Life with Purpose: Volunteering Helps Everyone!

Care has changed so much in the 25 years since Silverado came into being, and one of the most defining discoveries during that time is the role that an individual's purpose plays on cognitive health. Purpose has always been a part of care at Silverado, and now science (the same science that serves at the basis for Nexus at Silverado) is showing why.

A wonderful example of purposeful activities for resident health comes from a Silverado community in Texas. Twice a week, Silverado residents volunteer their time at the Dallas Fort Worth/Irving Humane Society — a purposeful activity that research has shown helps strengthen the brain.

The group of about 10 volunteers were introduced to the nonprofit by the daughter of a Silverado resident. They participate in a variety of activities — making and delivering dog treats, sorting donated items, walking the dogs and interacting with other animals, as well as acting as front door greeters.

Giving back is an important part of feeling like a valued member of the community, especially to individuals for whom volunteering has been a major part of their life. Gretchen shares, “I’m impressed by the interaction between the Silverado residents and the other volunteers and those coming to adopt a pet. The residents are making a real difference!”

The Humane Society has even attributed the kindness of a particular resident volunteer to the adoption of one of the animals.

The resident volunteers are part of Nexus, a program for people with early stage memory loss based on six pillars designed to help slow the progression of dementia, one of which is purposeful social activity.