So…this post.
Hummm.
Watch the video first and then I will explain.
It’s national family week BTW.
Keep reading and you’ll find out about the free flowers!
A couple of weeks ago I was talking to my brother. Well wait, let me back up a bit.
My brother. My brother has a passion for helping the elderly. He has always been a kind quiet soul. Don’t get me wrong he has done his deal of torture when he was young (embarrassing me in front of boyfriends, tickle torture and bungee spit {{ha}}. I know you know exactly what I am talking about…you’ve experienced this too.) But back to this story. I think he decided to own some assisted living facilities so that he would get to talk and laugh with the elderly every day. You know how some people are gifted with certain age groups {{example: kindergarten teacher!?! Yup they are an amazing breed}}} well this is my brothers ‘niche.’ Thank goodness we all have our strengths. 
So when I was talking with my brother, he was telling me there was one resident {{who is very sweet}} who had not had a visitor since 2005. 2005. Two-thousand five. Talk about pulling at the heart strings.
I asked him if I could do a ‘HowDoesShe?’ on his residents. He said sure if we’d challenge our readers to go out and visit an elderly loved one in an assisted living facility, rest home or just over to their house!
We decided to film a movie and take pictures of these treasured people and some of the gifts they love to receive. I do have to tell you that while we were at the facility filming, Marge, our main actress in the movie was cracking me up. That lady has some spunk. She was not the one that did not get visits. She had like 4 visitors in-between takes! She was a good sport and LOVED the flowers!
We did take a poll before we got there on what things the residents like to receive as gifts from family and friends.
Here are some of their ideas:
#5 gift: Nuts. More of the men voted on this treat…but yes, I have a picture of a woman. Her husband was taking a nap. She promised she’d share. She said it with a wink!
#4 gift: Chocolate. Yup. The women votes.
#3 gift: Flowers. The women again, although a few men chimed in that they liked them also.
#2 gift: Love Letters.
#1.5 gift: Pictures. I know there is no such thing as 1.5 in this voting system, but I am adding it because the number one thing is a given…
#1 gift: Seeing YOU! That is what they want. YOU!
SO. Bumbumpbum…We are going to challenge our readers (along with ourselves) to make a difference and make a visit!
We are going to challenge you to get out today, this week, this month and see someone you love.
Did you know it is
National Family Week?
If you don’t know any elderly folk…call an assisted living center in your area and find a loving soul to ‘adopt’. They need you. They crave you.
Seriously imagine the impact we could have on so many people if we decided to make a difference and make a visit. We have 25,000 readers. If just half of you took the challenge there would be:
- 12,500 thousand extra smiles
- 12,500 extra hugs
- 12,500 happy people
We at HowDoesShe want to challenge you to make a difference in an elderly person’s life by the end of the March.
- We want to hear how it goes
- We want to see your pictures
(please send them to us howdoesshe at howdoesshe dot com)
We know together we can make a difference.
To make it easy my brother has donated 5 ($25) gift cards to buy flowers. He knows the power of visits. He knows what one person can do.
If you’d like one of these gift cards leave us 2 comments.
- The first one is to tell us when you are going to visit a loved one. (ie. I am going to visit my Great Gma this Saturday and I’ll send you some pictures!)
- The second is to go over to my brother’s assisted living FB page and ‘like’ it. That way he will know that we appreciate his donation! Then leave a comment and tell us you did! (ie. I ‘liked’ his FB page.)
We will email you next Wednesday if you are the winner (and we will email it over to you), but don’t wait until then to make a date to visit. Do it now before the day takes over.
Oh I can see the smiles. Make it a family night. Create a smile!
HowDoesShe? Make a Difference.
Tiffany E says
My husband works at a nursing home/rehab facility & I love watching the residents’ faces light up when I bring my kids over to visit. They get so excited to see the kids. It is such a small thing, but I know it really helped make their day! I also got the opportunity to read to some of the residents. It was such an amazing experience!
Dena says
Hello.. I never comment BUT love your blog. My kids and I have started visiting a local retirement home once a month.. We started on Christmas day. I wanted to, as a family, focus on others. In January we made snow flakes and took them to all the residents. This Friday we are taking our home made valentines. I have no idea what we will be taking in March but I know we are going.. I would love to take flowers… if I win.. If not I know that whoever does will most certainly bless someone. Blessing to your brother who loves on the “grandmas and the grandpas” as my children call them.
Julie says
Thanks for this much needed reminder. The video really touched me.
