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.
Click here for more information about our Nexus program.
