Dallas - October 15, 2008

Family Matters

Adopt-a-Grandma Program

Thanks to the rigorous training of Nana Ginger (rest her soul), you’ve perfected the art of being a grandkid, from ooohing over sock monkeys to helping carry the groceries.

Sadly, those skills have gotten rusty.

Put them back to use with Adopt-a-Grandma. Through its Eldercare Friends program, the Visiting Nurse Association will pair you with a senior who can’t drive but otherwise lives independently.

After a background check, quick application, and hour-long training session, the VNA will find you a suitable match within a short commute. The rest is up to you, from setting visiting times (a few hours a week tops) to shuttling her to the grocery store or a doctor’s appointment. No worries: There’s zero housekeeping, personal care, or medication management expected. Just pleasant chats and a helping hand.

Two things Nana taught you well.

Visiting Nurse Association of Texas, 1440 West Mockingbird Lane (214-689-2209 or vnatexas.org). For volunteer opportunities, contact Nancy Jellinek at jellinekn@vnatexas.org.

  Do-Gooder