In January we elaborated and planned the activities for the assistance program of elderly for 2010, we selected the individuals who were assisted, the appropriate planning has been conducted and we have developed the tools needed: social surveys, personal files, questionnaires, scorecards, collaboration agreements, voluntary agreements, record sheets, which helped the formation of a new working folder.

We recruited new volunteers, we’ve presented them the social assistance program for the elderly and we have signed the voluntary agreement and cooperation.

We started the year working with a group of eight people: Berger Eva, Bercean Margareta, Cristea Irina, Ilies Melinda, Lacatus Ana, Lazar Magdalena, Palfi Elisabeta, Turoczki Rozalia. Six of them were assisted integral and two of them partial. These women, aged between 60 -87 years old are sick, alone, some of them are fixed in the house for years and with a not enough income for the daily living!

The program is trying to regain the ability of social integration of the assisted person ,to  prevent loneliness, depression, suicide and promote Christian moral values.

For these program it works one social worker, Rodica Rusu , the program coordinator, helped by eight devoted volunteers. From January 2010 till September 15 I worked alone . Since September 2010 I worked with the young Diana Ivasciuc, who was volunteer in the elderly program. Diana graduated  Psychology and Master Degree in same domain.
My activity at F.C. HERALD, will definitely stop on  December 2010 and the work will be undertaken by young Diana Ivasciuc.
The activities and services listed below, are guided by the specific needs and possibilities of the elderly, the foundation managed to cover the  heavy problem of the elderly assisted, which culminated in improving their quality of life.

Activities and services that people assisted benefits:

Home visits - 1-2/week, 2-3 per week for the assets in the house

Social counseling - to identify the problems the elderly have to face to, to accept and to try to find solutions to overcome a state of crisis.

Emotional support group - the spiritual group were made taking into account the issues discussed, the problems faced by the beneficiaries (the fear of death, disease, pain, worry, discontent, gossip, forgiveness, anger, etc.), helping them to relate correct to them. During the group meetings they had the opportunity to know each other better, to enjoy the time they had together and to forget about loneliness.

Emotional -individual support - especially for those assets in the house (Palfi Elizabeth Melinda Ilies, Lazar Magdalena) and beyond.

Promotion of moral and Christian values –to the expressed wish of the beneficiaries (we are reading them and we pray together) and it aimed to get to know better and to get closer to God, they need these so much, especially in moments of loneliness and pain.

Company - was made for the assets at home and during convalescence, while allocating a time (well used) for each person concerned.

Visits sponsors – it took place in September and it produced joy in the souls of both beneficiaries and to our guests.

Outdoor recreation - walking in the park and its surroundings, trips to the Botanic Garden, output in the cafeteria.
Social activities and entertainment - birthdays celebration (of persons assisted), the 8th March, Easter, Christmas, participating in celebrations organized by the foundation with these opportunities and participation in meetings with the elderly (when they health allowed).

Agents - to resolve health, financial and material problems, relating problems for Lazar Magdalena, Lacatus Ana,  Palfi Elisabeta, Ilies Melinda, Turoczki Rozalia si Cristea Irina, Bercean Margareta
Escort to medical and other institutions - for all assisted.

Hospitalization  - Ilies Melinda, Bercean Margaret, Cristea Irina.

Visits to hospital - whenever it was needed

Discharge from hospital and attended home - whenever it was needed.

Monthly shopping at Carrefour - which consisted food packages worth 50 lei to 100 lei,
Home food distribution-  we brought food at the beneficiaries home.

Weekly shopping - we generally do it with volunteers, through which we secured the bread, milk and other emergencies.

Cooking – for persons who require.
Housekeeping  with assets persons or with other help problems- pentru Palfi Elisabeta, Turoczki Rozalia, Lazar Magdalena si Ilies Melinda.

Pay bills - was performed monthly, whenever it was needed.

Material aid – they received food, clothing, footwear, medicines, diapers, hygiene products (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc.), household appliances, cleaning products, health products, pushchairs, walking frames, etc

Financial aid - was given between 50 lei and 120 lei / month / person for food supplies and medicines. Also, occasionally we have given financial aid (depending on the opportunities and needs) for different emergencies.
Monitoring the voluntary work - was done to streamline social assistance of volunteers.
Meeting with volunteers - was made during and at the end of the year, for assessment work done by volunteers, equipping and encouraging them.
Assessment of social- work services for the elderly and their situation.

It also spent:
-Transportation to shopping at Carrefour
-To transport the food packages to home
-To transport the beneficiaries to the doctors, clinics, foundations, at the church, to the General Directorate for Social Assistance, other institutions, to the Botanical Garden
-Supplies
-Drugs
-Output outdoor cafeteria, meetings

Other services:
- Performing and recording acts of donation, the receptions, the payment provisions
- Making budget and monthly statement
- Making and giving the monthly reports for City Council
- Photos (representing the project activity or service)
- Editing the monthly news and putting them on the site
- Monthly reports and general editing

In our work we have been helped by the Town Hall, with wich we are working since 2004, internal and external sponsors and volunteers. We gratefully thank to all for your help.
  God bless you!

Program Coordinator: Rodica Rusu