I've wanted to do this for a while.. Just need some ideas..

[Ashleigh<3]

For a while now, I've been thinking about starting up a charity.

Something I would like to work on one day in my spare time.

It involves helping the elderly, disabled.

I am a big softie when it comes to the elder generation. I've learnt a lot from my Grandparents and I have the utmost respect for the generation that gave mine and so forth, life. I dont think there is enough anyone can do to repay them, but, I'm sure some people have noticed, that there are a lot of elderly people who don't seem to be too well off. You see some who look like they need some help, some who look lonely and might just like someone to talk to, I notice some of them even have a body odor that I would never comment on, but it makes you wonder if they can afford products- I hope no one takes that as an offence.

I notice how often I'll be out at the store, and I'll see many items on sale, that are really cheap. I usually double up on stock, but sometimes I think about buying a couple more then that of these products when I see them.

I want to start making small little product packs for the elderly. Packs that include deoderant, shampoo, conditioner, soaps, body washes, lofas, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.
Dropping them by every couple of months.

I also wanted to do things like pedicures/manicures for the elderly, I used to do this for my Grandma as a kid and I loved helping her, she is a diabetic and has always had problems with her feat and the stimulation always helped her feet.
Considering I have taking a course on nail technology I know what is involved, I have no fear of feet-I aware of the health benefits that pedicures achieve and I think that quite a few older people may be interested.

Also, possibly free hair cuts, helping them around the house, taking them for a walk with their dog if they have one, bathing their dog. Basically providing them with a daily human-companion.

I was thinking of recruiting older students, but really- anyone who would be interested in helping. It would be smart and safer to have the students work as a couple with an older person.

I usually only shop fortnightly, but I am going to start collecting a spare few extra products that I see on sale, when I can and I hope that one day, once I have plentiful of ideas to bring this charity forth successfully.

Basically now I would just like some feedback, I'm pretty misinformed on the subject of how to run charitys but I'd love to learn more about it.
I'm not interested in making money off of this, I'd like it to be a side project- I will bring my own cash into the charity to help it develop, but I wont be able to devote my whole working week to the charity.

If anyone has the drive- feel free to start collecting, perhaps help out your near neighbourhood nursing home/neighbour hood etc. With pamphlets, explaining the help intended and what sort of work you can help with. Or if anyone has the extra cash to just buy an extra bottle of shampoo or soap whenever they have the time, that would be really cool.

I'm in no way forcing anyone to comply with this deed. :p That would sound funny, "YOU DO THIS NOW OR ELSE GARGHH!". I'm not asking anyone to send me these products, to be honest I'd think it would be much easier if we all did this sort of project on our own good will, postaging can cost a lot of money which would basically defeat the purpose of giving items away with the extra expense.

Anyway, let me know if you'd ever be interested in doing something similar.
We can work with each other on ideas and what to put in these packs, how we can promote the help we can offer.

Thanks in advance.:)

[bAaM]

This a very lovely idea and From experience Know how much it would mean to the ppl you are helping.
I work part time for a daycare for disabled ppl and my mum works in a nursing home and its so great to see that some one out there wants to make a difference in some one with a disability ect life.
Some times these ppl do get neglected by the general public. (but not intentionally)
Good luck.
Where abouts are you if in brissy i can organize some ph numbers that really could use your help.

[Wondermum]

It's a lovely idea Ash :)

Have you ever thought of looking into a career as an AIN in a nursing home? Most also employ Community Carers or (CSE) as they're are known. The Government currently assists with 'Community Care Packages' for the elderly which help organizations run home care for residents in their own homes.

[Ashleigh<3]

I have thought about it but have not decided on anything just yet.

I'm only twenty years old and I still don't feel like I have a very career orientated outlook, I really don't know what I want to do just yet.

I think I will have to start small with this, see how it goes. :) If it is a success, I may then think about it career wise. Hope that makes sense. :)

[MissBrightside]

I used to work in a nursing home and I know that some of the residents without family do get neglected a bit. The nursing home provides the basics in the way of toiletries etc, and staff do help when they get a chance. But it would be lovely for them to have someone pamper them. Even isolated elderly people in the community would appreciate the kindness you are offering. The littlest things can mean so much to people.
:thumbsup: to being such a generous person.

[Vespera]

I think what you are thinking of doing is a lovely idea for the elderly either in homes or the community at large.

I actually run my own charitable organisation so if you need any specific advice I would be happy to help you.

But I don't think you need to go through the expense and time of setting one up for what you are planning - a working name would be enough to get your message and gifts out there and allow others to be involved.

