Introduction

"If we are ignorant of history we are doomed to repeat it!"
~ Jay Jonas

Welcome to “Adopt a Grandparent.” Many people around the world are now participating in “Adopt a Grandparent.” Give back to the community without dying of boredom with this fun task.  Wondering why how or when to do this…read on.

The Loschmann Family

Never heard of adopting a grandparent? Neither did the Loschmann family until they did it. They lived in London England next to an elder couple that went to their church. They didn’t contact each other until the mother, Brenda, realized the children needed new hand knit sweaters for school. The elder woman offered to help knit the sweaters because she heard the mother had no time between work, cooking, shopping, and cleaning. After that the family and the couple became closer and closer until the dad, Mike, had the crazy idea of adopting the couple. Soon enough the family had to move to America because of Mike’s job. A few months later, “The Adopt a Grandparent Program" showed up and "Adopt a Grandparent" started appearing on TV shows and in books.

Why Adopt a Grandparent

Not only is "Adopting a Grandparent" a fun way to get trough a dull day but it can really make someone’s day or even life. I’m not kidding, really, when you adopt a grandparent, the grandparent becomes more social and that can help them live longer. Even if it doesn’t help, I’m sure it will put a smile on both of your faces. Not only can you adopt a grandparent, but also you can adopt a foster grandparent. What’s the difference you may ask? Well a foster grandparent is someone who’s family dies, or lives far away, or someone who never has had any family at all. When you adopt someone like that I’m sure it would make him/her much happier.

How To Adopt a Grandparent

If you can’t find an "Adopt a Grandparent Program " near you, you can call your local nursing home and talk to them. You can also look online for a school or church "Adopt a Grandparent Program." Or you can start your on program by talking to your city’s mayor or starting a rally. Bring local foster grandparents who support the cause and/or friends and family. You will have to fill out a few forms and it will take them about two weeks to check them. If you have not heard back from them by then just call them.

They helped us  
 
In many ways these elders have helped us. These elders at one time may have made a decision that can change many people’s lives. Most likely they have helped this world, if not directly, in little steps. Most elders have helped tutor someone, or helped someone grow.
Learn
When you adopt a grandparent you can learn about the grandparents life and history. Chances are they’ve lived through some amazing things, like “The Great Depression”. You’ve learned in school what they want you to know, but now you can know what it felt like to be such a big part of history. Maybe they can even learn from you. Help them by reading them the newspaper, or a book maybe even by telling them what has been in the recent news.      

Now

    Please start adopting a grandparent soon. More and more elders are dying each and every day. If you procrastinate chances are you will never get around to doing it. I need your help, they need your help.

Problems

Most people are not yet emotionally or physically ready to take care of an elder on their own. This leads to them leaving them in a nursing home. These nursing homes get to crowded and the family will stop visiting. Even if someone does adopt, there are still many people who haven’t yet been adopted. And unless a lot more people around the country start adopting soon, many elders will remain lonely.

Other Ways To Help

If you don’t want to adopt a grandparent there are other ways to help.  You can just get to know an elder better and visit them more often. You can help people with cleaning, cooking, transportation, bills, feeding, grooming, and much more.  Many elders are not capable of doing these things. There are not enough caregivers to provide all of the things these people need. Just brighten their days by making decorations for their rooms or playing games with them. You can have fun, and get the job done.

Conclusion

You can make a difference. Soon the world might change for the better, and you could be a part of it. Just try. There is nothing holding you back. You can make someone much happier. Don’t give up. After I was done volunteering I felt wonderful. I’m sure you will feel the same way.

"When it comes to giving, almost, doesn’t count."
-Charter Cable TV Services

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