For Immediate Release:
December 22, 2006

Contact:
Nanci Gonder
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

Help Long-Term Care Residents Celebrate the Holiday

The holiday season is pretty full already: getting together with family and friends, cleaning, shopping, cooking, traveling, etc. There are many people, however, who live in our communities and won’t be doing any of these things. Many residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities find it difficult to celebrate the season. They have no family who will visit, no presents to purchase, no traveling to do.

Health issues, depression, and loneliness add additional stress for residents and cause them to withdraw during this time of year. Now more than ever, these citizens need someone who will come to their “home” and listen, someone who will be a friend.

Missourians of all ages can befriend and adopt a resident in a long-term care facility. Try visiting a resident, talking to and learning about each other, reading together, playing games or sharing a favorite holiday song. Residents can celebrate the holidays by interacting with you and sharing how they have celebrated in years past. The gift you give of yourself is greater than any gift you can buy. And of course, you can give this gift in January if it’s too much to do now.

The Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program staff and volunteers listen to and advocate for residents in long-term care facilities throughout the year. They receive many smiles and thanks for their efforts from these frail Missourians and you can, too. For more information on the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, please call 1-800-309-3282, or go to http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Ombudsman