[oibeme]

What a wonderful thing to do...

[GrannyGodley]

Yes, fabric softener is a LUXURY that is not available for them at the assisted living homes. And old skin needs to comfort of soft fabrics. I made certain Mom had it. Others were not so fortunate. Also, the food is tasteless. They won't eat it. So Mom asked for salt and pepper. In her 90s I figured it can't hurt. So we kept her in the little salt and pepper shakers. Well, she took it with her in her walker's hanging bag. Of course, others wanted to use it. She began to become territorial about this issue. But DB and I told her to just let them use it. It didn't cost much and we'd keep her supplied. Well, she still had issues. After all, you don't waste anything. You don't spend money you don't have, etc. etc. Others were spending money on things Mom didn't think needed but wanted her salt and pepper. It became quite funny. But their world is so small. Little things become mammoth to them.

So please, help as much as you can with deodorant, shampoo, lotion, bar soap, powder, tissues, anything you can imagine that will enrich a tired life and lift their spirits. They have so little - even if they are wealth and in this situation - they have so little.

[mskayjay]

Originally Posted by GrannyGodley

Yes, fabric softener is a LUXURY that is not available for them at the assisted living homes. And old skin needs to comfort of soft fabrics. I made certain Mom had it. Others were not so fortunate. Also, the food is tasteless. They won't eat it. So Mom asked for salt and pepper. In her 90s I figured it can't hurt. So we kept her in the little salt and pepper shakers. Well, she took it with her in her walker's hanging bag. Of course, others wanted to use it. She began to become territorial about this issue. But DB and I told her to just let them use it. It didn't cost much and we'd keep her supplied. Well, she still had issues. After all, you don't waste anything. You don't spend money you don't have, etc. etc. Others were spending money on things Mom didn't think needed but wanted her salt and pepper. It became quite funny. But their world is so small. Little things become mammoth to them.

So please, help as much as you can with deodorant, shampoo, lotion, bar soap, powder, tissues, anything you can imagine that will enrich a tired life and lift their spirits. They have so little - even if they are wealth and in this situation - they have so little.

Doesn't it just absolutely drive you NUTS when they say folks at that age can't have salt or butter?????? For cryin' out loud!!!!! Let them eat what they want to!!!! And yes, their world does shrink and things become magnified. We'll all be there one day so the gestures we make now, maybe someday someone will bless us in like kindness.

[GrannyGodley]

You know I really believe that what goes around comes around - or something like that. My Mom was always the most gentle, caring person and always doing for someone. I remember as a child taking biscuits (homemade, of course) down the street to the elderly Aunt Ella (no relation, but she was called Aunt Ella). Mom was constantly doing this type of thing. And Mom had no idle time on her hands, either.

Workers and residents in each of the Assisted Living homes she lived in really loved her and felt that she was their ray of sunshine. Yep, what goes around, comes around.

[blizzard]

I lost my parents & brother, which is why I am getting back into couponing. I can no longer help them, but I feel that I have to help others to help myself get through this.

It is a lot of work, but is somewhat rewarding to be able to get things for cheap & the elderly especially really appreciate your help.

I have been trying to think of ways to do this & there are some good suggestions here. My neighbor said she will start saving her coupons & I trade her items for coupons. Keeps me from having to buy an extra paper $2.00

[mskayjay]

Originally Posted by blizzard

I lost my parents & brother, which is why I am getting back into couponing. I can no longer help them, but I feel that I have to help others to help myself get through this.

It is a lot of work, but is somewhat rewarding to be able to get things for cheap & the elderly especially really appreciate your help.

I have been trying to think of ways to do this & there are some good suggestions here. My neighbor said she will start saving her coupons & I trade her items for coupons. Keeps me from having to buy an extra paper $2.00

I can feel the unspoken pain in your post. My thoughts are with you on your losses. ((((blizzard))))

[nightgem]

What loving, caring people you all are!!!My own income is limited but with all I've learned from everyone here I can give back to those who need. I have lots of nail polish , files and lotions from some great CVS and K-Mart deals these past few months, I'm going to call our little nursing home in the morning and arrange a 'nail day' for Wednesday. All the ladies will have nice nails for the holidays. AFC'ers you really are a great group I'm proud to belong to....(((HUGS)))

[gjet68]

What a sweet and caring thing to do!!

[lilacvi]

thanks for sharing.

[priscillahedlin]

that;s just awesome

[Barbara34]

I want to get in on this, but am a very practical person. So I have to ask: how do you distribute? I mean you walk in the door not knowing anyone, and what do you do next? How do you get started? I realize that after you've done it a time or two, it will be easy. But in the beginning - what? Do you walk up to a stranger's room and shove a bottle of lotion under their nose? Or how do you approach them? And if allowing them to choose, how do you display the items, and how do you communicate to them that they are allowed to choose a certain number or whatever your preference might be? How? How?