Shelley says
{Sniffle Sniffle}. This made my cry. AGAIN. I love the movie sooo much. My family is going to visit the nursing home this next Monday. We don’t have family there, but hopefully we can make someones day. 🙂 Thanks Alison.
Brittany says
I was a CNA at a nursing home for two years! Two years!!! You can imagine how I grew with those people! I would love to go back and give a couple of them flowers! I grew close to a lot of them who’s family never…and I mean NEVER came by!! I have a few in mind that I would love to go and see!
Shelley says
Oh by the way… I like your brothers FB page. 🙂 HE ROCKS.
asnipofgoodness says
Thank you for this post, It moved me, and made me think about what I could be doing, and what I am not doing. I am reminded, that sometimes it is hard to do what we don’t think we are good at, but it is ALWAYS a blessing, when we do something to bless someone else! Great video, great post!
alysha says
That is such a beatiful video. It really touched me. I used to work at a nursing home for 4 years, and I echo everything you said. Just having a visitor with a kind smile really makes their day. I also know it also can be intimidating and a little scary, especially if you don’t know the person. But I promise it will really lift their spirit, not to mention lift your own.
Thanks for the wonderful reminder. I think my little family will be taking a trip to the nursing home this weekend.
alysha says
Oh, i like your brother’s FB page. I have always had a soft spot for the elderly, so I really think it’s awesome what he does.
Tawna says
My husband and I moved to a tiiiny little town (away from all our family)- and it is FULL of sweet elderly people. We live a block away from the assisted living center (and we’ve never been. :/) This is SUCH a neat idea. I would LOVE LOVE to be able to take some flowers to any of the wonderful people around here and just let them know how much I appreciate them, their smiles, and their goodness.
How NEAT!
Lana says
I just came back from visiting my grandmother this past weekend who celebrated her 99th birthday! Luckily she has family all around her all the time. I do however want to go visit my husband’s grandmother who is in a home with Alzheimer’s. I will go make the visit next week.
Maggie says
Thank you so much for the reminder. My family is a great distance away, but we have a dear friend at church whose brother is alone and doesn’t have the company he should have. I’ve been threatening to plan some days with him and play cards with him or whatever he’d like. I am DOING it this week!! Thank you. I also love your brother’s FB page! Keep up the good work.
Jen says
We have an older couple at our church that could really use encouragement. We’ll go visit them for a smile and see how we can meet their needs! Thanks for the reminder!!
Jen says
I liked your brother’s site. How great that he turned his passion into his profession!
Dena says
Hello… My kids and I visit a retirement home 1x a month. This Friday will be our 3rd time there. We as a family wanted to take the year and find ways to get our kids involved in the lives of others. Our first visit was on Christmas day to those who did not have family.. in January we made snowflakes and delivered them to the residents and Friday we are set to take them Valentines. Love your brothers heart for those who have soo much to give but no way to get out to give.. Maybe next month will will be taking a bouquet of fresh flowers… Thanks for using your blog as a means to encourage others to LOVE.
Dena says
My kids and I began visiting a local retirement home on Christmas Day.. we have been back once in Jan to deliver snowflakes and this Friday we are taking our home made valentines.. Our goal is to go once a month this entire year. Wanting to get my kids used to loving on those who may be hurting and this is an easy way!
WOULD love to take them fresh flowers next month. Love your brothers heart for those who have so much to offer us..
Sorry if there are multiple comments from me.. I can not get this right.. this is my first time trying to leave a comment and it is not working well…
Kari @ Ucreate says
I’m speachless. I used to volunteer at an elderly home before I was married and this movie really hits home. I remember how their faces would just light up every time they had a visitor…thanks for this inspiring reminder!! I’m sharing this on Facebook/Twitter with my readers and hoping to get the word out!!
Jennifer says
We are going to visit our Oma (grandmother) this weekend. Seeing her great grandchildren puts a spark in her eye and a spring in her step!
Patty says
What a wonderful thing you and your brother are doing. We’ll be visiting my uncle this weekend. He recently found a home in a Veterans’ Home after his granddaughter threw him out leaving him homeless and penniless. This is after she took him in when my aunt died so she could take everything he had.
Emily Dixon says
My grandma is 90 this year! We are going to visit her the last weekend in March!
Emily Dixon says
My mother-in-law is a over hospice alliance in Pocatello ID and is a nurse for an assisted living in downey, ID. Anything people like her and your brother are appreciated! I liked your brothers fb page!
