have families.
Residents crochet hats for patients at the Children’s Hospital in St. Louis.
They participate in a Children’s Ministry Day that features an Ice Cream Social and opportunities for residents and children to work together on crafts and sidewalk art.
They recruit vendors to participate in the community’s Health Fair and collect donations for the Masonic Children’s Home and St. Francis Animal Rescue.
Residents of John Evans make sleeping mats for the homeless out of plastic bags.
The collect donations of hats and mittens during the holiday season, gather canned goods for the Salvation Army and raise money for Race for the Cause.
Together with staff, they planted marigolds in community beds to help beautify the city, helped fill backpacks for grandparents who are raising grandchildren, made Poppy Cards for Veterans, and wrapped and delivered presents for the Santa for Seniors program.
Residents of Heritage Woods of Huntley visit classrooms in elementary schools to read books to students and answer questions.
They participate in an Adopt-A-Senior program, with residents and early elementary school students exchanging letters in pen pal fashion. Residents and students who participate in the program get to meet each other at the end of the school year.
Residents along with their families and the staff of the community donate blood during blood drives held in the building; collect new pairs of socks to donate to the local food pantry; and donate funds to provide local families with a turkey dinner for Thanksgiving.
They serve as models and hosts for senior services fashion shows.
Residents at Heritage Woods of Rockford serve as volunteers. They make and collect scarves and turbans to donate to the American Cancer Society. The resident Baking Buddies sell the baked goods they have made to raise funds to help battle cancer.
Really, isn’t the idea of using “euthanasia vans” to put older adults to sleep like animals outrageous?