Make A Wish Programs For Seniors

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@Joe McBride, Getty Images

USA Today published an article a few months ago that looked at organizations that grant wishes to seniors. I couch them as “Make A Wish Programs for Elders” for lack of a better term. They mentioned three but frankly left out my good friend P.K. Beville’s organization, Second Wind Dreams, in the process.
Let’s take a look at these programs because they can be a good adjunct to your activities program and in the process garner great publicity for your organization.
  1. Second Wind Dreams

    Founded in 1997, Second Wind Dreamså¨ was the first organization focusing on granting dreams for elders in the United States. Through the fulfillment of dreams and educational programs, Second Wind Dreamså¨ enhances the quality of life for those living in elder care communities (nursing homes, assisted living, hospice, etc) and changes the perception of aging.

  2. Forever Young Senior Wish Organization

    Forever Young works to change the image of aging and redefine it with self-confidence, respect, and a hopeful life for seniors. In October 2009, Forever Young found a huge need in the senior adult community. Many World War II veterans had not seen that National WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. It has become one of the main missions of the organization, taking multiple trips a year.

  3. Twilight Wish Foundation

    Twilight Wish Foundation was founded in Doylestown, Pennsylvania in 2003 by Cass Forkin, after her chance encounter with several elderly women in a diner. After noticing them counting their change to pay their diner bill, Forkin anonymously paid it for them. Their gratitude for her simple gesture inspired Forkin to found Twilight Wish Foundation. Twilight Wish has granted over 1,660 individual wishes to deserving seniors across the U.S.

  4. Jeremy Bloom’s Wish of a Lifetime

    Jeremy Bloom’s Wish of a Lifetime (JBWOL) enriches the lives of seniors. JBWOL was established by two-time Olympic Skier, former NFL football player and Colorado native Jeremy Bloom. Bloom launched the Foundation with a vision to initiate a cultural change by granting the wish of a lifetime to deserving seniors throughout the United States. The Colorado-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization was launched in Spring 2008 as The Donna Wheeler Foundation. Later, the Foundation was officially named Jeremy Bloom’s Wish of a Lifetime.

If nothing else these grant wishing organizations can use financial support. But more than that, senior living facilities should embrace these organizations. When I talk to my friend P.K. she laments that more organizations do not take advantage of these programs. I am not sure if long term care organizations are not interested, are unaware, think there is some type of liability….whatever. I would encourage you to check these organizations out and support them on behalf of all of our seniors. and then tell your local assisted living and nursing homes to incorporate these programs into their community life.

Reprinted from my about.com upcoming blog.