Caring for Our Seniors
"When you’re taken out of your home and put in a room with almost none of your things, it’s a hard transition. Anything that can help with quality of life, it’s crucial to their well-being,” shared Rev. Angie Kidd, a Salvation Army volunteer for the Service Extension unit in Noble County, Indiana. Angie has used her background in skilled nursing to help The Salvation Army transform its Community Cares older adult ministries program in the county with a renewed focus on quality-of-life improvement.
Over the past several years, Angie has worked with six local assisted living centers to provide much-needed programs using local Salvation Army funds, which are largely raised during the annual Red Kettle campaign. One senior care facility uses this funding to purchase therapy pets and living dolls for their residents. For men and women battling dementia, stability and comfort are crucial to maintaining quality of life. These lifelike dogs, cats, and baby dolls have proven to be extremely therapeutic, providing a sense of calm to replace confusion and fear.
During her twelve years in skilled nursing, Angie saw firsthand the huge impact therapy pets and dolls could have on the lives of seniors living with dementia. Angie shared that one woman had been given a therapy doll years ago, but it had begun to fall apart. Through The Salvation Army’s special funding, the woman was able to get a new doll. Overcome with emotion, she told Angie that the baby’s name would be Angel.
“She holds the baby 24/7,” Angie added. “She is never without it.”
Salvation Army funding for such programs has allowed other senior care facilities to explore creative ways to improve their residents’ quality of life. Some facilities have chosen to put in computer areas for their residents to conduct video calls with family members. One facility has since remodeled their computer area into an internet bistro, creating room for families to visit the residents in person as well. Another nursing home was able to provide tablets during the COVID-19 lockdown for residents to call their families from their rooms, lessening the feeling of isolation during those lonely months.
The success of these programs has attracted the involvement of additional local businesses and organizations, as well. From the donation of computer equipment to bringing teens from a local youth center in to teach seniors new computer skills, these collaborations have improved the lives of countless seniors in Noble County.
“There are so many things nursing homes can’t afford to do and we want to help people feel like they’re living a normal life,” Angie said.
When you donate to The Salvation Army, you provide more than food and shelter. You also help those who are struggling regain a sense of normalcy in the midst of upheaval. Thank you for making these important programs possible.