Can You Help?

Many people with special needs do a lot to help others. Joni Eareckson Tada is just one of many.

But sometimes people who must live in assisted living or nursing homes feel worthless and become depressed because they don't think they can do anything to make a difference in the world.

They're wrong.

Expressing gratitude to a staff member can brighten that person's day, and perhaps they'll go on to do something else as a result that wouldn't have happened otherwise.

Other residents, especially grouchy or depressed ones, need some personal contact even if they seem not to want it. Just a comment now and then with no pressure to respond might help to cheer them up a little bit.

New residents often value having someone welcome them.

And people in facilities like that usually have time for prayer, which really can make a difference.