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A Thanksgiving Meal Seniors Can Really Sink Their Teeth Into
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While some people are scouring freezer shelves for the perfect turkey and deliberating over free-range, self-basted, organic, kosher or the vegan-friendly tofurkey, many are dreading the start of the holiday season. Being alone during the holidays is a major challenge for anyone, but for isolated seniors or seniors in long-term care facilities, this time is particularly trying. Here at Gilbert Guide, we believe no one should spend Thanksgiving without company, appreciation and a little poultry-gorging.
Many national organizations provide meals to seniors, year-round or just around the holidays. Meal delivery programs not only benefit seniors, but also offer volunteers an opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of someone new. For example, I just moved 3,000 miles away from my family, whose holiday traditions I cherish. In order to maintain the spirit I’ve come to need around this time of year, I’ve contacted my local chapter of Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly and asked to visit two new friends this Thanksgiving. This organization pairs volunteers with a senior to whom they’ll bring a flower and meal to enjoy over conversation and laughter.
If you’re interested in receiving a visitor or attending a communal meal at your local senior center, it’s often best to call in advance to see if a reservation is required. Since most of these organizations are locally run, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start. Catholic Charities, Salvation Army and the American Red Cross are all wonderful organizations that will most likely have something going on in your neighborhood. To find centers and events in your community, check out the nationwide meal program search engine on the Meal Call website. Depending on which end of the table you find comfortable, you may even choose to volunteer yourself! Christian Senior Services offers an opportunity to deliver meals through the Meals on Wheels program.
Done talking turkey!
Lori Deschene
Posted in: General, Gilbert Guide News
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Thank you so much for posting these ideas! I spent last holiday season alone because I dont have a lot of family around any more and that time of year can be really hard fr me. I never thought about doing something like this or thought that maybe sonmeone else was looking for something to do on Thanksgiving. Someone’s bringing me a meal tomorrow and I couldn’t be more grateful. Happy turkey day to you!
Thank you for visiting the site! I’m really looking forward to making my Thanksgiving visits tomorrow, and I’m thrilled you’ve decided to enjoy one yourself. Don’t eat too much pie, scratch that, eat all the pie you want! After all, what are the holidays for?