An Oasis of Joy: Humanité Nouvelle’s Action with Our Elders
For about three years, a beautiful human adventure has been taking place in a nursing home for women managed by nuns. What began as individual visits to L., has turned into a collective and regular commitment from the Humanité Nouvelle.
For the volunteers, this action goes far beyond a simple social duty. Their motivations are deeply rooted in respect and love for the elderly. M., one of the volunteers, explains that caring for the elderly is a "school of life" where one learns resilience and patience. For F., each resident is "like a mother," and the primary goal is to break their solitude to make them feel they are still loved and valuable to society.
Activities that warm the spirit
Every fifteen days, the volunteers transform the atmosphere of the home. Activities are varied and often chosen by the residents themselves:
Creative and culinary workshops: Making marzipan, sharing birthday cakes, and seasonal treats.
Entertainment and games: Board games, spiritual videos, and playful workshops.
Music and celebrations: Intense moments of singing, whether religious hymns or celebrations for Christmas, Easter, and Mother's Day.
Communication: Above all, it is the verbal exchange and attentive listening that bring the most joy to the residents
The impact: smiles and gratitude
The residents' reaction is immediate: joy can be seen in their eyes. They feel valued when they are complimented or asked for their opinion, thus breaking out of emotional isolation. Some even express the desire to see the volunteers more often.
The nuns who manage the facility have been touched by the quality of the relationships within the volunteer group. The sister in charge, admiring the affection they show for each other, asked: "What is the secret of your lovable group?". Today, the doors are always open, and the volunteers are welcomed with a warm: "This is also your home".
A call to solidarity
This experience shows that a simple gesture—a song, a cake, or a conversation—can change a life. We receive as much, if not more, than what we give through contact with these ladies. If you wish to experience an authentic human encounter and bring a smile back to those who have given so much during their lives, join the action of Humanité Nouvelle. Together, let us continue to make every visit a source of great joy.