LORI’S HANDS
WHATMatches volunteer college students looking for internship hours with older adults living with chronic illness for free in-home visits and assistance such as help with housework, meal preparation, yard work, pet care, and errands such as prescription pick-up, grocery shopping and activities such as walks, hobbies and assistance with technology.
WHYTo provide older adults with free in-home care and assistance along with social support, and students with hands on practical learning experience along with intergenerational exchange.
WHERELori’s Hands.
Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, USA.
Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, USA.
Program Description
“Lori, who lived in Voorheesville, NY, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995 and died in 2003. Lori’s daughter, Sarah, founded Lori’s Hands in her mother’s memory during her sophomore year at the University of Delaware. Sarah and her classmates at the University of Delaware aimed to create a meaningful volunteer experience for college students and to improve quality of life for people living with chronic illness.”
lorishands.org
Older adults receive free in-home help from students such as assistance with housework, meal preparation, yard work, pet care, and errands such as prescription pick-up, grocery shopping and activities such as walks, hobbies or assistance with technology.
Students do provide seniors with in-home care and assistance but do not provide personal care assistance such as bathing and grooming or medical care.
Older adults have reported the following benefits from intergenerational exchange:
- Decreased social isolation and loneliness.
- Increased independence through help with daily household chores.
- A stronger connection to the community.
- Intergenerational friendships that provide new perspectives and lift spirits.
- A sense of purpose by participating in a student’s education and career preparation.
Student volunteers have reported the following benefits from intergenerational exchange:
- Insight and empathy for living with a chronic condition.
- Improved communication skills.
- Deeper connection to the local community.
- Job shadowing.
- Service hours towards academic and professional pursuits.
source: lorishands.org
Senior Activities
Intergenerational
In-Home Care
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