Its only been since June 7th that my mother passed, but I have no friends (3 died). Went to 2 senior centers, tried to have conversations, & volunteer for stuff. At the first place, people barely responded & did not smile. Second place had very nice people but the person in charge of volunteers said she didn't need me: (later I was told she didn't like my ideas & just didn't want me to come back). I feel terrible that these places have been so heartless. What do you think? I feel like I did something wrong, but was nice to everyone I met. Not sure what to make of it...thanks.
You did fit in here, on the AgingCare forum, but you left us.
Hoping you are feeling well, and that if you are in the U.S.,
have someone to celebrate Thanksgiving with and something to be grateful for.
So sorry that losing your Mom was so recent a loss for you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Did not mean to cause you or others any confusion by posting a hello to Tiger55, who has left the forum and become Anonymous828521.
When people leave, they are still a part of the caregiver family. Often, they are reading, following along, and have considered returning but hesitate.
By reaching out after they are gone, some have returned to rejoin us, or to just say a hello and give a brief update.
Hope you had a happy Thanksgiving.
I liked the many and various answers on staying connected through volunteering.
We are all so unique. We all carry with us pain and experiences from the past that shaped who we are today...
I found volunteering to be of a tremendous benefit to the receivers as well as to us, the givers.
I have tried helping at a food bank,
assisting with office work, packing food for “Food A Thons” but it was not for me. It did not touch my heart...
I wanted to be with a real person for whom I can directly become a sunshine... ☀️🌈
My trying, brought me to an adult quadriplegic Center. Bringing flowers, listening to their feelings and thoughts, playing a domino game or a game with cards gave them, and me a good feeling of satisfaction. Giving joy to someone automatically uplifts my spirits.
I found my satisfying volunteering match which I still do for the last 15 years 🤗
As the answers on this forum indicated there are so many varied opportunities for each one of us in order to make a difference. Try different ones until your heart
feels “ at home”. 🏡
Stay as much connected, or as little connected as you are comfortable.
There is no wrong way to go about it. There is no formula. Be true to who you are and what you need.
As a Volunteer YOU are very valuable when you discover the right opportunity, which will be a win- win situation.
You have been a Caregiver for others. Now,
BE A CAREGIVER FOR YOURSELF
one step at a time.
Your guardian Angel is guiding you❣️