Melanie C. says
We are going to visit my kids’ grandma and great grandparents on Sunday and we’d love to show you some pictures.
Melanie C. says
Oh, and I “liked” your brother’s page. Thank you for the reminder. Loved the video!
[email protected] says
I visit my two unmarried childless uncles and an aunt who live in a nearby assisted living facility at least weekly, sometimes more. And yes, they can never get enough visits. BTW, my uncle does love his chocolate 🙂
Jill Jackson says
Wow, such a touchy post. I actually called my grandma this morning to see how she was. We don’t live near our family so this is a great challenge to go and say hello to other people. Thanks for thinking of it!
Dana J says
Ok, where was the MASCARA ALERT on that video? The center so reminded me of the place where my grandfather was in the last year before moving to Florida.
Anywho, thank you for making people aware!
(I’m not entering, just letting you know ya’ll and your bro ROCK!)
Tricia H says
We don’t have any elderly folks in our life anymore. Papa died last March and the time we spent with him was such a blessing. We went to see him at least once a week with all 5 kids & dinner in tow. He liked seeing the great grands the best. Dh & I have younger parents in their early 50’s so they aren’t really elderly…yet. Anyhow, this post is very inspiring and makes me think we should adopt a grandparent or two at the retirement home or VA in Pocatello. Great job ladies!
Tricia H says
I liked your bro’s page on FB. What a huge heart he has.
gnee says
We just moved to Boise and have no ties to nursing homes yet. I’d love to visit “the one not visited” if she is here. Please email me info if this is a possibility. Otherwise we will just take your challenge and go visiting. Thanks for a great post and reminder of what’s important.
Missy says
I LOVE this. All it takes is one person. Thanks for the touching movie, alison. I will be visiting a home by my house next week and hopefully my grandma at the end of the month.
EFY says
What a precious post. As I read this, I knew exactly who my daughter and I would see ~ Audrey is a darling woman who is a widow and no children and no other family within 8 hours. She has good days and bad days. Sometimes we visit and she’s not recognized us or said much of anything coherent. Other days, she lights up with recognition and we chat away the hour. Girls, I am so proud of “How Does She” to give such a poignant reminder of what is so important! Thanks. May many in nursing homes be blessed because of this post.
EFY says
What a precious post. As I read this, I knew exactly who my daughter and I would see ~ Audrey is a darling woman who is a widow and no children and no other family within 8 hours. She has good days and bad days. Sometimes we visit and she’s not recognized us or said much of anything coherent. Other days, she lights up with recognition and we chat away the hour. We saw her today, Thursday following your post Wednesday evening.
Girls, I am so proud of “How Does She” to give such a poignant reminder of what is so important! Thanks. May many in nursing homes be blessed because of this post.
EFY says
Oops! the computer dropped the comment, I thought. Sorry to repeat.
Megan says
My husbands grandma is currently in the hospital and I know how much it means to her to have people visit. I think we will stop by and see her today. Thanks for this great reminder to always think of others.
Megan says
I also liked your brothers facebook page. Thats really nice of him.
Tara M says
Wow, thank you for the touching reminder!! It has been about 4 months since we last visited my husband’s grandmother in her care facility….that is too long to go between visits. My family and I went there for their Halloween party; my kiddos dressed up and won the children’s costume contest. The people there lit up, especially when they saw my kids all dressed up. I really love when they would come up to us and comment on our little redheaded kids and the stories they have of redheads….such a fun ice breaker! Even better was my husband’s grandma beaming with us there, especially when her great grandsons won the contest!!!! 🙂 We will visit her several times in March when we head down her way…so I’d love to bring her and some of her friends the flowers. 🙂
Tara M says
I now like your brother’s facebook page! It’s great when people get so excited and active in a good cause! 🙂 Good for him!
Tawna says
I liked the FB page!
Dee says
Thanks so much for the touching video. Unfortunately, the story is so very true. Thanks again for bringing awareness of the “forgotten ones” who can teach us so much with their link to the past. Hopefully, people will continue to visit and “adopt” a grandma or grandpa. I am visiting but want the flowers to go to someone in his facility. I am sure your brother is a blessing to so many I am sure.
Annie says
I love your site. I just wanted to let you know how important I think it is to provide service to others. I am the president of a young womans group at church. For 2011 we decided to focus on service. We started visiting a assisted living home in January and plan on visiting each month. We just completed our second visit. Our young women have really enjoyed the visits and it is one of our most attended activities. Thanks for your great ideas!
