So there’s an elderly person in your congregation (I’m guessing more than one). They don’t seem to get out much. Few other than the professionals pop in. What, as a brother or sister in Christ, can you do to help? Here are 5 ideas:
1. Ask them what they need
Elderly people are people first and elderly second. Most are lucid and quite able to make decisions about their own life ... it’s putting those decisions into action that is hard. So the key to good support is finding out what care would be the most useful.
2. Be practical
I recently asked an elderly neighbour how I could help. “Could you come in regularly to straighten the cushions and seat covers please?” came the reply. I could hardly believe my ears! Could that be for real? But all day every day that lady sits and stares at empty armchairs in her living room and the fact that they looked messy bothered her. One simple act that takes just a few seconds of my time makes her view one of a pleasant living room rather than an unkempt one. Not every elderly person will ask for that – some may find it hard to ask for anything - but it may be that something small, simple and practical makes all the difference. Dusting, ironing, shopping or gardening can be invaluable.
3. Be spiritual
Being elderly can mean getting to church is tough. A lift may help but for some just leaving the house once a week is way too hard. But lots can be done to deliver notice-sheets, provide sermon or service recordings (on CD) and ensure that large-print Bible-reading notes are available each quarter. Home communions (where 4 or 5 members of the congregation not just the minister come to visit) can be great times of fellowship. And there is no reason why a housebound person can’t host a Bible study group or prayer triplet as long as other members are willing to chip in making the coffee and tidying up afterwards.
4. Be family
Often what frail and elderly people want most is someone to talk to. The simple act of popping round for an hour – preferably with a couple of sticky buns - can lighten the most difficult day. Or a phonecall can do just as well ... what better way to use that half-hour commute?
5. Be fun
And finally, holiday clubs don’t just need to be for the kids at church. Themed activity-weeks can be great for the elderly too. Trips to local places of interest can be put on. The church hall can be flung open for music afternoons, flower-arranging workshops, dances, talks by engaging speakers, home cooked meals, watching the footie and fun board-games all surrounding a great gospel message. Many housebound people will be able to manage to come for a ‘special morning’ – maybe bringing their elderly non-Christian neighbours with them (you’re never too old for a spot of evangelism) - but even if they can’t, the fun can be taken to them by team members popping in with a meal to be reheated, a CD, a board game and a bunch of roses.
