014 Help People Who Need It

If you have free time and are looking for an idea that makes sense socially, you could help some people in need—who may be lonely, older, or in a weakened condition—to accomplish tasks that may be difficult for them to do.

• Here's the program
• The Concept
• What tasks?
• What income?
• How to contact them?
• Last Point

The Concept

It happens that some people find themselves both totally isolated and unable (or with great difficulty) to perform certain daily tasks. This is the case, for example, for the elderly, the mentally or physically handicapped, those immobilized after an accident, victims of trauma, burn-out, or depression, single mothers who have just given birth, etc. And even if it is true that some help exists in various forms in many countries, there is still too little.

Many of these people find themselves alone and without any friends or family members to help them. This solitude is a burden to which the difficulty of not being sufficiently autonomous is added. This was the case, for example, for one of my neighbors who, despite his relative youth, suffered from a mental deficiency that was very disabling but not considered severe enough to be eligible for social assistance. So, my brother and I took care of him for several years, in exchange for which he gave us some money that helped us a lot during our studies.

What tasks?

The tasks to be carried out differ according to each case, so they can be very varied:

• Going to the supermarket to do the weekly shopping.
• Cleaning the apartment.
• Washing clothes and ironing.
• Cooking.
• Accompanying the person to the doctor.
• Helping to fill out the administrative forms.
• Repairing the toaster.
• Hanging pictures on the wall.
• Reading to the person.
• Watching a movie together on TV or in the theater.
• And so on.

All these things that we do every day without realizing it are sometimes real challenges for these people. That’s why even a few hours per month can really help them.

What income?

So, of course, this is not something you do for money. The incomes of these people are often quite low, so it is difficult to count at the right price each hour spent helping them. But if you are generous by nature, inclined to help those in need, and if your karma is more important than the money you earn, then go for it.

How to contact them?

There are certainly isolated people in need in your area. To find them, you can, for example, put an ad in the local newspaper, use word of mouth, print and distribute small papers in the mailboxes of your neighborhood, or even ask at the hospital near you.

Last Point

Be careful, though, because there are some pretty “heavy” cases that require real medical qualifications or other special skills. Also, caring for someone involves real responsibility, so if you decide to do it, do it seriously.

Note

This article was written from the testimony of a friend who wished to remain anonymous (and who was obviously too lazy to write it).