July 17, 2009

Letters to the Editor

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No letters were printed this week; here is the letter from last week:

Volunteer to help seniors

I noticed how many articles in the July 3 issue of The Criterion were related to the aging population. Pages 13 through 16 had articles relating to seniors, their needs and changes in their activities of daily living.

There is so much that can be done for our seniors that gets overlooked. As seniors age, their bodies change. Many times they are not able to do everything they would like to do, and there is a sense of fear, frustration and even a loss of some dignity.

Sometimes the littlest thing, like applying a little lipstick or polishing their nails, can make a big difference in their day and how they feel.

I work with the elderly and the terminally ill on a weekly basis. These two groups of people are some of the greatest people I have met in my life. I give these citizens a sense of TLC with therapeutic massage geared toward their type of condition. If they need me to listen or hold their hand, I do that, too. I give them the respect of their home, and the dignity and modesty that they deserve.

There are other agencies that provide such help as transportation, grooming, light housework and companionship.

I am a fan of recruiting volunteers to help our community. If you can do something special, whether it’s preparing a meal or taking someone shopping, find a senior home or hospice that could use your help.

If you need these services, they are there for the asking, both through volunteers and companies that can help to provide you with the services you require. What a great gift it would be for a family or friend to provide their senior loved one with a gift of therapeutic massage or companionship!

- Susan Lallak, Indianapolis

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