Acts of Companionship ensure elders are Not Alone! 

Choose Acts of Companionship your gift will support: 

• $50 provides a friendly home visit, gift and holiday meal for 1 elder
• $100 provides Friendship & Flowers visits to 10 homebound elders
• $250 provides a friendly home visit, gift and holiday meal for 5 elders
• $1,000 sponsors a memorable community gathering and meal for 25 elders
• $5,000 underwrites an entire Thanksgiving or Christmas Day holiday congregate meal for over 100 elders

It's not too late to erase loneliness for an elder in 2011. Support the Not Alone! campaign online, by mail or phone.

From the Executive Director

LBFE: Our elders' home for the holidays 

Greg Voss, Executive Director

After visiting with several elders at our October birthday celebration, I walked away with a strong appreciation for all the ways LBFE makes celebrations warm, comfortable and personal for those we serve. These are the same terms most of us would use to define the way a special celebration should be.

 

And now, as the temperature drops, snowflakes appear and winter coats emerge, our thoughts and memories turn to the holidays with family and friends - times of happiness and joy that holiday traditions bring!

 

This wouldn't be the case for our elders who, in most instances, have no one to celebrate with. That's where LBFE comes in, when the strong relationships established by LBFE staff members and volunteers take on a more profound meaning. Throughout the entire year, not just the holiday season, our staff team and volunteers work effectively to build "family" relationships with our elders that emerge in very special ways during the holidays. We provide social engagement opportunities, special events and the regular communication that help our elders minimize feelings of loneliness, isolation and, in some cases, depression.

 

How proud we are to serve our elders in this way! A Thanksgiving feast for hundreds of elders and volunteer families, a Christmas celebration with presents, a tree and wonderful food. So much to look forward to! The social connections established during these two holiday celebrations, and the warm memories related to these events, help offset elders' loneliness and social isolation for many days to come.

 

Although we will be celebrating with our elders on these two holidays and throughout the season, it is the regular contact we provide our seniors year-round that makes the biggest impact; thousands of "Acts of Companionship" that generate feelings of family, every day of the year.

Greg Voss
Executive Director

Christmas dinner volunteer opportunities 

We still have openings for Christmas dinner volunteers. This year, our traditional Christmas dinner will be held on Saturday, December 25, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 N. Dale Street, St. Paul.

Our area of most critical need is Drivers/Dinner Companions. Please check our website for the most up-to-date volunteer needs. To sign up, contact LuAnne Speeter at lspeeter@littlebrothersmn.org.

Thank you, Thanksgiving dinner volunteers! 

More than 100 volunteers pitched in to give our elders a Thanksgiving they'll never forget. There were approximately the same number of first-time volunteers as veterans, many taking the initiative to find volunteer opportunities through web searches and such sites as VolunteerMatch.com and HandsOn Twin Cities. Many brought their children along to share in the experience. 

Social connections reduce the risk of elder self-neglect 

Self-neglect among older persons is more common than many of us may think. In fact, in some states, it accounts for more than half of the cases reported to adult protection services. Elder self-neglect is the inability to care for oneself and can include failing to eat or drink fluids in an adequate amount, to dress properly for the season, to take necessary medications and to follow basic hygiene practices. 

Sadly, studies show that self-neglect makes people vulnerable to health problems and increases the risk of premature death. According to a study by Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, elders who don't care for themselves are six times more likely to die within a year. 

A significant reason for self-neglect is the breakdown of a social network that often accompanies aging.* For example, when an elder's spouse dies, children move out of town, or they feel their public status is diminished due to retirement, the elder may lose an important frame of reference and social identity. For some, this can lead to lower self-esteem and reduced coping skills.

"When folks experience a loss of a loved one or an age-related transition, they may be inclined to isolate themselves," said Dianne Feltham, LGSW, Director of Programs for LBFE. "However, what is really needed is for them to be brought into a caring community." 

LBFE plays a key role in helping elders without social networks stay connected, helping to prevent the isolation that can lead to self-neglect. Our staff and volunteers can also identify if elders are not making good decisions about their own care; in these instances, LBFE can provide greater assistance through one-on-one support and advocacy or will advocate for protective services.

"As the aging population increases, it's more critical than ever that we understand the risks of elder self-neglect and its implications," said Dianne. "Consider taking the time to invite older family members, friends and neighbors to engage with you and your family in everyday life. The rewards for your efforts will be immeasurable!"

*Source: Self-Neglecting Elders: A Clinical Dilemma by Eloise Rathbone-McCuan and Dorothy Fabian, Auburn House Publishing Co., 1992
 

Board perspectives: Melissa Fors

Melissa has been Lorraine's Visiting Volunteer for nearly two years. They enjoy outings together, such as LBFE's holiday dinners.

Melissa Fors has had a long-standing appreciation of elders, and found LBFE to be an organization that matched her personal and professional values. "I'm a senior director for marketing at Optum, which is part of UnitedHealth Group," said Melissa. "UHG's mission is to help people live healthier lives and LBFE works toward that objective, as well."

A Visiting Volunteer with LBFE for nearly two years, Melissa had been drawn to LBFE's mission to combat isolation and loneliness among older adults. "The LBFE staff carefully matched me with Lorraine, who not only lives near me, but shares a common interest: a love of Shih Tzu dogs," she said. Lorraine had a Shih Tzu named Oreo that she loved and now misses very much, but she has learned to love Melissa's Shih Tzu, Yuuki. "Lorraine and I have become great friends. We go together to events at her church, rummage sales and LBFE holiday meals."

Melissa revealed a "magical moment" with Lorraine when they discovered they both used the same dog groomer. "Lorraine now comes with me and spends time with the owner, reminiscing about Oreo."

In October, Melissa accepted an invitation to join our Board of Directors. "Professionally, I am passionate about growing businesses and I would love to grow LBFE so we can help more elders with more services," she said. "As our society ages, we will need to be prepared to serve a growing population. In joining the Board, I look forward to helping move forward the mission of LBFE to reduce social and emotional isolation among older adults."