American Morning
CNN Heroes: Pairing neighbors with the elderly
By Leslie Askew, CNN
(CNN) – "Before my mother's ... experience, I never even looked at seniors on the street," said Irene Zola. "They were pretty much invisible to me."
In 2008, Zola's mother, Faye, was admitted into a nursing home after suffering a stroke.
"I knew from that very first night I would have to spend a lot of time there," she said. "I didn't want to leave my mother in a place where people were ignoring her."
Four months later, Zola's mother passed away.
"I was outraged that our culture doesn't have a place for very old people except in nursing homes," she said. "I decided that I wanted to do something about that."
A New York native and 30-year resident of Morningside Heights - a neighborhood on Manhattan's upper west side - Zola researched the senior population and how their needs were being met and found a solution in her own backyard.
"[A] friend said, 'What about having some people in our neighborhood taking care of the elders who live here?' "
Borrowing on that idea, Zola started Morningside Village in 2009, an initiative that pairs the elderly in her neighborhood with local volunteers who assist them with their day-to-day needs.
Do you know a hero? Nominations are open for 2010 CNN Heroes
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I hope that your exposure of Irene Zola and Support Our Seniors brings the issues of how we treat the disabled elderly to the forefront. My experience of nursing homes with my father left me very upset and hastened my father's death several years ago. Being aware of their needs ahead of time will help to improve the quality of life of seniors. Irene is caring and energetic, and followed through with her goal of making things better!
What a wonderful idea! Too bad neighbors helping the elderly is not a more regular occurrence; however, it's great to know there are people who will step up to the plate to do this. I work with this population as a social worker, but I also have several friends who are elderly. We have great conversations and fun times. They keep me laughing and most importantly, they provide me with great advice and perspective about what's really important in this world.
that is awsome i have elderlys living in my neighborhood and they are wonderful i try not to interupte with thier lifes to much but i am there for them both me and my husband we help them with things they can not do at their house and they know if they ever need any help we are there for them and they are the same with us we love them as they were our own family
thank god for all the good people we still have and give a helping hand when needed
I, too, saw a need 32 years ago in Atanta to help isolated seniors. I began the Adopt-A-Grandparent Program. We match adults looking for an elder in their lives with seniors in the community. Each "adopts" the other, becomes family. I would love to speak with Irene Zola and encourage her on her journey. Can you connect us? I support her with everything in me!!
could you tell me how you started this. I feel the same way. Right now I help my ex-mother in law and my mother passed after one mont afer her stroke. I feel I need and want to help. I have always given mney to veterans and children but I want to do this with my time. Help me by giving my your thoughts. I am anadvocate and want to help the elderly in my area.
What a wonderful idea. Too late for me because both of my parents are dead. I have always love children and elderly people and would not mind be part of a community of volunteers that protect both. As long as there are people like Zola, there's hope for America.
WOW!!! What a great idea that neighbors help one another, especially the elderly. I live in a high-rise outside of Baltimore City. Through the years ,and even now , I look in on some of the elderly in my building, who have become my friends. I come out of their apartments from taking them groceries, playing cards with them, watching a CD with them, sharing a meal once in awhile; and more than anything taking their love in my heart and years of wisdom with me. Often I will tie a surprise on their outside door knob, and if it is food make certain that they can eat it. Seniors can be excellent company and calm us down from our hectic routines of daily life. Many seniors are still very much "with it" and can become the best listeners (hearing aids turned up if you please) and advisors that you will ever have, also those who can like looking after me too!