Good on you for wanting to do something so worthwhile :hugs:

[Lollie86]

I think that sounds like a great idea! :idea:

I love the elderly too. Everytime I see an elderly man he reminds me of my grandpa, even if he looks nothing like him! hehe

Sorry i have no advice on where to start or what to do, but just wanted to give you some encouragement bc it would take a lot of hard work to get a charity up and running.

Well done and Good Luck! :thumbsup:

[LilShenanigans]

I never thought about toiletries and the basics?

I was thinking lately that elderly at home would need help cleaning, I was thinking about starting my own thing of volunteering time to help people out at home. Especially with things like putting clothes on a line, a bugger for me, can't imagine how bad it would be for older people.

Anyway, its something I'd get involved with, definately. I can come up with more ideas when I think about... or Ill just go ask a few of my neighbours lol

[bipster]

Hi Ash,
What a lovely idea!! :yelclap: I'm sure you can definitely get some student or other volunteers and maybe even a corporate sponsor to assist with the cost of products and publicity.

Have you thought about sending a media release (or letter to the editor) to the local newspapers? I think you'll find that lots of people will think its a lovely idea and you never know who might be interested in helping you get it off the ground.

[TwoSweetPeas]

Hi there ashleigh, i think is just lovely that your thinking of some one else!! Most young people are very selfish these days.
I was also thinking of helping the elderly when my kids were babies, oldies just love them to cuddle with!! My problem was I was too shy to aproach anyone about it. I really think all they need is your time and love and support. Alot of their family and friends have passed away and now find it very a lonely world.
If you would like to chat further or have started something please let me know.
Regards Michelle

[Ashleigh<3]

Thanks so much for replying, so many beneficial ideas!
:yelclap:

My Grandparents are going to arrive in a few weeks and I'm going to help them settle in, then I will ask them some questions about what sort of easy assisted care would they appreciate if it were them living alone and needed some help with a few things.

I can practice on my Grandma when it comes to pedicures/manicures and well, if my Granddad will let me. :D

It's all very exciting, I want to be able to do this for a lot of the elderly people, they deserve it.
How else can we repay them? It's a bit of a priceless cause really. Open to many more suggestions, thanks a bunch.

[sillysideup]

What a sweetie you are. Go for it - and don't let any doubters stand in your way. People like you make the world a nice place to live it.

[mumnan]

You should be able to contact your local Neighbourhood Centre or Nursing Home as in some areas they have a list of ppl that would love someone to phone or call in even if it just to have a cuppa and chat. I used to do this with my elderly neighbour before she passed as well as going to the nursing home and bringing an elderly man home for chrissy lunch or a bband they loved it.

GOOD LUCK YOU SEEM LIKE AN ANGEL IN HIDING:angel:

[Ashleigh<3]

What a sweetie you are. Go for it - and don't let any doubters stand in your way. People like you make the world a nice place to live it.

Thank you for your support. :)


You should be able to contact your local Neighbourhood Centre or Nursing Home as in some areas they have a list of ppl that would love someone to phone or call in even if it just to have a cuppa and chat. I used to do this with my elderly neighbour before she passed as well as going to the nursing home and bringing an elderly man home for chrissy lunch or a bband they loved it.

GOOD LUCK YOU SEEM LIKE AN ANGEL IN HIDING:angel:


Oh my, what an excellent idea.
I never realized how many people in nursing homes might not have somewhere to go for Christmas. :(

Thank you for your advice. :)

[Jess13]

I think this is a great idea! I have often thought about volunteering but don't know where to start. I live in Yass, a small town out of Canberra, and i would imagine there would be older or disabled people who would need some assistance, even just with shopping and cleaning.
I broke my leg when i was 37 weeks pregnant and it was tough coming home with a second baby, having a toddler, and being on a walking frame. I was only 26, but couldn't use crutches in case i fell on my belly. It was tough - but we got through it. I couldnt imagine being in that place all the time and forever. If I could help, I would.
Perhaps I should contact the local nursing home and see if there is anything i can do.

[2lilgals]

what a great idea ashleigh. i have worked with ppl who have a disability since i was 16 and it is so rewarding, the p

pl who could do with the most help are usually those who don't expect it and really appreciate the small things. i run a mobile massage therapy business and have really tried to make it accessible to ppl with a disability and the elderly who wouldn't usually get the opportunity, by visiting their home and offering them a discount.
i've found that i've gotten as much or maybe more out of it than they have.