Karan says
What a great idea and I hope that many will visit the elderly. I myself just retired last fall after cooking for about 450 elderly of which about 275 were elderly home bound clients in our area. I now direct a Senior Handchime group many who are in their 80’s and 90″s. We go througout the year to local nursing home, senior complexes and Assisted Living homes through out the county. The residents eyes do light up when we come and put on programs. My husband and I also run routes when needed for our Meals on Wheels program . Some weeks elderly homebounds see no one other than their Meals on Wheels drivers.
Oh and starting in April our local senior center is having “Kraft With Karan Day” and I will be teaching different crafts on a regular basis.
Ouyr first craft day we ae doing Wire and Bead angels.
I love working with the elderly and hope that I can cintinue it for many years to come.
God Bless you for suggesting this to you readers.
Oh and I have definately become a follower.
Karan says
Just checked out your brothers page. Looks like they have lots of fun there. Just like all the ones I go too. gotta love them all.
Annie says
I liked your brother’s FB page well. I didnt sign up for a FB connect because I do not have any family members that need his services yet. 😉
Rachel says
Okay, I am crying my eyes out. Thanks for the challenge Alison! We are going.
Lori Hunsaker says
Oh this tugged at my heart strings. I don’t have anyone related that I can go visit, but I have sweet elderly ladies (widows) that I go to church with that I know would love just a drop by visit now and then. Also my sweet mother who just became a widow in November. I worry all the time about her now that my Dad is gone. I love being around elderly people and especially hearing their wonderful stories.
Kathleen says
I went and saw my grandma today just showed up and helped her out and visited. she said stop by often, i love the little break in my day when people come to visit, thank you :). i need to be better at going to see her thanks for the little reminder.
Kathleen says
I “liked” your brothers facebook page
i remember working at an assisted living center i love visiting daily with the elderly people, they could always make you smile.
Andrea says
I am so inspired by this post and the comments! Our bishop just challenged our family to do service and now i want to go to a nursing home and adopt a grandparent. We could bring them treats, pictures, and read stories. This will be a little out of my comfort zone but I will get it done before March is over!! Thanks Allison 🙂 Your video was A.mazing!
Andrea says
I am so inspired by this post and the comments! Our bishop just challenged our family to do service and now i want to go to a nursing home and adopt a grandparent. We could bring them treats, pictures, and read stories. This will be a little out of my comfort zone but I will get it done before March is over!! Thanks Allison 🙂 Your video was Amazing!
Andrea says
I LIKED your brothers facebook page!
Donna says
Wow! Thanks for that touching video. I also have a heart for the elderly. I, like your brother, seem to be drawn to them. I think they have so much insight and talents that we can glean from being around them. I have a special 94-year old lady that I met a year or so ago. She is a hand quilter and I have learnt so much in talking to her. I haven’t seen her in a few months and I plan on going this coming week to visit with her. I will visit with a few others at her retirement home also.
Donna says
I also visited your brother’s facebook page and “liked” it.
Tori says
I am taking my 4 1/2 year old girl and my 2 year old boy to visit Grandpa Ralph on Friday. I will send pictures! Thank you for the challenge. ♥Tori
Tori says
I “Like” your brothers site.
amy h says
We are going to visit both of our elderly neighbors tomorrow. They love when I bring my 3 year to visit. Thanks for the challenge!
amy h says
I liked your brother’s assisted living home on FB.
stephanie says
inspiring! i’ll be paying my gma a visit asap… i think we’ll also work on a st.patty’s day gift for one of our local homes and deliver as a family!
Lora says
What a great motivator! We will visit my husband’s great aunt who lost her husband a little over a year ago – they were married over 70 years. I have needed to do the visit for a long time, but now I will make it happen! Thank you!!!
Crystal says
I’m so sad I found this a week late but I
wanted some suggestions on the topic anyway. I LOVE working with the elderly also and I wanted to see if anyone could give me suggestions on career paths (or just opportunities in general) I can take to be more involved with them. Thanks in advance!
Carolyn Benik says
We are blessed and fortunate that none of our loved ones are in assisted living yet. My children have 3 great-grandparents and 2 grandparents nearby, and another a plane flight away, and we are thrilled to be able to see them frequently. We will see them all in 2 weeks.
Pam Harris says
I am going to visit my mother-in-law this month
Pam Harris says
I liked your brother’s facebook page