According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS), over 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in America are divided into 11 categories. Senior assistance falls under the category of human services. The type of help seniors require can range from assistance with household chores and meal preparation to getting transportation to medical appointments or other destinations.
Because of the sheer number of charities, it can be overwhelming to single out the legitimate ones from the fraudulent ones. Some websites have done due diligence and have a rating system. Charity Navigator evaluates every nonprofit in the U.S. It gives each a rating score to show current and potential donors how efficiently a charity uses donations, how well it has kept loyal to its mission and sustained its programs over time, and its level of accountability and transparency when it comes to funding. Several organizations are at the top of the list when it comes to caring for seniors.
This charity aims to provide a new outlook on aging by discussing wish list items for older adults and engaging seniors in conversations about what they still want out of life. A positive mental outlook has been scientifically linked to better physical health. Second Wind Dreams has partnered with numerous facilities to talk about goals that residents still want to achieve. The dreams can be anything from adopting a pet to being reunited with lost family members to traveling to a meaningful destination. The educational branch of the organization works to increase awareness. The Virtual Dementia Tour combines VR technology with trained experts to show people first-hand what it’s like to go through life with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
This group has been on the cutting edge of incorporating computers into seniors’ everyday livelihoods, and its mission is to keep bridging the divide between technology and the elderly. One of the ways they fight the falsehood of computer illiteracy is through their learning centers. Through the use of expert volunteers, they maintain a relevant curriculum that ensures students stay current in a rapidly changing world of technology. Seniors who are skilled in computer usage can explore online opportunities, such as adult education. In addition, it keeps seniors engaged, active, and social. All of these are cognitive exercises that will maintain active brain function.