1 Simple Way to Show Kindness to Seniors

Seniors in assisted living facilities are often overlooked in our community, especially if they don’t have family in the area. When Valentine’s Day comes, it can be a hard day, especially if their loved ones have passed.

There’s a simple way to show kindness, brighten their day, and let them know they haven’t been forgotten. It’s as easy as making some extra valentines and dropping them off. Delivering them in person would be even better.

The valentines don’t have to be intricate. Depending on the age of your child, you can draw hearts and have them cut them out or have your child fold the paper in half and cut out half a heart.

After the hearts are cut out, write a simple message. You can put the traditional “Happy Valentine’s Day” or you can put something else, like “We hope your day is full of happiness” or “We hope this brightens your day.”

You could also share a favorite quote or poem. Just be positive and make sure to write clearly and large, so it’s easy to read. For more ideas, read this article about writing cards for seniors.

If you’d rather not make valentines, then write a small note or have your child draw a picture. Any token would be appreciated and bring a smile.

Depending on how many valentines or notes you and your family are able to make, you can call the assisted living facility in your area and let them know what you’d like to do and see if they’ll tell you the first names of residents that don’t get visitors often.

If you’d like to deliver valentines for more people than your family can create, you can recruit another family or two to help so that you can deliver valentines for everyone at the facility.

You can even include your address and let the senior know you’d love to hear back from them. Who knows, it might turn into a pen-pal relationship. Seniors contain a wealth of knowledge and history.

I remember in fourth or fifth grade when my class was paired up with seniors in the community. I was paired with an older woman who liked to craft.

My class met with them at the community center that was next door to the elementary school. Our assignment was to interview them and create a timeline of the major events that happened during their life.

I remember hearing stories about the Great Depression and how her family got by. I remember being shocked and amazed about what she had lived through.

I also remember being extremely grateful afterward for what I had at home and had previously taken for granted. It also gave me a desire to learn about my own grandparents and ask them questions about their childhood.